Summary

Model of the 64 metre (210 foot) radio telescope erected at Parkes, New South Wales. The model was made to plans supplied by the Division of Radiophysics, Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). The model was made by Mel Hancock, modelmaker of the Museum of Applied Science Victoria, in 1959.

The annual report of the Museum of Applied Science Victoria notes that Mr Hancock has "executed a high quality model of the Giant Radio Telescope to be erected at Parkes NSW. With this piece de resistance a separate case has been devoted to Radio Astronomy, thus freeing a larger case for Astronomy." He also later made an additional copy of this radio telescope model, requested by the First Secretary of the USSR Embassy, as a gift from the Museum of Applied Science Victoria to the Polytechnical Museum in Moscow, and completed in 1962. The model was formally presented by the Australian Ambassador in Moscow in 1964.

The Parkes radio telescope has been operating since 1961, its primary focus being astronomical research.

Physical Description

Wide silver metal mesh dish with three supports meeting at the centre attached to a yellow painted cylinder shaped building with a green painted cone roof on a square plaster textured base with small green shrubs.

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