
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. We acknowledge the land, water, and sky under which we meet are of the Bunurong and Boon Wurrung peoples and we pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
Upcoming Events

MPAS is excited to be hosting VASTROC, the Victorian Astronomy Convention, on Saturday 25th November, 2023.
The convention is open to the public and will contain workshops, talks, displays and interactive forums in a social atmosphere.
- Update (09/08/2023)
On Saturday 21st October, join us for our second Telescope Learning Day for the year. Bookings are open now and tickets are selling fast!
Our popular Public Stargazing nights are also open for bookings. You can now also purchase Gift Certificates for these events!
Bookings for for stargazing for schools and scouts & guides are also always welcome.
Mt Martha Observatory is open to members.
Newsletter / monthly highlights / meeting videos
- MPAS Meeting September 2023Main talk: “Advanced Propulsion for JPL Deep Space Missions”, by Senior Research Scientist at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Dr. Dan Goebel.
- September: See them before they’re goneBe sure to enjoy the rich regions of Scorpius and Ophiuchus this month before they sink below the western … Read more
- Scorpius No. 5 (September/October) 2023Topics: VASTROC 2023; Chandrayaan-3; Super Nova Remnants; Stonehenge in Esperance, WA; Fixing a Takahashi Equatorial mount; SOYUZ TMA 19M – Descent Module.
- MPAS Meeting August 2023Main talk: “What Is Reality?”, presented by Science Communicator, Marion Kerr. Public documentary about Emergence Theory courtesy of the Quantum Gravity Research Organisation in Los Angeles.
- August: The Archer makes a great target for astronomersIn the August skies you can find Sagittarius, the Archer, lying almost overhead, and to its southwest lies Scorpius, … Read more
- MPAS Meeting July 2023Main talk: “Exploring Astronomy And Space Through Philately”, by Katrin Raynor-Evans, astronomy writer and communicator, Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and Royal Geographical Society. Public lecture courtesy of the British Thematic Association.
- Scorpius No. 4 (July/August) 2023Topics: JWST Advanced Deep Extragalactic Survey; South Pacific Star Party; Planetary Nebulas; Neewer UHC filter product review.
Mornington Peninsula Astronomical Society
Mt Martha Observatory
The Briars, Mt Martha, Victoria
Email: welcome@mpas.asn.au
Postal address
450 Nepean Hwy,
Mt Martha VIC 3934