To help celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Australian Telescope Compact Array, CSIRO’s division of , Astronomy and Space Science invites you to attend their public open day at the Paul Wild Observatory, 20km West of Narrabri, on Sunday the 1st September.

• Date – Sunday 1st September, 2013 (a great day out for Father’s Day)
• Time – 10:00am – 3:00pm
• Cost – FREE
• Website
  

The open day will offer a rare opportunity for members of the public to go behind the scenes of one of the most powerful radio telescopes on the planet. More than forty of their expert staff will be on hand to guide you around the observatory, answer your questions and bring you up-to-date with the latest research in radio astronomy.

The Australia Telescope Compact Array comprises six twenty-two meter dishes, spread along a three kilometre rail track. The six dishes work together, as one instrument, to study the structure and evolution of the Universe. During the public open day, three of the six dishes will be open to the public, as well as the control building and computing room.

Astronomy and space science talks by leading experts in radio astronomy and radio engineering will showcase the achievements of the telescope as a world leading radio astronomy instrument.

What to expect:

• Guided tours of the Australia Telescope Compact Array antennas (Enclosed Footwear must be worn)
• Guided tours of the Control Building
• Astronomy and space science talks
• Radio receiver displays
• Ask an expert corner
• Solar telescope viewing
• Street performers
• BBQ lunch (provided for sale by a local community group)

For more information on the 25th Anniversary Open Day visit their website or download the PDF.