The iconic Parkes radio telescope, otherwise known as The Dish, has been officially recognised for its contribution to Australian astronomy and humankind’s understanding of the Universe with its addition to the National Heritage List.
Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley announced today that the telescope is the first functioning scientific instrument to be added to the list.
Construction of the 64-metre diameter telescope at CSIRO’s Parkes Observatory was completed in 1961, an achievement of engineering and technical design.
Now almost 60 years old, the Parkes telescope continues to be used by Australian and international astronomers in the search for answers to some of the Universe’s greatest scientific questions.