Scientists and politicians have expressed outrage over plans to shut down
most of the
Jodrell
Bank observatory in Cheshire.
The site hosts the famous
Lovell
Telescope, and is part of a network of seven UK radio telescopes known as
the Multi-Element Radio Linked Interferometer Network (Merlin).
"The shortfall in our budget means that we have to come up with a programme
that sits within that financial envelope and we have drawn up a list of
priorities to achieve that," an STFC spokesman told the
BBC.
"That list will be put to the scientific community for three to four weeks to
consult and get their views. Nothing is concrete. The process is ongoing and we
will be open to responses."
Many believe that the move makes little sense, since most of the work on the
Merlin network is complete and the funding needed is just £2m a year. This is
the same amount that the Cabinet claims in expenses each year.
Phil Diamond, director of the
Jodrell
Bank Centre for Astrophysics, said: "It is not just us that is under threat,
but we are the most visible. We were put on the low priority list, and I find
that incredible.
The Lovell Telescope at Jodrell Bank
"
The potential impact on astronomy would be huge. We are trying to understand
how galaxies are formed, how stars are born. These are all fundamental to how
life evolved and we have to understand the whole sequence of creation.
"If we withdraw from Merlin and threaten Jodrell Bank, it means that the UK
will effectively withdraw from radio astronomy."
A project that uses computers' idle processing time to search for extraterrestrial life has received financial backing from several US hi-tech millionaires including Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. 09 Aug 2000
London, United Kingdom | The Moving Picture Company
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