With Stars in their Eyes

For those of you who were lucky enough to be at my end of the world last week, you might have noticed an unusually orange Moon and a very bright star beside it. After heading out to take a curious snap shot, I learned that the star was in fact Jupiter. That got me thinking about the stars and the planets, and that maybe I should visit my local observatory, which then (as always) lead me to an exciting Fun Learning Adventure that I should totally write about on the blog!

So I headed down to the Ballarat Observatory to be greeted by some friendly members who kindly took the time to show me around their grounds, look at all of their equipment, admire the buildings and structures and basically gave me permission to gaze at the stars.

What I learned was quite remarkable; not only is the sky open for viewing, but the history that lies within the observatory, it's buildings and equipment, is incredibly fascinating. Many of the buildings date back to the 1800s and it is the oldest working observatory in Australia. Some of the buildings are graced with the most beautiful donated stained glass windows that enthusiasts from all over the world come to visit.

Much of the equipment held within the observatory is custom built and also holds a wealth of historical information. The observatory is lucky enough to own some of the oldest pieces of telescopic equipment in the southern hemisphere that are still operational today. Inside the dome the roof opens up to the heavens and viewers can climb the rickety old ladder to view the stars in the night sky. New facilities, buildings and telescopes have been added over the generations and there is something for everyone to see and enjoy.

There's even mokey bars for the kids! Actually, it's not, this contraption is known as a Pipehenge (yes, just like Stone Henge). Each of the bars represents some point of local astronomy (the path of the sun during the seasons, the location of the Southern Cross and the latitude of town among other things). It's really quite an intriguing artefact.

The observatory is open Tuesday to Saturday for night time viewings and 3D Movies, and the 3rd Rock Cafe is open Friday and Saturday. They also have a gift shop with books, souveniers and scientific implements to take home.

Bookings can be made by heading to their website http://observatory.ballarat.net/, this will ensure there is someone available to give you their undivided attention, and you can even request a private booking with the gates shut behind you for full run of the grounds and uniterrupted star gazing.

Not only are you able to book veiwing sessions and tours, but they also have some really exciting family and enthusiast events coming up too!

• The Introduction to Astronomy Course starts March 2nd - 23rd March
• Professor Fred Watson's Book Launch & Signing is on March 18
• Starry Autumn Night is on March 30. This is a big family night with activities for everyone! Starry Nights events run every season throughout the year.

There is so much to learn about the universe and a trip to the observatory is a fabulous family outing that everyone can find an interest in. It could be a great way to engage your kids into reading and researching more about the stars and planets and galaxies far far away, and it's a great real life experience that provides solid ground for any projects that come up in class. And who doesn't love a 3D Movie???

Admission Prices include 3D Movies, Tour of the Grounds and Telescopes and Viewing:

Adult - $15

Concession - $10

Child - $6

Family - $40

We have a FREE FAMILY PASS to give away to one lucky family in, or visiting, the Ballarat Region. Click here to enter.

For information about the Ballarat Observatory and Museum visit their website.

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