British astrophysicist, Astronomer Royal for Scotland, Edinburgh University professor
UKRI has withdrawn funding for the Lovell telescope at Jodrell Bank, putting 28 jobs at risk and delaying its role in the e-Merlin network. Observations may end by March 2028 unless alternative funding is found; experts warn this risks the UK’s standing in international radio astronomy.
A total solar eclipse has crossed Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain while the UK and Ireland have seen a deep partial eclipse — the most extensive across Britain since 1999. Scientists and agencies such as NASA have flown instruments and balloons into the path of totality to study the Sun's corona and to gather data for improving space‑weather forecasts.