Blow to British astronomy: Funding cut threatens to close famous observatory

Jodrell Bank Observatory is facing closure after UK Research and Innovation said on Monday it will withdraw funding for the e-Merlin radio telescope network when the current agreement ends in March 2028, The Guardian reported.

The e-Merlin network constitutes the UK’s national radio astronomy facility at Jodrell Bank. Observations at the observatory are due to end completely unless other funding is found, and scientists said the decision was a blow to UK astronomy.

The move threatens 28 jobs at the observatory and will affect nearly 3,000 researchers who work with the facility. Jodrell Bank runs a world-leading network of radio telescopes and hosts the Grade I-listed Lovell telescope.

Astronomers use the deep space observatory to study galaxies, black holes, star formation, planets beyond the solar system and the afterglow of the big bang. Prof Catherine Heymans, Scotland’s astronomer royal, said: "Jodrell has been delivering spectacular discovery science for decades. To see this world-leading facility cut is just devastating."

Prof Simon Garrington, an associate director of the Jodrell Bank Observatory, told BBC News that staff were "devastated" by the decision. UKRI has an annual budget of nearly £10bn, but the Science and Technology Facilities Council, which it funds, needs to make severe cuts to meet cost overruns and rising projected costs.

An STFC spokesperson said the body had "undertaken a rigorous prioritisation process to focus investment on the areas that will deliver the greatest long-term scientific capability, impact and value for the UK". The spokesperson said STFC was focusing investment on areas including "the next generation of world-leading radio astronomy facilities".