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. 

Macarthur Astronomy Forum - Monday May 21st

The next Macarthur Astronomy Forum will be held at the University of Western Sydney, Campbelltown. Acknowledgements to UWS for their support of the Macarthur Astronomy Forum.  Location: Building 21, LT 6 Date: Monday  21st May at 7.30 pm.  Guest Speaker: Professor Fred Watson Topic: "In the face of The Sun" (The June 2012 Venus Transit)

 July event: "m a g n i t u d e   II   -  Skies Over Macarthur"

photography & telescope display - Campbelltown Arts Centre

Macarthur Astronomical Society are proud to host our second "m a g n i t u d e" event at the wonderful Campbelltown Arts Centre from Saturday the 7th to Sunday 8th of July 2012. We will be displaying examples of members astrophotography taken in and around the Macarthur area, as well as a telescope display. We hope the weather will hold so that we can offer members of the public a view of the Sun through specialised solar telescopes from the forecourt during the day. A full-colour display will be projected on to the side of the building at night - from dusk until 12:00 midnight - on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.   << Click on image to view at larger size

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": Image Of The Week

Centaurus A - Tony Law

Astro-Dates to watch

How will you observe the transit of Venus and Solar eclipse? See our "What's On" page.

The Square Kilometre Array

Follow the "Articles" menu above to "Square Kilometre Array", 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 DVD: "m a g n i t u d e   II"

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

There is now a "Facebook" menu on this site. It displays the list of conversations currently taking place on our Facebook Wall. Click on "goto group" to actually go there and enter your own comments. (Moderated)

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.