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
- COVID-19 Update
To help keep the community safe, monthly Public Stargazing Nights remain suspended for 2020.
However, MPAS members continue to enjoy access to the observatory as per guidelines detailed in member emails when the government issues updates. Online member interactions continue as normal.
New membership applications are welcomed! For more info, see our Membership page, and please feel free to contact us.
- MPAS Meeting October 2020Main talk: “The End of Time: Future History of the Universe”, by Prof. Geraint Lewis (from public domain channel of the Royal Institution)
- October: Opposition attracts celestial observers
Mars oppositions occur every two years and two months – or, to be precise, every 779.94 days – and […] - MPAS Meeting September 2020Main talk: “Life and Love in Space”, by Ulrich Walter (from Free Documentary channel)
- The Eagle has landed in our September skies
This month, be sure to enjoy the sights of Scorpius, Sagittarius, and Scutum before they disappear below the horizon. […] - MPAS Meeting August 2020Main talk: “The Big Bang”, by MPAS member and author Eden White
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