Ballarat Municipal Observatory

04/06/2026

Amazing!

The largest magnetic map of the Universe ever produced – five times larger than all previous efforts combined – marks the beginning of a new generation of research into the field of intergalactic magnetism.

Magnetic fields influence how galaxies grow, how matter moves through space, and how the Universe has evolved over billions of years.

The new map was produced by an international team led by researchers at CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, and the SKA Observatory (SKAO), an intergovernmental organisation building two of the world’s largest radio telescopes.

​Scientists have produced a map of the Universe’s magnetic fields revealing an invisible cosmic web that shapes how galaxies form and evolve.

30/04/2026

This year marks 140 years of the Ballarat Observatory! Join us for our FREE Celebration. Bookings are required so we can ensure each session is not overcrowded. https://www.trybooking.com/DLONO .
More information can be found at: https://ballaratobservatory.org.au/events/140th-anniversary-9th-may-2026/

06/04/2026

Impact Flash!
Impact Flash! is a citizen science project where anyone (including you!) can observe the Moon to search for impact flashes.
Impact flashes are split-second flares of light that are visible on the darkened hemisphere of the Moon when a meteoroid hits the lunar surface and vaporizes. We need your help to find and study these flashes during the Artemis II mission and beyond.

Impact Flash! is a citizen science project where anyone (including you!) can observe the Moon to search for impact flashes.

21/02/2026

What a brilliant night for stargazing. 🌘🌌

09/02/2026

Bookings are now open for our Valentines event. This event has sold out the last two years so book in quick. We don't want you to miss out.
Note: This event is strictly 18+

29/01/2026

They are back for 2026!

Experience the beauty of the southern sky with the 2026 Astronomy Calendar, featuring award-winning images from the 2025 David Malin Awards, Australia’s premier astrophotography competition Astronomy Calendar 2026.

Each month showcases stunning night-sky photography alongside practical observing information, including moon phases, major astronomical events and seasonal sky guides designed for southern hemisphere observers.

Printed in a landscape format (297 × 210 mm), this calendar combines striking imagery with a clean, modern layout—perfect for homes, offices or observatories.

Experience the beauty of the southern sky with the 2026 Astronomy Calendar, featuring award-winning images from the 2025 David Malin Awards, Australia’s premier astrophotography competition Astronomy Calendar 2026.

20/01/2026

Very bright if clear skies.
ASWFC AURORA ALERT
ISSUED AT 1323 UT on 20 Jan 2026
SEVERE GEOMAGNETIC STORM IN PROGRESS. AURORA MAY BE OBSERVED DURING LOCAL NIGHT TIME HOURS IN GOOD OBSERVING CONDITIONS AT REGIONS AS FAR EQUATORWARD AS MIDDLE LATITUDES.

09/01/2026

Due to the current fire events around the state: We have made the decision to cancel all of tommorow's sessions for the safety of our staff, volunteers and vistors. Anyone who has purchased tickets will be contacted and offered a refund or raincheck.

Stay safe everyone.

05/01/2026

We are back for 2026! Bookings are now open for all of events for the rest of the school holidays.

30/12/2025

Quasar have produced hard copy Astronomy Year Books from 1991 - 2025.
2026 will not have a hard copy print but they are offering a free digital copy.

Welcome to Astronomy 2026, a digital edition. Last year, we produced our final (2025) printed yearbook. This PDF edition contains somewhat less of our regular information; there are no feature articles, no outer planet satellite information and no minor planet or comet information. There are only on...