What's the future of radio astronomy?

The iconic dishes of Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire, built in 1945, pioneered radio astronomy.

But the BBC understands the government has cut funding for it and - unless other funding can be found - all scientific observations there, and the network of telescopes it works with, will come to an end in 2028.

It means the radio telescope in Knockin, near Oswestry, is also at risk.

Professor Tim O'Brien, Associate Director of Jodrell Bank Observatory, and Pete Williamson, a Shropshire astronomer, say the news is devastating.

Photo credit: Pete Williamson