![\"\"](\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/02\/Observatory02_69072.jpg\")
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“And by the end of it the moon will be rising, so it will be like ‘I love you to the moon and back’,” she said.<\/p>\n
Ms McLoughlin said the Jelbart telescope in the purpose-built dome building and a 16-inch Coverdale reflector telescope will be used for the viewings.<\/p>\n
The night’s education program will focus on learning about the ‘partners’, as well as gazing upon them and others with and without a telescope.<\/p>\n
The strictly 18-plus event is open to a maximum of 36 people, or 18 couples, who can book their place through the observatory website at ballaratobservatory.org.au\/event\/valentines-days-a-late-night-under-the-stars-2025.<\/p>\n
Bookings can be made up until about 6pm on the day.<\/p>\n
If weather conditions \u2013 particularly clouds \u2013 rule out the stargazing, indoor activities will be substituted. Participants will also be able to take a raincheck for future events.<\/p>\n
“It won’t be Valentine’s Day, but people will still be able to do the viewings,” Ms McLoughlin said.<\/p>\n
The observatory is in Cobden Street, Mount Pleasant.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
WITH Valentine’s Day happening next Friday, the Ballarat Municipal Observatory and Museum is offering couples an opportunity to celebrate their love with some late-night stargazing. From 10pm to 11.30pm, participants will be able to view Mars and Jupiter \u2013 which will be sitting high in the sky \u2013 along with three ‘partners’ while the centre […]<\/p>\n