About
| About MAS |
A Welcome to Macarthur Astronomical Society, from the PresidentM.A.S. was established in January 1996 and is a very active and friendly club. You are most welcome to come along to our monthly meetings - the Macarthur Astronomy Forum - and hear our great guest speakers, or perhaps join us beneath a dark and starry sky when we hold our public nights. There you can take advantage of our members wide range of telescopes and their astronomical knowledge and information. Our principle activities are (i) the Macarthur Astronomy Forum; (ii) Members private observing nights; and (iii) public outreach. Everyone is welcome, you don't have to have a telescope, all you need is curiosity. Let us help you see your universe in a way you thought was never possible.
Onwards... but mostly upwards! Macarthur Astronomy ForumA regular meeting for members and visitors is held monthly at the University of Western Sydney Campbelltown Campus - details are always posted on our "What's On" page. General discussion is carried out at these meetings, followed by a guest speaker, usually a distinguished amateur or professional astronomer, who will address the gathering on a topic of astronomical interest. UWS students and members of the public are very welcome to come. Members Observing NightsRegular field nights for members are held at two dark sky sites in southwest Sydney. These sites are called "Stargard" and "The Forest." Observing dates are listed on the "What's On" page. You will require your own transport. Maps to these sites are located under the menu "About MAS". Members will be contacted by Private Message if the events are in doubt due to poor weather conditions. Tips on observing will be shared, introductions to new aids or equipment and an opportunity to test-drive different telescopes. Owners of new equipment can be offered guidance and experience. Details are noted in our magazine "Prime Focus" from time to time, and may also be found detailed in the calendar and 'Whats On' page. The community-minded support of UWS in allowing the Society to hold our monthly general meetings on campus at Campbelltown is gratefully acknowledged. MapsMaps indicating the location of the Macarthur Astronomy Forum and Members Observing Nights are available on the web-site under "About" > "Maps - Where to find us" Public Observing NightsFor many years we have held public observing nights at the UWS Rotary Observatory, in collaboration with the University of Western Sydney. We also hold public nights at The Dudley Chesham Sportsground, The Oaks. Community Observing NightsWe hold special viewing nights for Schools, Scout Groups and other community groups on request. We are dedicated to promoting astronomical awareness to the Macarthur community. A gold coin donation is all that it takes. MAS warmly welcomes all whom are interested to come along and share this great thing we call "our universe" in all it's beauty and wonder. Section LeadersTo foster specific interests within the Society, section leaders have been appointed. If you are thinking to take up a particular aspect of Astronomy, then these people will be glad to help you. Awards for achieving observing targets and gaining experience are given by the section leaders. ManagementThe day to day running of the Society is carried out on behalf of the members by the annually elected management committee. FinancialWe are a 'not-for-profit' organisation - our public outreach events are usually free. Our income is mainly from membership fees, supplemented by merchandise sales and donations.
Our financial year begins on 1st March each year. Whilst government regulations exclude the requirement to audit the Society's accounts, our books are audited annually and the Auditor's report is included in an annual report, presented to members prior to the AGM.
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