£1bn telescope launch

The UK is to host the headquarters of the Square Kilometre Array project, a global effort to build the world's next generation radio telescope, the Science Minister Ian Pearson was due to announce this week. A team based at Manchester University's Jodrell Bank observatory will work on advancing the science case and designs for the £1 billion telescope, after the European Union agreed to provide about £14 million so the project could prepare its case.