Pronunciation: [d͡ʒˈɒdɹə͡l bˈaŋk] (IPA) 
Jodrell Bank is a radio observatory located in Cheshire, England. The spelling of "Jodrell" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription as /ˈdʒɒdrəl/. The letter "j" sounds like /dʒ/, similar to the "d" sound in "dog" combined with the "zh" sound in "pleasure." The "o" is pronounced as /ɒ/, similar to the "o" in "hot." The stress is on the first syllable, which is pronounced as /ˈdʒɒd/.
Jodrell Bank is a proper noun referring to a well-known scientific research facility and observatory located in Cheshire, England. Officially known as the Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics, it is named after the nearby village of Jodrell Bank. Established in 1945, Jodrell Bank is operated by the University of Manchester and has become a world-renowned center for astrophysics research, radio astronomy, and space science.
The main feature of Jodrell Bank is the iconic Lovell Telescope, also known as the Mark I Radio Telescope. Completed in 1957, it was the largest steerable dish telescope in the world at the time, with a diameter of 76 meters (250 feet). The Lovell Telescope played a crucial role in various astronomical discoveries and observations, including tracking space probes and satellites, studying quasars, pulsars, and cosmic microwave background radiation.
Jodrell Bank provides scientists with advanced facilities and instruments for studying the universe across multiple wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum, enabling them to explore various astrophysical phenomena, such as black holes, galaxies, and the origins of the universe. It also hosts the headquarters of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), a global project aiming to build the world's largest and most sensitive radio telescope.
Jodrell Bank is not only a hub for scientific research but also a popular tourist attraction. It organizes educational and outreach activities to promote astronomy and space science, offering visitors the opportunity to learn about the universe, explore interactive exhibitions, and attend lectures and stargazing events. The site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2019, acknowledging its significant contributions to science and its architectural and engineering features.
The word "Jodrell Bank" is derived from the name of the Jodrell Bank Observatory, located in Cheshire, England. The observatory was initially named after the Jodrell family, who owned the land where it is situated.
The Jodrell family had been prominent in the area since the 18th century and had a significant influence on the development of the estate. In 1939, Sir Bernard Lovell, an English radio astronomer, obtained permission from the Jodrell family to establish a new observatory at their Jodrell Bank estate. Sir Bernard Lovell became the first director of the observatory, and over time, "Jodrell Bank" became the commonly used name for this facility.
It is worth noting that the term "bank" in this context refers to a raised area of land, as the observatory is situated on a slightly elevated site.
