CSIRO Parkes Observatory to re-enact Moon landing at The Dish for 50th anniversary

The Dish movie brought to life Australia’s key role in the Apollo 11 Moon landing. Now the historic moment will be re-enacted 50 years later — and you can be part of it.

Space buffs will get their chance to learn more about the role of Australian astronomers as they continue to peer skyward.

The 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission and man’s epic first steps on the moon will be celebrated at the CSIRO Parkes Observatory from July 20-21.

The subject of a successful film of the same name,“The Dish” served a vital role when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin made history on July 20, 1969.

Visitors will get their chance to tour the observatory as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations, which will include a talk and Q&A with Adelaide-born NASA astronaut Dr Andy Thomas.

“We want the public to celebrate the occasion but also see what we are doing now and our plans for the future,” operations scientist John Sarkissian said.

The Dish at Parkes played an integral role in broadcasting the Apollo 11 Moon landing to the world. Picture: Noel Barber

“The radio observatory is one of the leading telescopes of its kind in the world and we are continually doing great scientific work and making huge discoveries.”

The moon landing will be replayed in real time as part of the event with The Dish tipped on an angle, just as it was 50 years ago as it picked up the first signals as the US astronauts descended the ladder on to the lunar surface.

The control room during Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin’s moonwalk. Pictures: David Cooke

The green monitor that showed the first vision of Neil Armstrong's historic moon walk at the CSIRO radio observatory at Parkes. Picture: David Cooke

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It’s hoped tours of the facility will also offer guests a greater insight into the latest in Australian astronomy and space science.

The hit Aussie film depicting the work of locals ahead of the Moon landing will also be screened, with an introduction from actor Roy Billing who played the Mayor of Parkes in the film.

The anniversary celebrations will be held on Saturday, July 20, and Sunday, July 21, at Parkes Observatory, 20km north of Parkes on off the Newell Highway.