21st September – 5th October 2024
Looking for something to do in the school holidays? We’ve got a range of different events on this school holidays:
Checkout one of our usual school holiday programs designed for you and the family, this Spring about our closest star, the Sun.
or Try one of our special events: Introduction to Astronomy Course, SciVR with OzGrav, or Fauna and Firmament.
What’s on?
Introduction to Astronomy (ITA2024)
21st September ONLY – Course 5.15pm – 9.15pm 12yrs-99yrs
After a break due to Covid we are re-introducing our ITA Course for beginners. Ever wanted to learn more about the mysteries of the cosmos – where did it all begin? what is light? what is an Astronomical Unit? how do stars form? what are black holes?
1 x 2024 Astronomy Yearbook per Family current to end of 2024. Numbers restricted to small group. Includes practical work. Includes Refreshments Tea, Coffee, Milo in breaks. BYO Dinner/Picnic or order with booking to partake in Chinese Takeaway for Dinner.
Is this course is right for me?
This course is suitable for Ages 12-99 Years. No prior background in mathematics or physics is required
How do I book?
Click this link:ITA2024 BOOKINGS HERE
I would like more information:
Our friendly team would be happy to answer any inquiries you may have. To get in touch, you can send us an email over at info@ballaratobservatory.org.au
Evening Sessions
Our evening sessions involve a tour of the historic observatory, a short Astrotour movie about the solar system and the Sun and finished with wonderful star gazing with our modern telescopes. If the weather is cloudy, a virtual night sky tour will run instead of telescope viewing. We recommend bringing a water bottle, insect repellent and dress for the snow. ( You can always take off 1 layer if we have blast from the Sth Pole) Saturn is now in the evening sky.
Sat 21/9: 8.00pm-9.30pm
Tues 24/9: 6.30pm-8.30pm
Thurs 26/9: 8.00pm-9.30pm
Sat 28/9: 8.30pm 10.00pm
Thurs 3/10: 6.30pm-8.30pm
Daytime Sessions: Sunny Fun:
Astronomical Spring starts on Sunday the 22nd of September meaning more sun for us! Hooray! Learn about the layers of the Sun, the different layers of the Sun and weather permitting, observe the sun safely for yourself. We recommend bringing a water bottle, sunscreen and layers.
Sat 21/9 10.30am-12pm
Tues 24/9 3.00pm-4.30pm
Thurs 26/9 3.00pm-4.30pm
Sat 28/9: 3.00pm-4.30pm
Tues 1/10: 3.00pm-4.30pm
Thurs 3/10 3.00pm-4.30pm
Fri 4/10 2.20pm-4.00pm
Sat 5/10 2.00pm-4.00pm
th
t is intended
to be invisible
World Space Week Kick off events (4/10-10/10)
Friday October 4th:
- 1.00-2.00pm SCIVR Session with OzGrav – VR tours, badge making, and puzzle sheets
Saturday October 5th:
Fauna and Firmament in partnership with Golden Nugget Discovery Tours. – 5.30pm-8.30pm
As the sun sets, the Australian bush comes alive, a chance to encounter, depending on them being present on the night, some local wildlife such as Kangaroos, Possums, Gliders, Owls, Frogs, Bats, Kookaburra’s and other night wild life and then to look through telescopes at the Observatory to discover the wonders of the night sky and discuss with astronomers the prospect of life on other worlds. If cloudy a virtual night sky tour or lecture will replace telescope viewing.