Welcome to MPAS
MPAS is a volunteer-run Astronomical Society, located at Mt Martha on the Mornington Peninsula. It was founded in 1969 to foster the study of all aspects of Astronomy, Space and general Science by volunteers and to promote these to the public.
You can visit us at one of our popular public stargazing nights, where you can learn more about the Universe and take a look through our telescopes at the planets, the Moon and the stars.
We hold a monthly general meeting for the exchange of ideas and information. For decades the Society has provided “Astronomy on the Move” educational presentations, including observing nights for schools and community groups exclusively in the Peninsula and surrounding areas, as well as special exhibitions in the Melbourne CBD and Melbourne Museum.
Mt Martha Observatory is the Society’s registered astronomical observatory at The Briars Historic Park. It is used to further the Society’s educational, research, innovation and recreational capabilities. Historically this was the first registered amateur observatory in Australia and is one of a network of registered global monitoring stations of night sky light pollution. The Observatory is registered with the Astronomical Society of Australia.
News
- Upcoming Events
After the long COVID break in 2020, we are excited to offer events for the public again!
Bookings for public nights are open now and filling up quickly, see our Public Stargazing page for details.
If you have a new telescope, come to our Telescope Learning Day in February! Our experts will help you set up your scope and answer all your questions.
Our members can use the observatory again, as long as our COVID-safe plan is followed. Members will be kept up to date about current restrictions and rules via the email list and members Facebook page.
Please contact welcome@mpas.asn.au if you have any questions.
- January: Let’s go hunting among the stars in Orion
This month the constellation Orion is ideally placed high in the sky. While exploring it you will see the […] - MPAS Meeting December 2020Main talk: “Supernovae” by MPAS member Ross Berner.
- December: Clouds and meteors provide a visual feast
The Magellanic Clouds can be seen sitting in the southern part of the night sky this month. The Small […] - MPAS Meeting November 2020Main talk: “How to Return to the Moon and Go On to Mars”, by Apollo 17 astronaut and Geologist, Dr. Harrison Schmitt (public domain video courtesy of the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition)
- November: Get your head in the clouds
There is a lot to see in the southern skies this month with just the naked eye. Start off […]
Mornington Peninsula Astronomical Society
Mt Martha Observatory
The Briars, Mt Martha, Victoria
Mobile: 0419 253 252
Email: welcome@mpas.asn.au
Postal address
P.O. Box 596
Frankston, Victoria, 3199