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!
Click on the links for more details:
- Bookings for public nights are open and filling up quickly.
- An event not to miss is the Total Lunar Eclipse occurring on Wednesday 26th May. Partial eclipse beginning at 7:44pm, maximum at 9:18pm – ending at 9:25pm! Book your tickets now and join us at Mt Martha Observatory.
- On August 20, we present Shooting Stars in the Natural Environment at the Briars as part of National Science Week.
- For events such as our Telescope Learning Day, astrophotography workshop and more, keep an eye on our Events page.
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.
- May: Meteor shower among a cluster of highlights
The beautiful section of the Milky Way around Crux, the Southern Cross – including the dark nebula known as […] - MPAS Meeting April 2021Main talk: “The Geology of the Mornington Peninsula”, by Mike Cleeland of Bunurong Coast Education in Inverloch.
- April: Magnificent arc shows the Way
As the skies get dark this month you will notice that the constellations scattered along the arc of the […] - MPAS Meeting March 2021Main talk: “Destination Mars”, by MPAS member Trevor Hand.
- March: Southeast constellations catch the eye as Orion slips from view
Observing the stars in March, your eyes will undoubtably be drawn to the constellations sitting in the southeast, centered […]
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