Local astronomer pays homage to a leading figure at Jodrell Bank who has sadly died aged 102
By Deborah Bowyer 25th Jun 2025
Avid astronomer, Majorie Somerville, has paid homage to former Astronomer Royal, Sir Francis Graham-Smith who has died.
Majorie Somerville, who taught physics and ran an astronomy club at Sandbach School many years ago, says Sir Francis Graham-Smith had strong links with Cheshire - not to mention Jodrell Bank.
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.
Majorie, who lives in Rode Heath said: "He had strong links to the area and particularly Cheshire having lived in the Old School House Henbury near Macclesfield and for his role as Director of Nuffield Radio Astronomy Laboratories at Jodrell bank.
"During his distinguished career, he served as President of the Royal Society from 1975 to 1977 and was the 13th Astronomer Royal from 1982 to 1990 and was awarded a knighthood in 1986.
"As a renowned professor of radio astronomy, he was one of the principal authorities on radio Astronomy and its importance in exploring the universe.
"He was author of many books on the underlying principles of radio astronomy and continued to publish articles even up until recently.
"In 2016 his book ‘Eyes on the Sky explored how technology can be used to increase our knowledge of the universe."
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.
"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."
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