This time 50 years ago the Apollo 11 space vehicle had already lifted off from the Kennedy Space Centre in Texas (launching July 16) and was on its way to the moon.
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On this day 50 years ago the Parkes Champion Post's front page story (dated Friday, July 18) announced to its readers the Parkes Radio Telescope's moon walk TV relay would begin at 3.57pm that next Monday (July 21, 1969).
The telescope had made its first tracking run using the Apollo 11 vehicle as its target the day prior to the newspaper's release (July 17), at 3.30pm.
Parkes had a starring role in the moon landing and it's mark in history, and it's for this reason many national and regional broadcasters will be in Parkes to share in the town's celebrations this weekend.
The Australian breakfast television program Today will be broadcasting at the Dish tomorrow morning (July 19) and all of Parkes' early risers are invited to come along.
The Today Show will be out at the Dish, located 25 kilometres north of Parkes off the Newell Highway, from 7am-9am.
"If you'd like to start your Apollo celebrations early, this one's for you!" Parkes Shire Council said in its announcement of the national program heading to our neck of the woods.
"All are welcome! Bring your friends and family!"
READ MORE ABOUT WHAT'S HAPPENING ON THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY:
