If you are interested in Astronomy, either a beginner or
more, why not come and share this wonderful hobby with
others who feel the same. The Society is full of different
individuals with different interests in Astronomy (for
example: visual observing, astrophotography, meteor viewing,
naked eye observing, the history of astronomy, and other
interesting areas).
Importantly, do not feel that you have to have a
telescope to come along. Apart from the Society's various
telescopes that are available to members to use, you will
find other members who will be glad to share their equipment
when viewing the heavens.
But if you are looking for something special, this
Society has many reasons to consider joining. But remember,
membership is not compulsory, but there are real
advantages in joining, and these include:
 | Monthly high quality meetings in a modern 135-seat
theatrette (above) for dissemination of the latest
astronomical and science information by members and
invited special guest speakers. These meetings run
parallel sessions enabling a choice of topics, and special
access to astronomy and science videos. The monthly
meetings are video taped and these can be borrowed from
the society’s library. |
| An extensive library of hundreds of books, videos and
CD ROM computer software related to astronomical topics.
The library also contains newsletters published by other
astronomical societies. Members can request items of
interest for inclusion in the library as funds become
available. Remote members are able to borrow library
materials by post. |
| Ability to borrow special instruments, such as
reflector and refractor telescopes and binoculars for use
at home. |
| A bimonthly newsletter journal providing details of
astronomy happenings both locally and internationally.
|
| Access to purchasing special offers, such as astronomy
videos, posters etc. that arise from time to time. |
| An email newsgroup for rapidly alerting members of
late breaking or privileged news, and late invitations to
external science lectures. |
| An email newsgroup for meteor shower observers. |
| An email newsgroup for alerting concerned members of
the likelihood of geomagnetic storms and aurorae. |
| An aurora (Southern Lights) telephone alert service to
assist members to see this rare phenomenon while it is
actually in progress. |
| Regular member “club” viewing nights at the Society’s
dark sky Briars property on the Mornington Peninsula where
an astronomical observatory is well under construction,
and you can view the night skies through other members’
telescopes without having to travel very long distances.
Advice on telescopes and their optimal use is always
readily available. |
| Regular social events at least once a month, including
free BBQ’s at each Briars site working bee and Telescope
Learning Day, and an annual Christmas star-be-cue. |
| Access to other members who are highly skilled in
telescope making and all other aspects of astronomy. |
| Special reduced rates for purchase of excellent annual
Astronomical Almanacs of what is in the night sky
throughout the year, planispheres and other astronomical
materials. These are aimed from beginners to advanced
amateurs. |
| Privileged information about forthcoming astronomical
phenomena and events. |
| Privileged access to observing predictions for jovian
satellite eclipses, variable stars, minor planet
occultation's, lunar occultation's and meteors. |
| Opportunity to participate in field observing events
throughout the state, some of which pass their
observations onto professional astronomers overseas. |
| Access to the Society’s laser telescope collimator and
CCD camera eyepiece. |
| Opportunities for students or teachers to apply for
work experience openings and prizes annually. |
| Ability to attend educational public talks conducted
by the Society for free. |
| Ability to participate with school children and the
wider community at Astronomy on the Move night sky viewing
evenings. |
| A website for dissemination of information. |
| A telephone recording service (0419 253 252) and an
email address
(welcome@mpas.asn.au) for answering remote
members’ specific questions. |
| Access to biennial conferences of amateur astronomers,
both state-wide with VASTROC and nation-wide with NACAA.
The Mornington Peninsula Astronomical Society has hosted
these several times. |
| Discounts at certain camera and telescope outlets from
time to time. |
| Members can ask specific questions on any
astronomy-related topic and have them answered either
directly, in the bimonthly newsletter or at a future
general meeting. This is typically via the Idea-Suggestion
box at meetings, via telephone, via email or simply in
person. |
