Editing Jodrell Bank Observatory (section)

== Mark IV, V and VA telescope proposals ==
[[Image:Mark V radio telescope model.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|A model of the proposed Mark V radio telescope]]
The Mark IV, V and VA telescope proposals were put forward in the 1960s through to the 1980s to build even larger radio telescopes.

The Mark IV proposal was for a {{convert|1000|ft|m}} diameter standalone telescope, built as a national project.

The Mark V proposal was for a {{convert|400|ft|m}} moveable telescope. The concept of this proposal was for a telescope on a {{convert|3/4|mi|km|adj=mid|-long}} railway line adjoining Jodrell Bank, but concerns about future levels of interference meant that a site in Wales would have been preferable. Design proposals by Husband and Co and Freeman Fox, who had designed the [[Parkes Observatory]] telescope in Australia, were put forward.

The Mark VA was similar to the Mark V but with a smaller dish of {{convert|375|ft|m}} and a design using [[prestressed concrete]], similar to the Mark II (the previous two designs more closely resembled the Lovell telescope).<ref name="jb_telescopes">Lovell, ''Jodrell Bank Telescopes''</ref>

None of the proposed telescopes was constructed, although design studies were carried out and scale models were made, partly because of the changing political climate, and partly due to the financial constraints of astronomical research in the UK. Also it became necessary to upgrade the Lovell Telescope to the Mark IA, which overran in terms of cost.<ref name="jb_telescopes"/>