Macarthur Astronomical Society Inc.

patron: Professor Bryan Gaensler (University of Sydney)

Welcome! We are a group of amateur astronomers of varying levels of experience, based in South Western Sydney, NSW, Australia. We hold dark sky observing sessions for members, invite distinguished professional astronomers to address our monthly meetings at the University of Western Sydney and hold public viewing and public lectures. We also participate in community events and provide speakers on astronomy for community organisations.

Beginners are encouraged to become involved. Observing equipment is not essential to joining, so long as you have an interest in astronomy. Assistance is given in purchasing and using a telescope. Visit our 'Join MAS' page for benefits of membership and our 'What's On' page for details of our activities.

Activities

The Macarthur Astronomy Forum will continue throughout the year on the third Monday of the month and will open to non-members as usual. We also hope to hold another of our popular " m a g n i t u d e " public viewing nights soon. For details of all our upcoming activities - for members and for the public - please visit our "What's On" page, from the above menu.

Prime Focus Magazine - start your collection now!

MAS is very happy to announce that Prime Focus is back in printed form - this time in glorious high quality colour. This makes it not only easier to read, but allows you to build your own collection of our society's history. Current single issues will be available for sale in limited numbers at $6 each on MAS Forum evenings.  Back-issues are available for the June, July, August, September, (October SOLD OUT) and November 2011 editions. They will all be $6 each and available from our Merchandise Officer, Stewart on the night. Judging by the take-up for last month's edition, please be quick to secure your copy.

"Presidents Choice": Member Image Of The Week

Astro-Dates to watch

 The Square Kilometre Array

Follow the menu above - "SKA", to find out why Australia should be granted rights to develop the SKA here in Australia as well as New Zealand. It will be the greatest leap forward ever in instrumentation to explore the Universe.

A preview of our newest DVD

Please enjoy a five minute preview of our second thirty minute DVD in glorious 16:9 full-screen HD. It contains additional AVI and iPhone/iPod/iPad versions on the disc. Click on the image below to watch. You may need Apple's Quicktime player browser plugin on your PC. Please try to listen through good speakers or headphones in full stereo. All images have been taken by MAS members, past and present.

You can also see MAS on YouTube > Here <

Ask An Astronomer

Non-members who have an account on Facebook and would like to ask astronomical questions of MAS members or just leave a comment, please visit the Facebook 'Macarthur Astronomical Society' Group. Click on the logo.

Purchased an astronomical telescope but unsure of how to use it? We can assist in learning how to use it. Just e-mail MAS at contact@macastro.org.au giving details.

Sponsors & Advertisers

The Society will lease advertising space on this website (similar to below) and in our monthly electronic journal Prime Focus magazine for a very reasonable price. Please e-mail us at contact@macastro.org.au for details. 

We are also seeking sponsorship for the Macarthur Astronomy Forum, the Society's flagship monthly meeting which attracts professional astronomers from around the world.