Macarthur Astronomical Society Inc. Patrons: Dr. Ragbir Bhathal & Professor Bryan Gaensler We are a group of amateur solar, lunar, planetary and deep sky observers and astro-imagers of varying ages and levels of experience, based in South Western Sydney, NSW, Australia. We hold dark sky observing sessions, general meetings (with guest speakers), public viewing and public lectures. We also participate in community events and provide speakers on astronomy for schools and community organisations. Beginners are very welcome. Observing equipment is not essential to joining and assistance is given in purchasing and using a telescope.
Presidents Choice: Member Image of the Week Mare Humorum & Crater Gassendi, The Moon. Image by Roger Powell.
March Meeting- Prof Fred Watson, AM
More than a big white dome - the past, present and future of the AAO.
 Prof.Fred Watson will speak on the future of Australia's largest and most important Optical Telescope.When, in October 1974, Prince Charles launched the 3.9-metre Anglo-Australian Telescope (AAT) with his classic one-liner "I declare this aperture open", few could have imagined the illustrious career that would be carved out by this iconic bi-national instrument. From the outset, the telescope made an impact in the world of astronomy by virtue of its computer control system (the first to be used on a large telescope) and the enthusiasm and dedication of its staff. Today, it is still clever instrumentation and clever people that keep the AAT at the cutting edge of astronomy, despite the advent of telescopes with mirrors twice as big. In this talk, Fred Watson looks at the history and achievements of the AAT, together with those of its smaller sibling, the 1.2-metre UK Schmidt Telescope, and asks what lies ahead for the AAO in a new era of Australian-only operation.
Professor Bryan Gaensler joins MAS
More information about our Patron Bryan Gaensler may be found under Here is a podcast, with Bryan discussing his passion of Magnetism in the Universe. Bryan will be our Keynote Speaker at the November general meeting. Ask an Astronomer  The MAS Forum herein is not available to non-members, but if you have an account on Facebook and would like to ask questions of MAS members or just leave a comment, please visit the Facebook 'Macarthur Astronomical Society' Group. Click on the logo:
Telescopes for Beginners
Novice astronomer? Live in SW Sydney? Purchased an astronomical telescope but unsure of how to use or maintain it? We can provide guidance in understanding your telescope and assist in learning how to use it. Just e-mail MAS at contact@macastro.org.au (or write to P.O. Box 17, Minto, NSW 2566) giving details. We will try to help.
Earth Hour
| Macarthur Astronomical Society Supports Earth Hour. 27th March 2010. Please turn off your lights for one hour at 8.30 pm. Register your commitment at www.earthhour.org.au. Tracking the number of people participating helps show how many of us care. |
MAS In The NewsRead local author and MAS member Bob Bee's 'Heaven's Above' articles in the Macarthur Chronicle newspaper >>here<<. Read UWS astrophysicist and MAS Patron Ragbir Bhathal's articles in the Macarthur Advertiser newspaper >>here<<. "Professor Bryan Gaensler joins MAS" - Macarthur Advertiser >> Here << "Fred Watson Will Give Universe Insights to MAS" - Macarthur Chronicle - >>Here<<
Get MAS on the Move
 The MAS forum can now be reached by members from their mobiles, using the "Tapatalk" app.
For your for iPhone, download the Tapatalk application from the Apple App store. It's free, or if you want full functionality you can buy the AU$3.99 pay version that lets you do everything include send and receive PMs. Download the app through whatever store you'd normally use if you have an Android phone. Tapatalk for Nokia and BlackBerry phones is due out in February 2010. Go to their website to be directed: http://www.tapatalk.com
Once you have it loaded and running on your phone, just search for "Macarthur" and you'll find it. Login to the forum as a member and you're away!
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