Year 12 Physics Excursion to CSIRO Marsfield for Pulse@Parkes

On Monday 7 June, Year 12 Physics students took part in the Pulse@Parkes program, an innovative project that provides high school students the opportunity to control the famous Parkes radio telescope. From the ATNF headquarters at CSIRO Marsfield, the students observed pulsars under the guidance of professional astronomers Dr George Hobbs and Rob Hollow.

The data obtained contributes to the growing database used by professional astronomers for ongoing research which aims to determine properties of the pulsars, which are the post-supernova remnants of dead stars. Astronomers from the CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science (CASS) use the data to track the evolution of the pulsars over many years and test Einstein’s theory of gravity and possibly find evidence of gravitational waves.

This was a fantastic opportunity to meet professional astronomers, learn how to control a state-of-the-art telescope, experience Science in the field and collaborate on a large scientific project.

Marlise Kalt and Nicole Novak
Science Department