CSIRO Parkes Observatory Open Days!

[iceman (Mike)]

Looking forward to participating in the Parkes Observatory Open Day when I head out there for the CWAS Astrofest David Malin Awards on the 18th and 19th July.

http://www.parkes.atnf.csiro.au/news...opendays/2009/

Can't wait to do the telescope tour! See where all the Apollo 11 action happened!

[sheeny (Al)]

It's well worth seeing, Mike. (...been through some interesting times...)

I spent a couple of days and nights there in 97(?) teaching the crew vertical rescue. I've attached a couple of scans of photos taken at the time (not too flash!). It was heaven on a stick for a vertical rescuer! Anchors everywhere! We had a great time.

Not sure where the guided tour goes, hopefully up onto the dish itself. If they take you up to the focal box, you might recognise the ladder in the second shot. And the view from the top of the focal box is superb, but I dare say the tour won't go that far!

Al.

[iceman (Mike)]

Nice photos, Al!

If anyone is heading up for the malins or the astrofest open day, I'd suggest getting in soon to book your accommodation. I had a little trouble finding a room for Saturday night.

It was recommended to me that if anyone has trouble obtaining accommodation, contact the Parkes visitor centre 6863 8860 and they may be able to tell you where the vacancies are.

[BerrieK]

The weather for Parkes doesnt look too bad for the weekend. 2-15 and mostly sunny on Sat; 4-16 and increasing sunshine on Sunday.

Kerrie

[iceman (Mike)]

Nice!
Are you heading out there, Kerrie?

[BerrieK]

I plan to take the kids and maybe my dad for the open day...not sure if sat or sun as yet. Maybe I'll see you there Mike!

Kerrie

[BC]

I'm coming up there with the family so might catch you there

Bruce

[acropolite (Phil)]

Bummer, I was planning on going through Parkes on the way up or back from QLD, unfortunately the open days are a few weeks too early....