What’s in the Sky in Feb 2026

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Feb 2026

Planets

Keep an eye out for Saturn and Jupiter this Month in the sky this month. Look for the non twinkling objects in parts of the sky the sun traversed earlier in the day.

Saturn: Look west from sunset for about an hour (Saturn is about as bright at the moment as the second brightest star in the Southern Cross. Saturn in within the constellation of Pisces this month.

Jupiter: Will be in the sky from sunset until  about 4am in the constellation of Gemini. It is currently the brightest object in the night sky.  Keep an eye out on February 27th as the Moon will be close by (about 2-3 fingers away when your arm is outstretched).

 

Moon

Phases:

  • Waxing Gibbous
  • 2/2: Full Moon (9.09am AEDT)
  • Waning Gibbous
  • 9/2: Last Quarter (11.43pm AEDT)
  • Waning Crescent
  • 17/2: New Moon (11.01pm AEDT)
  • Waxing Crescent
  • 24/2: First Quarter (11.27pm AEDT)
  • Waxing Gibbous
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  • A dark blue graphic with Moon phases for February 2026: Full Moon, Third Quarter, New Moon, and First Quarter.

Other:

 

 

Keep an eye out for the Plieades in Taurus, wonderful with the unaided eye or in a pair of binouclars.

The Orion Constellation (or saucepan) is a fun one to spot this month. If you have a good pairs of binoculars or telescope check out the Orion nebula (M42)  (note the constellation will be “upside down” compared to this diagram”

 

 

Fauna and Firmament Special Tours

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Tours

Discover Nocturnal Wildlife and the Amazing Universe

The Ballarat Observatory and Golden Nugget Discovery Tours have come together to give you an unforgettable bush and night time experience.

We care for our Environment and Planet Earth.

As the sun sets, the Australian bush at Woowookarung Regional Park comes alive, a chance to encounter, depending on their being present on the  night, some local wildlife such as Kangaroos, Koalas, Possums, Gliders, Owls, Frogs, Bats, and other night wild life and then to look through telescopes at the Observatory to discover the wonders of the night sky and why the night is so important for all life.

If cloudy, an alternative program is provided including Astrotour movies about Astronomy and a virtual tour of the night sky.

The first part of the Tour begins 1 hour before sunset, and then participants arrive at the Ballarat Observatory 1.5 hours after sunset for viewing through the telescopes.

If cloudy, a virtual tour of the  night sky  will be presented along with 3D movies.

Bookings can be made up to 2 days prior to the Tour. Places are limited.

Costs for Groups up to 6 people

$75 Adults

$65 Concession Seniors Card, Pensioner, Student Over 15 yrs.

$55 Children up to 15yrs

$200 Family (2A 2-3Children)

BOOK ONLINE  call on 0429 199 312 to arrange a day and time.

BOOKING CONDITIONS

 Failure to meet the guide on the day of departure without prior notification will incur a 100% cancellation fee.  If the tour operator cancels the tour, the tour operator will refund all monies payed by the customer.  With prior notification, Rescheduling and Refunds are available for changed circumstances.

Ballarat Observatory and Golden Nugget Discovery Tours shall be exempt from all liability, delay, loss, damage, sickness or injury however caused occurring of or to the passenger at any time while participating in any Tour or related activity and passengers will travel with the understanding that these conditions are accepted prior to departure. Travel insurance is recommended. The management retains the right to alter fares, itineraries, days of operation, and cancel tours for any unforeseen circumstance.

Bookings are tailored for each date, ring to ask for other dates not listed on the below link. Co-ordination of both parties is required before booking can go ahead.