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The Federation Telescope. A new telescope has been installed at the observatory.  The currently featured  Window The "Mt Pleasant Residents" Window Detail The "Welsh" Window Detail The "Creer" Window The "Ballarat East" Window The "Ballarat City" Window The "IOOF" Window The "Welsh" Window The "Masonic Lodges" Window The "Lucas" Window The "Richards"  Window The "Courier" Window

The Observatory comprises several buildings and telescopes:  The Oddie Room, which houses  a reception area, with adjoining room for an 8-inch (20cm) Reflector- the "Oddie Telescope".  The Baker Hall, which is a large well-equipped meeting room is adorned with eight stained-glass windows. An adjoining room houses a 26-inch (60cm) Reflector-the Baker Telescope. These two buildings were established in 1886 and refurbished during the 1910's.  Both are fitted with roll-off  roofs to expose the telescopes. A third building, the Jelbart Observatory, was opened in 1918. This houses a 5-inch (12.5cm) Refractor, and has a rotating dome and retractable panel.  The Run-off shed is being converted to house an historic 12 inch (30cm) telescope that is thought to belong, originally, to Captain Baker. A building known as the Radio Hut, which dates from  the 1950's, was originally the base for a radio astronomy section which was active at the Observatory for many years.  It now houses mirror-grinding and testing equipment used in our telescope making activities.  The most recent building erected on the site is Brittain House  The complex has potential as an astronomical and historical museum, while retaining its basic function as a working observatory.

The Observatory is located on the corner of Magpie and Cobden Street, Mount Pleasant, Ballarat East and is open every Friday and Saturday evening.

Booklet - "Features of the Ballarat Observatory". This 16-page booklet, covers some of the early history of the Observatory and describes its significant features, namely buildings, telescopes and stained-glass windows. It contains 23 colour photographs, and was professionally designed by Peter Lambert Designs. Available in Ballarat from the Fine Art Gallery, Sovereign Hill and the Tourist Information Centre and in Melbourne from the National Trust Gift Shop in Block Arcade at $10 incl. GST. It can be ordered direct from the Secretary, Ballaarat Astronomical Society, c/- P.O. Box 284, Ballarat 3353 at $10 incl GST (plus postage).

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All photographs and content © Copyright Ballaarat Astronomical Society 1998 .