The first stage of the switch-on of one of the world's most powerful stargazing systems has got under way.
Seven radio telescopes around the UK have been linked with optical fibres, allowing scientists to probe deeper into the Universe than ever before.
The new data-link upgrade has replaced the older microwave technology that once connected the telescopes.
Tim O'Brien, from the e-Merlin project, said: "It will be a revolution in terms of what we can do with our astronomy."
Astronomers at Jodrell Bank say that the e-Merlin array will be fully operational later this year.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7828174.stm