SPECIAL EVENT Close approach of 2001 FO32 March 2oth two sessions. The Observatory will open from 10.00pm. Ballarat is well placed to observe this close approach. It will be closest on Sunday night about 9pm but by then it is too low. You need good binoculars or a telescope. The Observatory will be open to […]
Afternoon Program 2.30-4.30pm Day program - BYO Afternoon Tea, Cold Drinks available. Astronomy activities, History Tour, Astronomy Storytime. Astronomy Movies about the Solar System and the Little Things in our Solar System. Day Program Book Online Evening Program- Program is guided by the weather :) 5.30-7.30pm Night Program Tour Short Astronomy Talk Movies to suit […]
This event is now on Friday 16th July due to Covid19. Hopefully all will be okay! Celebrate the prelude to the Winter Solstice with a night of food cooked over fire served under the stars at the historic Ballarat Observatory. A night of mulled wine, forest walks, bouillabaisse served from a cauldron, wines from Pyrenees […]
Cancelled -Possibly coming in 2022 20th August - Now Full 17th September Come and join us for Full Moon Feast, the second of our Fire and Stars series, celebrating the Full Moon with Jupiter and Saturn in close proximity. A night of food cooked over fire served under the moon at the historic Ballarat Observatory. […]
4.30pm - 5.30pm - OzGrav Astronomers and PHD students from Swinburne University Get hands-on with interactive activities about black holes, neutron stars and gravitational waves. Try some virtual reality to take you out into space. Grab a virtual planet and see if you can throw it into orbit around a black hole as you learn […]
'Our Sun' -Special Science Week Event - 28th August Covid lockdown has cancelled some of our activities for the launch of Science Week and BIFB events but we will, still go ahead with an online presentation. 2.00-3.00pm: Online Zoom presentation using a Hydrogen Alpha Filter to look at the Sun with Dr Russell Cockman. Russell […]
We are very excited to be hosting VASTROC 2021 in Ballarat 1-2 October. Due to the current Restrictions, BAS are planning all the lectures on Zoom, so that no one who would like to attend will miss out! Victoria Astronomy Convention VASTROC is a biennial conference for Amateur Astronomers from around Victoria. The 18th VASTROC […]
17th - 24th December selected nights. C/2021 A1 (Leonard) - A Christmas Comet! Come along and join in with one of nature's spectacular events, as Comet Leonard approaches close to Earth over the lead up to Christmas. Viewing of other objects as well. Christmas shopping in our Science Shop open until late Christmas Eve, […]
Bookings Essential Monday 20th and Wednesday 22nd December Only 8.30-9.30pm View Point Lake Wendouree C/2021 A1 (Leonard) - A Christmas Comet! Come along and join in with one of nature's spectacular events, as Comet Leonard approaches close to Earth over the lead up to Christmas. Hopefully it will be naked eye object but as […]
Summer School Holiday Program From 11th January to 29th January Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday. 5.00-7.00pm Day Program Looking for something to do in the holidays? The Observatory will run our Nerdy Science Activities through the School holidays. Astronomy activities for children and adults! Learn about different types of telescopes, water rocket launching and more, safe […]
1st February - 8th April Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday. Times vary as Sunset times vary The Observatory is open for General Public visits on the listed days, group bookings are available at other times. These dates can include special events listed separately under events. Saturday afternoon only includes activities for children - times vary according to […]
Monday 16th May The International Day of Light is held on May 16th every year, the anniversary of the first successful operation of the laser in 1960 by physicist and engineer, Theodore Maiman. The laser is a perfect example of how a scientific discovery can yield revolutionary benefits to society in communications, healthcare and many […]