Leading figure behind Jodrell Bank, Sir Francis Graham-Smith, has died aged 102
A leading astronomer and figure behind the Jodrell Bank Observatory has died.
Under the leadership of Sir Francis Graham-Smith, the Observatory continued international scientific excellence and also received funding for MERLIN, including the construction of the 32-m telescope at Cambridge.
A former Astronomer Royal, Sir Francis Graham-Smith persuaded a reluctant Mrs Thatcher that space research was worth investing in.
Jodrell Bank is located near the parishes of Goostrey and Siddington and is home to the Lovell Telescope which toook five year to build before opening in 1957.
A post on Jodrell Bank's Social Media page says: "We are sad to report that our esteemed colleague and friend, Sir Francis Graham-Smith FRS, passed away peacefully at the grand old age of 102 a few days ago.
"Graham" as he was known to friends, was a past Director of the Nuffield Radio Astronomy Laboratories (now Jodrell Bank Observatory) and Astronomer Royal from 1982 to 1990.
"He was the oldest active radio astronomer in the world and only a few months ago published a short article on FRBs in the RAS' A&G magazine.
"He was a towering figure in British astronomy, whose career spanned much of the history of radio astronomy itself.
"A Fellow of the Royal Society and a former President of the Royal Astronomical Society, he made foundational contributions to our understanding of the interstellar medium, pulsars, and the development of radio telescopes."
"His contribution to the field was immeasurable. We extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all those who had the privilege to know and work with him."
One avid fan commented: "The groundbreaking work 80 years ago in a Cheshire field, done by Lovell, Graham-Smith and not forgetting James Hey who provided the radio frequency kit from Manchester University, is a pivotal moment in the expansion of understanding our universe. And, a pillar in the history and foundations of radio astronomy.
"These people opened humanity's eyes to the universe in the wavelengths we never evolved to see."
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