- Powered by vinegar and bicarb soda
- It's a hands-on, rocket science experiment
- Reusable for hours of play!
Welcome to the CSIRO Parkes Dish Shop.
The Parkes Dish Shop offers a variety of good quality astronomy and space science educational resources and souvenirs. Our online shop provides access to our educational resources and top selling products. These products are hand selected by the staff of the Parkes Observatory Visitors Centre to engage astronomy enthusiast.
Visit the CSIRO Parkes Observatory Visitors Centre.
If you're a fan of astronomy, the movie 'The Dish', or both, Murriyang, our Parkes radio telescope, in the central-west region of New South Wales is a must-see destination.
The 64 metre wide radio telescope stands impressively over surrounding farmlands – a sophisticated piece of scientific equipment in the middle of sheep paddocks! Located 20km north of Parkes and just a short 5km detour off the Newell Highway.
The Visitors Centre provides visitors the opportunity to explore the world of astronomy and discover the role Murriyang plays understanding our universe.
Visitors can help astronomers by turning off mobile phones and wi-fi devices or placing them in flight/airport mode. This reduces ‘radio frequency interference’ and greatly improves the ability of the scientists to capture tiny radio signals coming from distant stars and galaxies.
The Visitors Centre has many displays, hands on exhibits and a 3D theatre featuring programs on space and astronomy. The Visitors Centre Shop features a range of astronomy and space science books, DVDs, science toys and souvenirs. Whilst entry is free, there is a charge to view the 3D theatre.
The Visitors Centre (6861 1777) is open from 8:30am to 4:15pm every day except Christmas Day and Boxing Day, and after 12pm on ANZAC Day. (Extended opening hours during NSW school holidays).
We look forward to your visit at both our Visitors Centre in person and our online Dish Shop.
$24.95 $34.95
This kit is an excellent beginner educational solar kit, teaching the basic solar power principals and also how it drives the motor and makes the movements of each model. This kit provides full set of plastic parts, solar panel and all necessary parts to build your own solar kit. Suitable for ages 10 and up.$19.95
In July 1969, six hundred million people, one-sixth of mankind at the time, witnessed the historic Apollo 11 moonwalk live on TV.
This DVD contains the complete 2009 restoration of the historic TV broadcast, produced by NASA for the Apollo 11 40th anniversary. It includes newly discovered footage not seen by the public since 1969.
"This restored video is a valuable contribution to space exploration and space communication history" - Neil Armstrong.
Running time: 185 minutes. Region: 0 (all regions)
$29.95
Build your own culture setup. Learn about the science of invisible organisms - Bacteria! sample different bacteria and culture them. Create disgustingly beautiful Bacteria Art! Includes printed tracing cards with 3 levels of difficulty. For ages 8+ years.
Contents:
$9.95
Study a card for 10 seconds then answer a question on the roll of a die. Fun, fast paced and educational, this great game will improve visual recall and provide endless entertainment.$29.95
9 Experiments to explore.
Among them is growing crystals, making slim, experimenting with hydrophobic sand and polymer snow.
$24.95
Cosmic Collection is a stunning polished gemstones representing the Sun, Earth and the Moon in this compact desk set.
The Cosmic Collection is represented by:
Sun: Poppy Jasper
Earth: Sodalite
Moon: Rock Crystal
Please Note: Yours will look different as the gemstones used are unique and no two are the exact same.
$29.95
This kit is a one-stop shop on how to grow different types of funky and glamorous homemade crystals. In one of the most comprehensive Crazy Scientist LAB kits ever, covering 18 experiments, our young scientists will be working with exciting materials such as Copper Sulphate, Alum, Epsom salt and saline solutions.
They will learn about the various types of crystals - why and how they form and eventually create a variety of different shiny and colourful Crystals!
This science kit comes equipped with the necessary equipment excluding some common household items. It included a clear guide accompanied with photos of the processes as well as fascinating scientific explanations and facts.
$49.95
A traditional way to read the temperature and predict the weather.
Storm Glass - Once used by seafarers to predict oncoming storms, the storm glass barometer came into general use in the early 1700's, and responds to atmospheric fluctuations to forecast the weather. Admiral Robert Fitzroy conducted a detailed study of this instrument between 1834 and 1836.
Galileo Thermometer - In 1593, Galileo Galilei discovered that the density of liquids reacts predictably to changes in temperature. He invented a device that allowed temperature variations to be measured.
$9.95
The weight of the world on your shoulders just got lighter. This worldly stress ball will help you relax after a hard day or even get you through this one.$74.95
Fascinating Experiments 40+ Science Projects!
Over 50 pieces included. For ages 5+
Self-Learning STEAM Principles
The unique projects will stimulate your child's natural curiosity and encourage them to learn more about the fascinating world of science. A fascinating educational toy for curious young minds!
Easy-To-Teach Projects for Parents
Includes clear and colourful project instructions for parents. Prepare to be amazed how simple projects can effectively teach complex and thought-provoking ideas!
$19.95
Discover fun facts as you lift over 50 flaps on an incredible illustrated journey into space!
$14.95
A normal magnifier has only one lens with a magnification of just 2 to 3 times. A field magnifier or 'loupe' has 2 or 3 lenses (21mm diameter x 10mm apart) giving a magnification of up to 10x essential for studying nature, coins, stamps etc$49.95
Tom Hanks, Imagine Entertainment and HBO present the Emmy and Gold Globe Award winner From the Earth to the Moon, the dramatic story of the unforgettable Apollo missions and their heroic astronauts. Powerfully told through the memorable performances of Brain Cranston, Sally Field, Chris Isaak and many more, these are the stories of the men, women and children who lived, breathed and manufactured, from the power of human will, one of the greatest achievements in the history of mankind. Beautifully restored in stunning HD, the Remastered Edition updates the visual effects, adding vivid detail to the Apollo missions while remaining true to the masterful storytelling of the original$49.95
This glass Galileo Thermometer displays the approximate temperature and is interesting home decor item.
Containing 5 floating glass bulbs it works over a temperature range of 18 - 26 degrees Celcius.
Size: 7.5 x 7.5 x 15cm.
$29.95
Take a trip into space with this cosmic glow-in-the-dark activity kit.
Inside you will find everything you need to build and paint your very own glow-in-the-dark solar system, plus glowing ceiling stickers to light up your room, intergalactic scratch art and a giant Solar System poster.
With two jam-packed activity books bursting with fun facts, puzzles and an astronaut's log, get ready to learn, build and create as you race into place!
$36.95
Great for sleepovers, gaming, reading, camping, hiding from parents and more!
Ultra soft fleece! Perfect size to take anywhere.
Size: 50x60"/152x127cm
$39.95
The Hubble telescope was launched in 1990 and is the first major optical telescope to be placed in space. Scientists have used the Hubble telescope to observe the most distant stars and galaxies, as well as the planets in the solar system.
The Hubble projector toy will fill your room with amazing pictures from space.
Features:
Requires 2 x AAA batteries (not included)
Simply assembly required
$29.95
Science kit for young researches
About this kit:
It looks like ordinary sea sand and it feels like ordinary sand - but it is anything but ordinary !!!
In this kit we explore the fascinating scientific qualities of hydrophobic sand and its uses. We will compare it with regular sand and witness the amazing differences.
Does it really stay dry when taken out from water?!
How does it assist us in prevention of natural disasters?
In a series of 10 compelling experiments we will learn all there is to learn about the fascinating hydrophobic sand.
$27.95
Mens - I need my space. Colour - Black. 100% Cotton$24.95
Enjoy this 'I was Abducted by Aliens' kids T-Shirt. 100% Cotton.
Colour: Blue
$24.95
Have a look at how amazing this T-Shirt is! Colour: Teal.$24.95
Enjoy this kids Selfie at the Dish T-Shirt. 100% Cotton. Colour Black$24.95
Light up the night with this glow in the dark t-shirt.
100% Cotton
$14.95
Liquid timer displays the mechanics of varying liquids in motion. Discover how different densities of liquid travel through the lighter clear liquid.$12.95
$14.95
• Usborne Beginners are colourful information books for children beginning to read on their own. • Vivid, full colour illustrations and photographs on every page, accompanied by short, informative text. • Developed with reading experts at the University of Roehampton. • Carefully selected Internet links to exciting websites to find out more. • Great reading practice for children who prefer fact to fiction.$34.95
This Magnetic stacking rocket is a wonderful wooden toy can be played with as a stacker and also in pretend play as a rocket.
It comes with 8 chunky wooden pieces which join via safe and invisible magnets. It includes the characters of a spaceman, an alien and a monkey, for a variety of space adventures.
Great for motor skills and pretend play.
Size: 8(W) x 8(D) x 20cm(H).
Ages 18+ months
$27.95
Mens - I need my space. Colour - White. 100% Cotton$17.95
Put your imagination to the test with this great Pin Art desk toy!
Wherever you are at school, work or home - you can be entertained for hours exploring the limitless sculpture making possibilities of Pin Art.
And it's so simple to use! Just tip the frame so that all the pins touch the perspex, then slide them over any object to create a 3D impression!
$4.95
1969: CSIRO Parkes radio telescope receives television signal from thee Apollo 11 moon landing.
$19.95
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to go to the Moon? This beautifuuly illustrated picture book will take you on a journey to find out. You can fly into outer space, walk on the Moon and take a look at our world from a very, very long way away.$49.95
Bugs and Plants and Dirt. Ages 8+ years which includes 17 pieces.
Includes:
$19.95
Take turns playing cards to create an EVER-EXPANDING GALAXY!
Strategically place your cards to create giant constellations, massive nebulas, supermassive black holes, and more!
Can you find the perfect space to place your cards for an astronomical score?
$29.95
Use this Pin Art to make cool pictures and have loads of fun!$19.95
A lively story with humorous illustrations, ideal for children who are beginning to read for themselves, or for reading aloud together. With simple rhyming text and phonic repetition, specially designed to develop essential language and early reading skills. Guidance notes for parents are included at the back of the book.$49.95
By (author) Peter Robertson
Hardback
$34.95
Fancy a round-the-world trip, but don’t have the time? Well with this Revolving Globe, it only takes 14 seconds!
With a 30 day spinning life on just one AA battery, The Revolving Globe is the perfect addition to any desk or shelf, and with it’s easy two-part assembly, you’ll be set up to go in less time than it takes to rotate.
Plastic
14-second full rotation
14cm x 14cm x 14.2cm
$19.95
Watch the foam ball float and glow in the dark as if it is defying gravity. Perform interesting experiments and learn about Bernoulli's airflow principle.$49.95
Build and paint your own Solar System planetarium model, construct a space projector and enjoy a spectacular space themed slide show. Decorate your room with a giant Solar System poster and glow stars. This science kit is ideal for budding young astronomers.
Contents:
Also required but NOT included in this kit: 3 x 1.5V AAA batteries and a small crosshead screwdriver.
$24.95
Puzzle: 200 Pieces. Size- 59 x 40cm.
Book: Title- Usborne Space Maze. Pages: 32.
$14.95
This classic handheld pinball game will provide hours of fun, for all ages. To play, load one of the six ball bearings into the launch tube, and get ready for a Space Odyssey! Pull back the trigger to release the ball and send it spinning through space - can land the ball in the black hole to score a 600?$14.95
Venture to the far reaches of the galaxy with this collection of picture, word and number puzzles. Entertaining activities include cracking an alien code, finding routes through galaxy mazes, spot the difference and lots more. All the answers are at the back of the book.$39.95
This small but powerful unit, transforms your living room or bedroom into constantly changing array of colourful stars and plays calming sounds [with 6 nature sounds] to help you relax, also works well as a baby soother or meditation device.
The Star Projector and Sound Machine includes a power-saving mode that gives you the option to automatically turn the machine off after half an hour, so you can set and forget – not worrying about disturbing the peace once your little one’s drifted off.
But that’s not all! This sensational star projector also doubles as a speaker for your computer, MP3 player or smart phone – and can give you up to 5 hours playing time with the 3.5mm included cable.
$49.95
Star finder to identify the main stars and constellations in both hemispheres.$19.95
In July 1969, six hundred million people, one-sixth of mankind at the time, witnessed the historic Apollo 11 moonwalk live on TV.
This DVD contains the complete 2009 restoration of the historic TV broadcast, produced by NASA for the Apollo 11 40th anniversary. It includes newly discovered footage not seen by the public since 1969.
"This restored video is a valuable contribution to space exploration and space communication history" - Neil Armstrong.
Running time: 185 minutes. Region: 0 (all regions)
$39.95
A traditional way to forecast the weather
Map of Australia shaped storm glass with a beechwood base. Once used by seafarers to predict oncoming storms, this historical device responds to atmospheric fluctuations to forecast the weather!
Assembled: 11 x 11 x 5cm.
$29.95
Build your own culture setup. Learn about the science of invisible organisms - Bacteria! sample different bacteria and culture them. Create disgustingly beautiful Bacteria Art! Includes printed tracing cards with 3 levels of difficulty. For ages 8+ years.
Contents:
$24.95
Quench your thirst with your very own CSIRO Parkes Radio Telescope drink bottle. With a sleek design and featuring the words 'As a matter of fact the world does revolve around me', this bottle will keep you sipping in style.$49.95
A traditional way to read the temperature and predict the weather.
Storm Glass - Once used by seafarers to predict oncoming storms, the storm glass barometer came into general use in the early 1700's, and responds to atmospheric fluctuations to forecast the weather. Admiral Robert Fitzroy conducted a detailed study of this instrument between 1834 and 1836.
Galileo Thermometer - In 1593, Galileo Galilei discovered that the density of liquids reacts predictably to changes in temperature. He invented a device that allowed temperature variations to be measured.
$9.95
The weight of the world on your shoulders just got lighter. This worldly stress ball will help you relax after a hard day or even get you through this one.$49.95
Tom Hanks, Imagine Entertainment and HBO present the Emmy and Gold Globe Award winner From the Earth to the Moon, the dramatic story of the unforgettable Apollo missions and their heroic astronauts. Powerfully told through the memorable performances of Brain Cranston, Sally Field, Chris Isaak and many more, these are the stories of the men, women and children who lived, breathed and manufactured, from the power of human will, one of the greatest achievements in the history of mankind. Beautifully restored in stunning HD, the Remastered Edition updates the visual effects, adding vivid detail to the Apollo missions while remaining true to the masterful storytelling of the original$29.95
Take a trip into space with this cosmic glow-in-the-dark activity kit.
Inside you will find everything you need to build and paint your very own glow-in-the-dark solar system, plus glowing ceiling stickers to light up your room, intergalactic scratch art and a giant Solar System poster.
With two jam-packed activity books bursting with fun facts, puzzles and an astronaut's log, get ready to learn, build and create as you race into place!
$39.95
The Hubble telescope was launched in 1990 and is the first major optical telescope to be placed in space. Scientists have used the Hubble telescope to observe the most distant stars and galaxies, as well as the planets in the solar system.
The Hubble projector toy will fill your room with amazing pictures from space.
Features:
Requires 2 x AAA batteries (not included)
Simply assembly required
$27.95
Mens - I need my space. Colour - Black. 100% Cotton$24.95
A fun t-shirt for kids. 100% Cotton.$24.95
100% Cotton. Sizes: 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 and 12.$14.95
Liquid timer displays the mechanics of varying liquids in motion. Discover how different densities of liquid travel through the lighter clear liquid.$12.95
$14.95
Drink your coffee from this iconic NASA mug for a truly out of this world start to the day!$19.95
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to go to the Moon? This beautifuuly illustrated picture book will take you on a journey to find out. You can fly into outer space, walk on the Moon and take a look at our world from a very, very long way away.$6.95
Squish it! Squeeze it!, Squash It!
These cool balls are galactically squishy and can be used to help children to remain calm and focused through the release of stress and excess energy.
Age 5+
$14.95
Immerse your game play into the starry constellations of the night sky. Featuring astrological and mythological illustrations.
Contains: 54 illustrated playing cards
$19.95
A lively story with humorous illustrations, ideal for children who are beginning to read for themselves, or for reading aloud together. With simple rhyming text and phonic repetition, specially designed to develop essential language and early reading skills. Guidance notes for parents are included at the back of the book.$49.95
By (author) Peter Robertson
Hardback
$34.95
Fancy a round-the-world trip, but don’t have the time? Well with this Revolving Globe, it only takes 14 seconds!
With a 30 day spinning life on just one AA battery, The Revolving Globe is the perfect addition to any desk or shelf, and with it’s easy two-part assembly, you’ll be set up to go in less time than it takes to rotate.
Plastic
14-second full rotation
14cm x 14cm x 14.2cm
$9.95
A "selfie" taken by aliens on their most recent visit to "The Dish". Yours to show off on a drink cooler. Artwork by M. Marshall.$14.95
A "selfie" taken by aliens on their most recent visit to "The Dish". Yours to show off on a mug. Artwork by M. Marshall.$39.95
Filled with six of the best-known games from around the world, this set contains hours of fun for both adults and children.
No home should be without any of these classic games.
Set Contains:
Chess - become a master of the classic two player strategy board game
Draughts - refine your diagonal and jumping moves
Backgammon - one of the world's oldest board games
Dominoes - explore the many tile games that have been played for centuries
Pick-up Sticks - a dexterity games of physical and mental skill
Cards - endless games of chance and skill can be played with one pack instruction sheet
$19.95
Build your own rocket launcher! Stomp to launch your rockets over 20 metres into the air!
This fantastic set includes everything you need to launch a rocket! For outdoor use only.
$19.95
Watch the foam ball float and glow in the dark as if it is defying gravity. Perform interesting experiments and learn about Bernoulli's airflow principle.$12.95
Create outer space patterns on your ceiling with this clever projector torch.$29.95
Fitzroy Storm glass - a type of historical weather forecasting device, composed of a sealed glass container, filled with liquid that allows the user to forecast the weather by observing the appearance of the liquid in the glass.$19.95
This fantastic activity book is packed with things to do, so just grab a pen and have fun!$24.95
Blast off into space with this fascinating flap book. Find out how the moon was made, why stars shine and how we know so much about plants that are far, far away.$12.95
Press the buttons to propel the planetary rings and catch them on the posts! Play at night the planetary rings and posts glow in the dark! To reset turn the game upside down to scatter the rings, around the cosmos, so you can start collecting them again!
$29.95
Why is the Milky Way blue? Why isn't a black hole dark? How many stars can you see with your naked eye?
Humans are the only known astronomers in the universe. When we look up at the night sky, we are linked to our ancestors. Away from city lights, we can see what generations of people before us have wondered at and weaved stories around.
But all that will change. The Andromeda Galaxy is rushing towards us at 400,000 kilometres an hour.
When Galaxies Collide will guide you to look at the night sky afresh. It peers 5.86 billion years into the future to consider the fate of Earth and its inhabitants. Will the solution be to live in space without a planet to call home? Will one of the other 100 billion planets spawn life?
Learn how to watch this space.