英国研究与创新机构宣布将于2028年3月后停止对Lovell射电望远镜的公共资金支持[1]。这台望远镜宽度为250英尺（76米），于1957年完成[1]，是位于英格兰西北部Jodrell Bank天体物理中心e-Merlin网络的重要组成部分[1]。近70年来，该望远镜在射电天文学研究中发挥了关键作用，曾于1957年追踪苏联Sputnik卫星，并在1966年接收到月球表面的首批图像[1]。
这一决定引发科学界广泛担忧。物理学家Brian Cox表示这些削减是"具有毁灭性且不可逆转的"[1]。英国物理学会主席Paul Howarth指出："为了英国物理学和我们作为进行科学研究、开展研究创新的国家的声誉，我们敦促新政府重新审视这一系列灾难性决定"[1]。
U.K. Research and Innovation announced that public funding for the Lovell radio telescope will cease after March 2028.[1] The facility, which was completed in 1957 and measures 250 feet (76 meters) in width, has been instrumental in radio astronomy research for nearly seven decades.[1] Located at Jodrell Bank Observatory in northwest England, the telescope is part of the e-Merlin network and played a pivotal role in tracking the Soviet Sputnik satellite in 1957 and receiving the first images from the Moon's surface in 1966.[1]
The decision has drawn sharp criticism from the scientific community. Physicist Brian Cox characterized the cuts as "devastating and irreversible,"[1] while Paul Howarth urged the government to reconsider, stating: "For the sake of U.K. physics and our national reputation as a place to do science, conduct research and innovate, we would urge the new government to review this ruinous set of decisions."[1]