Australia: News and Views

In a couple of days (21st July local time) it will the 40th anniversary of the Apollo moon landings. What is not as well known is that Australia was an important part of the NASA infrastructure that saw man walk on the moon. Being “down under” was critical because observatories in Australia could cover communications with the space missions while Florida was on the wrong side of the world to have line of sight contact.

Of the three original tracking stations in Australia: Carnavon, Honeysuckle Creek and Parkes - only Parkes radio telescope is still in operation, and well worth a visit if you are interested.

The other well known connection that Australia has with Nasa - is that Ausralia is where Skylab ended up-  parts of the space station broke up and hit earth in remote Western Australia - driving the Nullarbor you will see some of the remnants in roadhouse museums!

The clear air and wide open spaces still attract both amateur and professional astronomers to Australia - but he romance and excitement of the moon landings has long gone. What is sure though when man does land on the moon again - Australia will be part of the communications team!

Its all about perception people! According to the Guardian Britian is has declared a “level 3 heatwave ” - its gonna hit 32C - make sure you stay inside people.  Sorry but hello world? Mild is how Perth weather forecasters describe low 30 temperatures. To get a description of hot in Australia - it has to be over 40C. To make the newspapers it has to be over 40C either a)in Tasmania or b) for more than a few days- 10 was Perth’s record last Christmas.

The crazy thing is that the overnight minimum temperatures are only 18C - your house shouldnt be getting that hot at those temperatures - assuming the Brits know to open up all the doors and windows and night and keep them closed during the day - duh! Also avoid wearing too many clothes - why do you think Aussie women don’t wear nylons! Shoes and socks are a pretty bad idea too!

My number one tip - and this works when the overnight temperature is 25C - is have a cold shower - and don’t dry off afterwards - walk around naked. Or shower in your clothes - its called evaporation and it definitly works!