UK to close Jodrell Bank?

The Jodrell Bank closure highlights the impact of government budget cuts on UK science funding and vital research projects.

Written byPhil Plait
| 1 min read
Google NewsGoogle News Preferred Source

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news

Sign Up

I hate to think that US stupidity about shutting down science is spreading to the UK -- or maybe it's just endemic with governments -- but the Times Online is reporting that Jordrell Bank, the venerable radio astronomy observatory, may get closed down. Why? Well, money, of course, but it's pocket change, a couple of million pounds a year. I wonder if governments like to shut down lots of small projects because it gives the appearance that they're actually doing something. But let me ask you: you have a full hard drive, and on it is a 1 Gb movie you've already watched, and 1000 1Mb movies. Which is better and more time-effective to delete? I will 100% absolutely guarantee that in the UK, there are better programs to shut down that cost a lot more money than Jordrell Bank does. DaveP's Astronomy blog has a lot more on this ridiculous situation.

Meet the Author

Stay Curious

JoinOur List

Sign up for our weekly science updates

View our Privacy Policy

SubscribeTo The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Subscribe