10th- 16th August 2024

Is there a Planet B?

We live on a beautiful planet, one capable of supporting human, animal and plant life. Is it the only one? Is there a planet B out there?

We have a range of events aimed at different ages and at different price points. See the schedule and further details including booking links below.

Schools can also book for a private session day or night outside of these times, direct school enquiries to education@ballaratobservatory.org.au

Saturday 10th

• 7.00pm-8.30: Viewing at the telescopes + Exoplanet Presentation

Tuesday 13th 

• 4.00pm-5.30pm: The how behind finding planet B.
• 7.00pm-8.30: Viewing at the telescopes + Exoplanet Presentation (SOLD OUT)

Thursday 15th 

• 4.00pm-5.30pm: The how behind finding planet B.
• 5.00pm-8.00pm: Fauna and Firmament
• 7.00pm-8.30: Viewing at the telescopes + Exoplanet Presentation

Friday 16th

• 6.00pm Dinner with Rob
• 7.00pm: Feature Event with Australian Astrophysicist: Rob Wittenmyer
• 8.00pm: Supper
• 8:15pm: Viewing at the telescopes.

ALL EVENTS REQUIRE PRIOR BOOKING. Book your tickets now.

What does

FEATURE EVENT:

Hear from Australian Astrophysicist, Rob Wittenmyer about how his facility Minerva Australis is contributing to our knowledge of planets outside of solar system. Rob will be visiting for ONE NIGHT ONLY, so this a talk not to be missed. Optional Extras include: Dinner, Supper and viewing at the telescopes.

Fauna and Firmament

We often look up to the stars to search for life and often miss the amazing animal life right beneath our feet. We’ve joined forces with Golden Nugget Discovery Tours are joining forces to present to you an extraordinary dual journey – a nocturnal wildlife exploration paired with an insightful night sky viewing. This combination will surely appeal to both nature enthusiasts and space lovers.  You’ll be led through the rustling foliage by a seasoned guide, who will help you safely navigate and hopefully encounter a selection of the unique nocturnal creatures that call the bush their home. Depending on their nocturnal activities and presence, you may come face-to-face with Kangaroos, Wallabies, Possums, Gliders, Owls, Frogs, Bats, and other captivating nighttime wildlife. Then you’ll return to the Ballarat Observatory to view the wonderful cosmos above through our telescopes and discuss the possibilities for life on other planets.

Fauna and Firmament Numbers are limited and close 5 days prior to the session.

Viewing at the telescopes + Exoplanet Presentation

Gaze the beauty of various celestial objects through some of our telescopes. Visitors to the Tuesday and Thursday evening session will also be treated to a view of  stunning first quarter moon. You’ll also get watch the short astrotour movie: Expedition Earth and learn more about the search for planets outside of our Solar System (exoplanet). Note: If it is cloudy, the event will still go ahead with a tour of the observatory in place of telescope viewing.

The how behind finding planet B.

We used to know about only one Planet Earth, and then our understanding grew when we found the 8 planets of the Solar System. In the last 30-40 years over 5,500 planets have been found by human scientists but they haven’t all been found the same way. This session will include the astrotour movie Expedition Earth, A presentation on exoplanets and discussion and activities to help you learn all about the ways we find planets around other stars.

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BAS have been running Science Week events since 2002.