Lego model marks observatory birthday

University society uses 30,500 bricks to create telescope replica

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STUDENTS from The University of Manchester's Physics Society have constructed a remarkable 30,500-piece Lego model of the Lovell Telescope at Jodrell Bank, commemorating the observatory's 80th anniversary.

Designed by the undergraduate physics society, the sculpture is based on the telescope's original engineering blueprints, ensuring a high level of accuracy and detail.

Student James Ruxton spent six months perfecting the design using computer software to model and test different structures, producing a 4,000-page instruction manual.

He even custom-designed some Lego pieces, using a 3D printer to create bespoke bricks.

James and fellow Physics Society members began building the sculpture in late April. The finished model weighs 30kg, with 12.5kg attributed to the dish alone.

Due to its weight, the dish had to be reinforced with a steel pole - mirroring a real-life engineering challenge faced during the telescope's original construction 80 years ago.