Honeysuckle Creek Tracking Station
Posted by: 
Tealby
S 35° 35.005 E 148° 58.607
55H E 679106 N 6060456
17 March 2007 marked the 40th Anniversary of the opening of Honeysuckle Creek Tracking Station. It was built especially to support the Apollo moon landings, and was officially opened in 1967 by the Prime Minister of the day, Harold Holt.
Waymark Code: WM1GCA
Location: Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Date Posted: 05/03/2007
Views: 63
Sadly, the end of an era came in 1981. Honeysuckle Creek was closed. Economics and Honeysuckle’s isolated location meant that it made sense to consolidate the work at the Deep Space Station at Tidbinbilla (a separate waymark - WM15T5).
After much vandalism the site was finally cleared. The Honeysuckle Creek site is now preserved with steel panels displaying some of the station’s activities and achievements. There is a nearby picnic area for visitors to enjoy after they have visited the static display.
Don't forget to go up the hill to check out the information on using the Southern Cross to find south.
I have also created an EarthCache on this site (GC11FNJ) recognising the spectacular geology in the area.
Observatory Purpose: Research
Optical / Infrared Telescopes?: No
Radio Telescopes?: No
Solar Telescopes?: No
Open to the Public?: Yes
Is this a Club Observatory?: No
Public Viewing Allowed?: Yes
Active Observatory?: Retired
Number of Telescopes or Antennas: 3 to 5
Site URL: [Web Link]
Year Dedicated or Opened: 1967
Altitude (meters): Not Listed
|
Visit Instructions:Note the time of day of your visit, and your own photo of your favorite part of the observatory. This might be the view from the observatory, picture of your favorite building or favorite exhibit. (Be mindful of flash photography rules!)
If you participated in an observing session, let everyone know what you saw!