Parkes Radio Telescope

sheeny (Al) · #1 20-02-2006, 07:58 PM

Hi Guys,

Thought I'd post a shot of the Parkes radio telescope I took on Sunday. We went for a cruise on the bike, and 3 hours later arrived at the scope for lunch, a look about and some photos. Then home again...

I've had a bit of a soft spot for the Parkes Radio Telescope since being there for 2 days and a night running a vertical rescue awareness course for the crew and local SES units in 1997. They had an electrician get a shock in the focal cabin, who managed to make his way down in the elevators,ladders and catwalks to the tower underneath where he collapsed whe he met someone... hence, they decided maybe they should know how to rescue someone. We did some great exercises there - its a vertical rescuers heaven!

It's also very beautiful at night... my biggest regret was not having a tripod nor a good flash unit at the time. Could've done some great existing light photos with rescuers and stretchers and things lit up in numerous places! Oh well, you get that...

It is well worth the visit if you are nearby!

Al.

[1ponders] (Paul) · #2 20-02-2006, 08:49 PM

Thanks for the photo Al.

Parks is one of those place that seems to knock around the back of the head going "I should go there and check it out one day" but doesn't get acted on. You've pushed that thought closer to the front. What would be the best time of the year (climate wise) to go there?

BTW nice image reduction/quality

sheeny (Al) · #3 20-02-2006, 09:00 PM

Hmmm best time of year... I would guess maybe April/May on the assumption that it is usually pretty stable that time of year here, so hopefully it is there too. I would defer to the advice of someone local to Parkes on this matter though... anyone there?

It's definitely pretty warm this time of year! We spent a good while in the air conditioned visitor's centre

. Springtime is often unsettled and stormy/windy here so I guess it is there too. BTW there was maybe a couple of k's of trees torn apart each side of the Newell Highway just near the scope. Probably happened within the last week or so... they put it there for the "stable climatic conditions" I think is the line from "The Dish".

Al.

acropolite (Phil) · #4 20-02-2006, 09:24 PM

A thing of beauty, even HRH Liz would agree it looks like a "Proper Telescope"

cometcatcher (Kevin) · #5 21-02-2006, 07:47 AM

The fun I could have with a dish that size in my backyard.

Thiink · #6 21-02-2006, 08:21 AM

Great shot Al!

I went with some friends in 8/2004 when they had the open day. We got to go up into the dish (wearing sweaty, dorky helmets), and look around and speak with all the scientists etc. We even took the helicopter ride around the site which was fun as well.

I recommend everyone make their way up to Parkes next time they have an open day, its well worth the look.