To Parkes it's an icon, whether it's lit as a spectacular pink backdrop to opera stars raising funds for a good cause or drawing more than 100,000 visitors a year.
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To the world it's a valuable scientific instrument, working around-the-clock to reveal the secrets of far-flung corners of the galaxy.
It's our very own Dish, also given the Wiradjuri name Murriyang, and we celebrated its rich history and promising future on its 60th anniversary on Monday.
CSIRO Director of Space and Astronomy Dr Douglas Bock, and head of operations for CSIRO's radio telescopes Dr John Reynolds, joined the local operational team in Parkes for the occasion.
While attendance on site on the day was limited, people from around the globe shared their stories and memories of their time and research in Parkes through video links, which you can watch on the Australia Telescope National Facility website.
"The Parkes radio telescope has been described as the most successful scientific instrument ever built in Australia and who would dispute that?" Dr Reynolds said.
"Over six decades, it has racked up an astounding list of scientific discoveries and achievements and it continues to thrive, thanks to innovation, new technology and the boundless scientific curiosity of our astronomers, engineers and students.
"We're currently working on a new state-of-the-art receiver system ... which will increase its power even further and secure its future well into the next decade and for many years to come."
The day's special guests had the honour of unveiling a plaque recognising the telescope's national heritage listing: it is the only working scientific instrument ever to be listed and while the announcement was made last year the official proceedings have been delayed due to COVID constraints.
"The most famous Dish in the nation will now be preserved and protected for future generations after being awarded national heritage status," Dr Bock said.
"This is an unusual listing: while the Parkes telescope is old enough to qualify for the national heritage list it remains young enough to continue observing the universe 24 hours a day, seven days a week and does so with the most advanced radio receivers in the world."
Importantly, the Dish's heritage listing allows the telescope to remain alive with new instrumentation.
"CSIRO's Parkes Radio Telescope is part of Australia's long and proud history of science-driven innovation," Dr Bock said.
"The telescope has a long history and reputation for its discoveries and its role in supporting those who are looking for answers.
"Being honoured with national heritage listing is recognition of 60 years of science and human curiosity, and inspires us to keep seeking new answers at Parkes."
THE STORY SO FAR
John Sarkissian OAM looks back at 60 years of Parkes Radio Telescope history in this series:
Immortalised on the silver screen for its role in the moon landing, The Dish is even poised to once again play a vital role in future lunar exploration.
Cr Bill Jayet, representing Parkes Shire Council at the 60th anniversary celebrations, said he well remembered the excitement the opening of the telescope generated across our region.
"Of course the other big event that year was Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin becoming the first human to orbit the earth: it was all about outer space," he said.
"The Parkes Radio Telescope is such an important national icon ... it still has that wow factor.
"Parkes and the surrounding communities are very proud of it, and particularly the significant role it continues to play in international astronomy.
"How fortunate for our shire that the powers-that-be chose this sheep paddock to construct the Parkes Radio Telescope."
Of course, you could hardly celebrate the history of the telescope without a focus on the 2000 film The Dish, which saw visitation to the Parkes site triple in the following year.
In a video message for the anniversary Director Rob Sitch, Working Dog, spoke about his disbelief the day he heard about Australia's involvement in the Apollo 11 moon landing.
"It's hard to believe now but it was a story that had genuinely been forgotten by 99.99 per cent of Australians," he said.
"Everyone we told about it went, 'that's amazing, that'd make a good film'.
"Our first query was, does that dish still exist? The Parkes telescope is still there and still looks like it did in 1969."
Now he reflects that it's one of the few ways to recreate the feeling of that incredible moment - the vision of man setting foot on the moon beamed into loungerooms all over the world for millions to watch - and the very fact that it captures such a milestone means it's shown over and over again.
Thousands flocked to the site to watch the movie on the big screen on the 50th anniversary of the moon landing.
It's just the sort of big event The Dish team love to host on special occasions, unfortunately this time they were limited due to COVID constraints so they'd love to see locals and visitors alike in coming weeks to recognise the milestone.
An exhibition of historic photographs is on in the Bowen Room for the next month, with some iconic images and well-known characters captured.
They've also launched a new 3D film that you mustn't miss if you're heading out there: Beyond the Barrier takes the viewer inside the Dish itself and reveals how it works and just how valuable it is to the world.
If you haven't been lately, it's a good reason to go, if you have it's a good reason to head out there once again.
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