SIR Bernard, Emeritus professor of radioastronomy and founder and first director of The University of Manchester’s Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire, has died at the age of 98.
'He retained a keen interest in the development of science at Jodrell Bank and beyond.'
Born in 1913 in Oldland Common, Gloucestershire, Sir Bernard studied at the University of Bristol before coming to Manchester to work in the Department of Physics in 1936. During the Second World War, Sir Bernard led the team that developed H2S radar, work for which he was later awarded the OBE.
Sir Bernard returned to the Manchester Physics Department in 1945 and began work on cosmic rays using ex-military radar equipment. He brought this equipment to a university botany site at Jodrell Bank in late 1945, founding the world-famous observatory.
Lovell Telescope
Jodrell Bank is still dominated by the 76-metre Lovell Telescope – the third largest steerable telescope in the world - conceived by Sir Bernard.
In a statement, Manchester University said: ‘In person, Sir Bernard was warm and generous. He is survived by four of his five children, fourteen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.
'He retained a keen interest in the development of science at Jodrell Bank and beyond. Sir Bernard’s legacy is immense, extending from his wartime work to his pioneering contributions to radio astronomy and including his dedication to education and public engagement with scientific research. A great man, he will be sorely missed.’
A Book of Condolence will be opened at the Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre on 7 August, and an online version will also be available.
