Coming Up
Observing nights are dependent on weather conditions.
Entry is dependent on your proof of vaccination.
| DATE | EVENT | DETAILS | TIME |
| Sat 27th Nov | Stargard CANCELLED | Members private observing | SS 7.48 pm MR 1.49 am |
| Sat 4th Dec | Stargard | Members private observing | SS 7.54 pm New Moon 6.45 pm |
| Mon 6th Dec | Macarthur Astronomy Forum Online | Prof. Geraint Lewis (USyd) | 7.15 pm for 7.30 pm start |
| Sat 1st Jan | Stargard (provisional) | Members private observing | SS 8.11 pm MR 4.42 am |
| Sat 8th Jan | Stargard (provisional) | Members private observing | SS 8.12 pm MS 12.12 am |
December Forum
Prof Geraint Lewis
From the Quantum to the Cosmos.
Modern physics is split in two.
To explain the large-scale Universe, we talk of the curved and expanding spacetime of Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity. For the small-scale, we talk about probabilities and uncertainties and the language of quantum mechanics.
Whilst these two pillars of physics are both supremely accurate and immensely powerful theories, they are, at heart, incompatible. But to understand the past, present and future history of the universe, we must get these two theories to play nicely together.
In this talk, Geraint Lewis will take you on a journey over eternity, exploring where and how the quantum and the cosmos have worked to shape the universe around us.
He will also confront what we are yet to learn, from cosmic dawn to the ultimate twilight, in our quest to understand the Universe.
Monday 6th December, online for members only.
(Forums are held earlier in the month in December)
Time: 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start.
Announcement
New Awards
The number of astro-photographers within the Society has grown in recent years.
In recognition of this, the committee will instigate the MAS Annual Photographic Excellence Awards for the best astronomical images taken during the year and posted on the website’s Astro-Image Gallery before 1st January each year.
Mark Johnston
The awards are aimed at encouraging members to fully utilise the Gallery and to inspire astro-imaging excellence among our members.
The judge(s) will establish the criteria and number of awards. The awards will be announced each year at the January Macarthur Astronomy Forum.
Only logged on MAS members can post images on the website gallery and the images must be their own work.
The MAS Astro-Image Gallery was created in April 2021 and eighty-four images have been posted to the Gallery this year so far.
The Annual Photographic Excellence Awards will follow the tradition of the MAS Messier Awards and the MAS Membership Awards.
Messier Awards have been issued in the past for observational astronomers who log 30, 60, 90 & 100 Messier Object views, using the star-hopping method. Whilst observational astronomy has waned a little with the rise of photography, these awards are still available to eyepiece astronomers. Any member who is interested should discuss the requirements with John Rombi. These awards may be presented at any monthly Forum.
MAS also issues awards at the AGM for continuous membership of 5, 10, 15, 20 & 25 years.
John Rombi
President
Partial Solar Eclipse 4th December
The partial solar eclipse occurring at New Moon on 4th December, will not be visible in Macarthur. It can be seen only in Tasmania and parts of Victoria, requiring a clear western horizon view just prior to sunset.
Weather Now
Before an observing session, check these regional webcams for current conditions:
Stargard Observing Nights
Update for Members
We are now cleared for members to return to our observing field, Stargard at The Oaks. There are some stipulations and there will be no exceptions. These are the conditions as set down by the NSW Government.
- If you feel unwell, please stay at home.
- Before you unpack, please see John or Noel.
- We will have a QR code sheet for you to register your attendance.
- We will also require your proof of double vaccination.
- This may be either in paper form from the Medicare website, or the electronic version from Services NSW.
- If you are unable to present this information, you will not be allowed to attend.
If you are in any doubt about your ability to use the QR logon or provide proof of your double vaccination, please contact John or Noel prior to the day. If you are not double vaccinated for covid-19, please do not travel!
Members Interactive
Imaging
Post your images and get your own gallery page!
Photo Gallery #1 For your best astro-images
Photo Gallery #2 For your MAS images.
Log on to post your images.
Resources
Members Articles. Compose an article for fellow members to read.
List of Over 100 members contributions
Guidelines
Citizen Science
Your computer is bored! Use its idle computer time and help professional astronomers do real science!
Number crunch with the MAS Team.
Star Hopping
How many Messier objects have you logged? MAS awards certificates for 30, 60, 90 & 100 views.
Members Notices
Membership & Followers
| 136 Society Members | 1508 Facebook followers | 207 Twitter followers |
Management Committee 2021-22
President: John Rombi.
Vice-President: Noel Sharpe; Secretary: Richard Curley; Treasurer: Andy Milton.
Mentoring & Outreach: Phillip Kidd; Telescope Custodian: Greg Bradford; Membership: Dave Manning.
Logging On
Members require an e-mail address to log on to the advanced facilities of this website. Where households share the same e-mail address, only one username is possible.
If you experience any problems logging on, please contact webmaster@macastro.org.au
Don’t forget to tell us if your e-mail address changes. E-mail is our primary means of direct communication with all our members. Please contact us with your new details at membership@macastro.org.au.
Stargard
In the event of a doubtful weather forecast, events may be either cancelled, postponed or brought forward. If an event is in doubt, before setting out, members should check both here and our social media pages.
Members must contact John Rombi to reserve a place before travelling. Members attending must comply with strict physical distancing rules and other public health requirements. Masks are preferred.
Stargard sessions are normally scheduled for Saturdays, because we recognise the need of members who may have weekday jobs to go to. In the event of poor conditions, Stargard sessions will be postponed or even brought forward and may be held on any day. See also our Observing page and Field Etiquette page.