Parkes Observatory Visitors Centre
Dec 14, 2015
Parkes ObservatoryVisitors Centre
Why a visitors centre?
• Attract future scientists
“Every time I came to Parkes, I always
wanted to be on the other side of the
fence…”
Why a visitors centre?
• Attract future scientists
• Raise profile• Local community• Obligations
Why a visitors centre?
• Attract future scientists
• Raise profile• Local community• Obligations• Ensure the future
“Well can’t they stop doing it for a moment?”
The visitorsParkes Telescope Visitors
0
2000
4000
6000
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10000
12000
14000
16000
18000
January February March April May June July August September October November December
Month
# V
isit
ors
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
The visitors
Parkes Telescope
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
1800
Month of year
2001 2002 2003
The visitors
• 130 000 pa• Families• Grey nomads• Schools• Tours
Staff
• 2.4 eft full and part time
• Up to three staff during peak
• Most without science or communication background
• From months to over a decade of experience in VC
What we offer
• A great view
What we offer
• A great view• Exhibits
What we offer
• A great view• Exhibits• Interpretives
What we offer
• A great view• Exhibits• Interpretives• Invisible Universe• 3D Theater
What we offer (cont)
• Shop
What we offer (cont)
• Shop• Café
What we offer (cont)
• Shop• Café• No tours• Clean toilets• BBQ & picnic facilities
Other offerings
• Work experience
“Now I know that astronomy is what I really want to do”
Other offerings
• Work experience• Teacher experience• Information service “I am 9 years old and go
to Boneo Primary School.
I'm doinng a project on Radio Telscopes…”
Other offerings
• Work experience• Teacher experience• Information service• Point of contact
Strengths
• Location• Movie star status
Strengths
• Location• Movie star status• Staff
• Dedicated, enthusiastic and friendly
• Non-science background
• Astronomers, observatory and ATNF staff
Strengths
• Location• Movie star status• Staff• Brilliant exhibit• Long history and
future
Weaknesses
• Communication & Education training
Weaknesses
• Communication & Education training
• Interpretives
“Can I ask a stupid question?”
“It is all very interesting but I don’t understand it.”
“There is just so much here!”
Weaknesses
• Communication & Education training
• Interpretives• Across the ages• School groups
Future directions
• Provide an experience that prompts visitors to revisit, pass the word, and encourage their family, friends and colleagues to visit
• Provide an opportunity for visitors to learn about the telescope, ATNF, CSIRO, Astronomy and science
Future Directions
• A plan• New interpretives• More interactive• Use people’s stories• Creative interaction• Partnerships
Future Directions (Cont)
• Consistency of experience
• Retail value and range
• School groups better served
• Consistent and planned marketing
• Discovery walk