The countdown is on until the world celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, with a weekend of astronomical proportions planned for Parkes.
On Monday 21 July 1969, six hundred million people watched as Neil Armstrong took the first steps on the moon. Those iconic pictures were thanks, in part, to CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope. ‘The Dish’ received the television signals that allowed one fifth of humanity at the time, to watch the broadcast.
To mark the milestone, there are a stellar line up of events and activities being held across the Parkes Shire.
Parkes Shire Mayor, Cr Ken Keith OAM, said “as a community, we are extremely proud of the role that the Parkes Radio Telescope played in this significant moment in history, and for its ongoing contributions to astronomical discovery.”
“We are delighted to welcome visitors to the region to showcase our Shire and arguably our most iconic attraction.”
“While in town, I encourage everyone to explore the Parkes Shire and experience all the unique and quirky attractions and activities that the region has to offer,” said Cr Ken Keith OAM.
Only a 20-minute drive from Parkes, The CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope is opening its doors to the public on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 July. The Open Days are a rare opportunity to see inside The Dish!
There’ll be plenty of activities for everyone across the two days with science talks and presentations, observe pulsars in real time, face painting, roving performers and live entertainment, vintage car display, as well as a delicious range of food from The Dish Café.
There will also be free Apollo Express shuttle buses running return trips out to The Dish on both days, picking up at Cooke Park. To find out more about the Open Days, visit www.apollo11.csiro.au/parkes-open-days/.