A visit to CSIRO’s Parkes Observatory is an educational and inspirational experience for primary and secondary school groups.
What to see and do
A visit can include:
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a visit to one or both of our audio-visual theatres
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a talk about the telescope by one of our staff
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a 3D illustrated talk by one of our staff on astronomy or space topics appropriate to your group
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time to look and use the displays and exhibits
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viewing the 64 m Parkes radio telescope.
Displays cover the history and technology of the telescope, astronomy and research conducted by astronomers using the telescope.
Materials and activities are available to focus students’ learning during their visit.
Schools enjoy a 10 per cent discount at the Visitor Centre shop, which sells a range of educational materials such as books, posters, science toys and souvenirs.
The large grounds are suitable for meal breaks with:
There is plenty of overhead shelter and shady trees outside so students can stay dry or out of the sun.
School groups can visit Parkes Observatory on its own, or combine with other attractions in the area such as Western Plains Zoo or Peak Hill open cut mine. They can also visit on the way to other places such as Canberra or the snow.
Theatre presentations
Parkes Observatory Visitors Centre has two theatres:
Theatre 1 seats 60 and shows The Invisible Universe, an interesting and awe-inspiring 21 minute presentation about the telescope, radio astronomy and the history of astronomy. This presentation is suitable for secondary and upper primary audiences.
The 3D Theatre 2 seats 40 and shows several different 3D shows. Shorter shows can be paired together to form a longer presentation. Currently six different films are available:
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Spinning in Space (10 minutes). Tom the astronaut on the International Space Station learns about galaxies using his voice-activated computer assistant (fitted with thrusters)
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After Stars (13 minutes). Margus is on location for a live telecast of the explosion of a red supergiant star
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Mars Express (8 minutes). Travel aboard the space craft Elysium 7 to Mars.
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The Little Things (8 minutes). Explore the little things in the solar system like comets and asteroids
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Our Sun, What a Star (18 minutes). About our very own star - the Sun - and the Solar System
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Realising Einstein's Universe (7 minutes). Astronomers model the universe using massive supercomputers to produce these 3D visualisations.
We can also offer 3D illustrated talks catered to your group on several astronomy and space topics. Contact the Visitors Centre to discuss options for your group.
Cost
Entry to the Visitors Centre is free. However there is a charge for presentations in either theatre. The charge is A$5 per student for one session with coach drivers, teachers and a reasonable number of accompanying parents free of charge.
Opening hours and bookings
The Visitors Centre is open from 8.30 am to 4.15 pm every day except Christmas and Boxing Days with extended trading during some holidays. School groups typically spend 1 -1.5 hours on a visit.
School groups should book. To book a visit and discuss your school group’s requirements please contact: Visitor Centre Staff at the Parkes Observatory.
Learn more about CSIRO's Astronomy & Space Facilities.
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