More than 100 artists, writers, and scientists have signed an open letter urging the UK government to reverse funding cuts to Jodrell Bank Observatory, home to the iconic Lovell Telescope and the e-MERLIN array. The letter, published on 3 August 2026, warns that the cuts threaten the future of the facility, which has been described as the world's clearest eyes on the sky.
The signatories include members of the band New Order, who have historical ties to the Manchester area, as well as prominent figures from the arts and sciences. The letter calls on the government to provide sustainable funding to ensure the observatory continues its pioneering work in radio astronomy, including research into pulsars, gravitational waves, and the early universe.
Jodrell Bank, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has faced financial uncertainty after the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) reduced its funding. The observatory's management has warned that without additional support, some operations may have to be scaled back or closed.
The UK government has not yet responded publicly to the letter. However, a spokesperson for the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology said that decisions on funding are made in line with national priorities and that the government values the scientific contributions of Jodrell Bank.
