Financial Members only, bookings essential
For members who share an interest in improving their expertise, we conduct workshops for financial members of the Society in both Visual Astronomy and Imaging Astronomy.
- Workshops are held at The Oaks (please see map below).
- For dates and times please see the Event Diary on the Notice Board page.
- For MAS financial members only.
- Please wear your membership identification card.
We cater for all levels from beginners to experienced. Whether it’s your first telescope; a mobile on a tripod; or advanced gear; our experienced mentors are there to help.
Workshops are a great opportunity for you to:
- put into practice what you learnt at our Astro Imaging Group;
- meet other members (and for us to meet you);
- find your way around the sky; and
- learn how to get the most out of your equipment.
Location
Our workshops are usually held at Dudley Chesham Sports Ground, The Oaks.
Actual location within the grounds might vary, you will be further advised by email closer to the date.
When you arrive you will be directed to drive to your position. You must not drive on damp grass nor should you exceed 5 kph.
Time
Please ensure that you arrive on or before the start time designated in the e-mail you will receive. We will spend the period before sunset assisting you to set up your telescope and discussing how best to operate it.
Viewing The Night Sky
We start workshops a bit earlier before sunset than the normal Stargard sessions so there is ample time to set up in daylight.
As the brightest stars begin to appear (about thirty minutes after sunset), we will help you to find the Moon and any planets that may be currently visible.
As it gets darker we will move on to finding some deep sky objects, such as double stars, globular clusters, planetary nebulae, open clusters, gas nebulae or galaxies.
Beginner astro-imagers should start on large, bright objects (like the moon and bright nebulae – Orion, Eta Carina, Lagoon).
The MAS mentors will not be bringing their own equipment – this is all about you bringing and learning to use your own gear, sorting out problems and having a fun time under the stars.
Weather
Workshops are weather dependent. If conditions are in doubt due to inclement weather, please always check the Notice Board page, Facebook or your email inbox for announcements before leaving home.
Entry
Registration is essential.
Admission is for MAS financial members only and is free, but you need to register all members in your party to workshops@macastro.org.au and let us know about the equipment that you will be bringing.
Safety
Before it gets dark, you should spend a few minutes memorising your immediate surroundings.
The pursuit of astronomy requires a dark environment and attendance is at your own risk. We can accept no responsibility for accidents that occur.
Please refrain from using flash photography during the session. Thanks.
🚫 We want to keep everybody safe, so please do not attend if you have health symptoms.
Comfort
The event is held in an exposed outdoor location, and the temperature is likely to be even colder than you might expect, so please bring extra warm clothing.
Toilet facilities are located at the SW corner of the grandstand.
What To Bring
- your own transport
- your astronomy gear, with equipment manuals
- a battery power source if needed (no mains power available)
- pen and notepad
- food and drink
- very warm clothing
- insect repellent
- portable chair
- a red light torch
We strongly recommend downloading a planetarium app like Stellarium or Skyview (available on app stores) to help you learn the night sky. There are also apps available for pointing a non-computerised telescope using your mobiles sensors.
You can also purchase a Southern Hemisphere planisphere (or star wheel) suitable for your latitude (34º S in Macarthur) from Bintel .
For details of the MAS Astro Imaging Group please follow this link
If you or a family member are showing any symptoms of covid, influenza or the common cold etc. please do not attend any of our events.