This year the Observatory celebrates it’s 135th Birthday!
The Inaugral Oddie Lecture recognises the legacy of James Oddie, who was instrumental in the establishment of the Observatory in 1886.
This event is the first of annual events around the second Friday of May, celebrating the wonderful legacy of previous generations and looking forward to the future.
Come along and explore the Central Highlands Heritage including Industrial and Science Heritage and History.
Special talks, displays and activities over the weekend as well as observing from our historic and modern disability access telescope will be available if clear.
A beautiful crescent Moon will be viewable in the Baker Telescope if clear.
Wheelchair access to the Oddie Room and Baker Hall, Brittain House and also disability Restroom facilities, and the custom built Adcock -Federation disability access telescope, the first public telescope of it’s kind in Australia.
PROGRAM
Friday14th May
2.30 Exhibitions/Displays
6.00pm Dinner
7.00pm The Oddie Lecture -Keynote Address Dr Anne Beggs-Sunter – School of Arts, Federation University Australia. Anne’s research interests are in Australian colonial history, History of Art, Historiography and Cultural History, and heritage studies. Her special research has revolved around the Eureka Stockade and its interpretation.
“The Ladies Picture Show”
Anne’s talk will explore the work of two women in Ballarat, Miss Effie Baker and Miss Margaret Oddie, who were pioneers of the art of photography in the 1890s, and particularly astronomical photography. Effie was the granddaughter of Captain Henry Baker, and Margaret was the adopted daughter of James Oddie, the founder of the Ballarat Observatory.
7.40pm viewing at the Telescopes
Saturday 15th May
2.30 -7.30pm Displays and Exhibitions.
5.00-6.00pm Lecture – Ballarat Municipal Observatory and Museum 1886-2021 – 135th Anniversary Judith Bailey Observatory Manager – The legacy of Gold and the development of our Institutions resulting in a unique Regional Observatory.
6.00-7.30pm Viewing at the telescopes if clear.
Sunday 16th May
2.30-7.30pm Displays and Exhibitions.
5.00-6.00pm Lecture – Discover the Amazing Universe – a Journey of the changing technology which reveals our Universe 1886-2021 +. Judith Bailey Observatory Manager – Constantly changing technology has revealed stunning knowledge about our Universe. Come on a fascinating journey on the “eve” of even further new technology which is coming on line this year and in the near future.
6.00-7.30pm Viewing at the telescopes if clear.
Bookings will be limited by the Covid19 restrictions over the weekend.
