The Isle of Man Chapter of the Mars Society has expressed concern over plans that could see scientific observations end at Jodrell Bank Observatory from 2028, warning of the potential impact on research and science education.

Current funding for the observatory's e-MERLIN radio astronomy programme is due to continue until 2028. However, unless alternative funding is secured, scientific observations at the Cheshire site are expected to cease from April 2028.

The observatory, home to the iconic Lovell Telescope, is approaching its 70th anniversary and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It has played a significant role in radio astronomy and space missions since the early years of the space age and continues to host the headquarters of the Square Kilometre Array Observatory.

In a statement, the Isle of Man Chapter of the Mars Society said Jodrell Bank holds a special place for many people on the island.

‘The Steam Packet's day-sailing schedule has made it a genuinely accessible day trip for Manx families, and generations of local schoolchildren have visited the site and its visitor centre over the years,’ a spokesperson said.

‘For several of our own members, a visit to Jodrell Bank was their first real introduction to science and to the wonder of the universe beyond it - exactly the kind of spark that leads to a lifelong interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).’

The Chapter said it was joining the Institute of Physics and others in the scientific community in calling on the UK Government and UK Research and Innovation to secure the observatory's long-term future before the current funding arrangements expire in 2028.

The spokesperson added: ‘The cost of losing it - to science, to regional economies, and to a generation of young people who might otherwise have found their pathway into STEM - far outweighs the savings at stake.’