新浪微博
腾讯微博
微信
QQ空间
QQ好友
手机阅读分享话题

World

Iconic Jodrell Bank Observatory nominated as World Heritage Site

2017-10-13 11:17:04

LONDON, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Britain's famous radio telescope observatory, Jodrell Bank, was named Thursday as the British government's nomination for a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The observatory in the county of Cheshire, dominated by the iconic Lovell Telescope, is run by the University of Manchester. The nomination will now go forward in January for a final decision by the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation).

The observatory has just celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Lovell Telescope, which when it was completed in 1957, was the world's largest telescope with the dish spanning a diameter of more than 76 meters, and is now more powerful than as an icon of science and engineering.

Professor Teresa Anderson, director of Jodrell Bank Discovery Center said: "We have been preparing the case for the World Heritage Site inscription for Jodrell Bank Observatory for some years, so it's absolutely fantastic to reach this milestone. The Lovell Telescope in particular has become an icon for science and engineering, and we look forward to showcasing the rich scientific heritage of this and the wider site on an international stage."

In preparation for inclusion in the World Heritage List, the site is working on a project to create a spectacular new gallery space that will celebrate the 'can do' story of the creation of the new science of radio astronomy.

Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, President and Vice Chancellor of the University of Manchester, said: "As an institution that is known for its internationally leading research, it is very fitting that our rich heritage in science has received such acclaim."

Professor Tim O'Brien, associate director of the Jodrell Bank Center for Astrophysics, said: "Jodrell Bank is the one remaining radio astronomy site, worldwide which dates from the early days, so it is very important that we protect and celebrate the physical record of our involvement in the creation of a new science."

Professor Michael Garrett, Director of the Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics said: "Jodrell Bank has played a leading role in radio astronomy for over 70 years. This rich history is still being written with the execution of state-of-the art astronomical research programs on the Lovell Telescope."

Editor:Jiang Yiwei