There are moments when I tune out from work and study and relish the chance to slow down, embrace the serendipitous nature of random thoughts, and be fully present. Recently, I visited Jodrell Bank Observatory with my family, which is nestled in the heart of Cheshire. On approach, despite the enormity of its 78-metre telescope, it is hard to reconcile with the site’s high historical significance as a key player in the 20th century Space Race, tracking Soviet and American space missions and facilitating their transmissions.
Jodrell is a quiet, tranquil space that invites you to be immersed in the world of pulsars, quasars, galactic nuclei (supermassive black holes), and gravitational waves. Its main attraction is the Lovell radio telescope, a colossal dish-shaped sentinel dominating the Cheshire plain. Its powerful ears point towards the stars, patiently awaiting the faintest whisper of radio waves emanating from the depths of space. The telescope has been deciphering the hidden rhythms and vibrations of the universe since its construction in 1957, unlocking mysteries that have puzzled scientists for centuries.
As we strolled through the grounds, you can’t help but catch the mood of wonder and discovery. The public spaces and walkways incorporated into the heritage site’s design is remarkable, serving as both functional spaces and as works of art, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings while still standing out as unique and awe-inspiring structures. It seems to delicately integrate its inner workings as an active multidisciplinary research facility, housing astrophysicists, radio astronomers, and astrobiologists, while also focusing on welcoming members of the public to connect with the cosmos.
Despite the omnipresence of technology, the silence and tranquillity of the ground beneath us was not lost, especially under the cover of the most beautiful clear blue sky. Inside the buildings we visited the galleries and exhibitions and topped it up with two sessions at their impressive ‘Space Dome’ auditorium, for an immersive and animated shows on the stars, black holes and our cosmic origins. The shows tackle questions like ‘How did the Universe begin?’ and ‘What are we made of?’ where we were all uplifted to discover, that through the interconnectedness of all matter in the universe, the elements in our bodies are made from stardust that may have come through several supernovas. We are all stars!
In my visit to Jodrell Bank, I found myself naturally drawing on the principles of hermeneutic phenomenology, and the power of slow, quiet listening to engage with the world around me. By cultivating openness, attentiveness, and calm, we can better attend to the details of our experiences and begin to uncover the underlying patterns and structures that shape our reality. At Jodrell, this approach, albeit in alternative scientific approaches, has allowed scientists to reveal intricate workings of the universe that are often hidden from view.
This was an unforgettable and uplifting experience that surfaced the power of quiet listening and to tune into the wonders of the universe. As we drew slowly out of the carpark, I felt almost disappointed to turn on my mobile phone signal, which was prohibited on site. The serenity that I had experienced felt like it was being left behind in the distance in this very special space. Congratulations to Jodrell Bank and all that commit to, and invest in you.
Definitely encourage a visit.
Felicity
Emergent Thinkers.com 