Visited the Parkes radio telescope for the first time. It was 40'C - a dry heat so more bearable than Sydney but stinking hot out in the sun. Lucky enough to see the telescope move quite significantly while we were there.
It was quite the experience - it is huge!
Parkes radio telescope was one of the first to be built as a big, movable dish. The moving part of the telescope weighs 1000 tonnes – as much as two Boeing 747s – but it is not fixed to the tower. Instead, the giant dish sits on top of the control tower with its own weight holding it down. From our dedicated viewing area you can watch as the dish moves, controlled by astronomers as they explore the Universe.
An icon of Australian science, the Parkes radio telescope has been in operation since 1961 and continues to be at the forefront of astronomical discovery thanks to regular upgrades.
Astronomers from across Australia and around the world utilise the Parkes radio telescope to undertake world-class astronomical science. Affectionately known as ’the Dish’, the telescope operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
The CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope is the star of the movie 'The Dish,' (2000).
On my to do list. My daughter , the astronomy geek ,visited all available telescopes on her road trip from Canberra to Stanthorpe and return trip. She was in awe :)
I thought about the film the minute I saw you rather darned good image. I’ve never seen it at first-hand either, what a sight. Somewhere around the 40 degree mark here today, after I walked Maggie and braved the supermarket I’ve stayed inside!
@annied Definitely!! We didn't think the cooler was doing much until I took some rubbish out to the bin!! Will keep The Dish in mind, but only ever been as far as Forbes, and that in a past life. Fair way from Geelong to Parkes.
