Jodrell Bank | Days Out in Cheshire

15th August 2024 Days Out

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We’ve not been to Jodrell Bank for YEARS. In fact the last time we went before this weekend, was when I was pregnant with the Bear 10 years ago. I’ve no idea why we’ve not been bath before now but there is no doubt we’ve been missing out as it was such a great day out!

Table of Contents

WHAT IS JODRELL BANK?

Home of the Lovell Telescope, Jodrell Bank is not only a live scientific research facility, but it’s also a World Heritage Site. Part of the University of Manchester, the faculty of Science and Engineering still today offers unparalleled study into physics and astrophysics.

Interesting, and engaging for all ages the discovery centre today provides a look into the past as to the important of both Jodrell Bank and the Lovell Telescope. It also allows visitors to touch and engage with science in a way that I’ve not experienced for a long time.

OUR VISIT HIGHLIGHTS

The Lovell Telescope

I mean, just look at it! Standing with a massive 76 meter diameter, it has been at Jodrell Bank since its completion in 1957. The kids were stunned by it’s size whereas I was fascinated by its history and how without the USSR, it most likely would never have been built.

The Space Dome

This planetarium-style auditorium has a curved projection screen and an impressive 9 digital projectors, which provides an utterly immersive experience above and in front of you, We only went along to the free “Introduction to Jodrell Bank” which was played throughout the day, but it was incredible. Just 15 minutes in length there was a short visual exploration of the night sky and galaxies before a longer history of Jodrell Bank and the Lovell Telescope narrated by Brian Cox.

First Light Pavilion

The First Light Pavilion wasn’t built last time we were at Jodrell Bank, though if I remember right, they had just had funding for it. It’s a brilliant mix of history, interactive digital stations, exhibitions and hands on science that kids can touch and engage with. I particularly love that part of the exhibition was clearly made from and displayed on old panels from the telescope.

Exploring the exhibition in the First Light Pavilion

The Whispering Dishes

The Whispering Dishes at Jodrell Bank are parabolic dishes. Their curved front dishes collect, focus and amplify wave signals. This includes light waves, radio waves and of course sound waves, allowing your whispers to be heard by the person standing by the receiving dish. Be careful of whispering secrets though as it will also be heard by anyone stood in between too!

Summer Science Exhibits on Tour

Purely by coincidence, The Royal Society’s Summer Science Exhibition made an appearance at Jodrell Bank this weekend and it was incredible to speak to lecturers and students from some of the UK’s leading universities. Their passion for their work and the the advances they are making is absolutely outstanding. I feel like I’m an intelligent person but the vast majority of the theoretical astrophysics went completely over my head. What was really incredible to see though was the passion which they answered the kids very simple questions.