Reach for the Stars

The world's first large radio telescope. Jodrell Bank and the Lovell telescope  opened in 1957, and immediately hit the headlines as it followed the Russians first satellite, Sputnik.

I never knew until today that the giant gear racks at the top of the two towers either side of the parabolic disk (clearly visible in the photo)  were recycled from the 15-inch gun turrets of a couple of Battleships - Royal Sovereign and Revenge.

And as it was extremely windy, the telescope is parked vertically for safety, with the support towers aligned along the wind direction. 

It's a great place, and the science is mind bending. Lots of interactive stuff, great for kids of whatever age.  We were only there for a couple of hours, it really deserves more time. We'll have to go back.

When we arrived the arboretum was closed, due to the high winds. But before leaving we followed a bunch of students (who had arrived to hear a lecture) into the Gardens, which are really good. The national collection of Sorbus (Rowan and Whitebeam) and Mallus (Crab Apple) is held here. Sir Bernard Lovell was keen on trees and plants, and was given seeds wherever he travelled on his astronomical visits around the world .