Author: Jimi Green
Affiliation: CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science
Country: Australia
Co-Author(s): Robert Hollow
Affiliation: CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science
Country: Australia
Jane Kaczmarek
Affiliation: CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science
Country: Australia
George Hobbs
Affiliation: CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science
Country: Australia
Title: The Parkes Radio Telescope as a tool for inclusive science engagement
The Parkes radio telescope, known affectionately as ÔThe DishÕ, is located ~380 km west of Sydney, Australia, and has been in operation since 1961. It is an iconic 64-metre parabolic antenna, with receiver systems capable of observing from 700-MHz to 26 GHz with bandwidths up to several GHz, and it is part of the CSIRO Australia Telescope National Facility (ATNF). It has been the inspiration of generations of astronomers, has continued to be at the forefront of radio astronomy and technology research, and for more than 10 years has provided education experiences through the PULSE@Parkes programme. The high impact science conducted by Parkes has included: surveys of atomic hydrogen, molecular lines and masers; the first detections of fast radio bursts; and the searches and long term timing of pulsars (for which PULSE@Parkes contributes to). I will discuss the current and future plans for STEM oriented education and outreach engagement with the telescope, making radio astronomy inclusive to a diverse audience, particularly those that would not otherwise have access to facilities such as students in remote communities.