Mornington Peninsula Astronomical Society (Mount Martha)

MPAS (originally the Astronomical Society of Frankston) was founded in 1969 with the aim of fostering the study of Astronomy by amateurs and promoting the hobby of amateur Astronomy to the general public. The Society holds a General Meeting each month for exchange of ideas and information. Regular observing nights, both private and public, are arranged to observe currently available celestial objects. For decades the Society has provided Astronomy on the Move educational presentations and observing nights for schools and community groups exclusively in the Peninsula and surrounding areas.

The Society has a registered astronomical observatory at The Briars Historic Park to further its 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.

Over the years, members have made significant contributions to the development of our site, with excellent facilities including three viewing platforms, 240v access throughout the site, including various amenities to make your stay a pleasant one.

Although the level of light pollution slowly affects more and more locations, we still enjoy quite dark skies only 35-60 minutes away from the city. So why not come and explore your interest in our beautiful night sky amongst friends with the same interest? All aspects of astronomy are undertaken, from visual to astrophotography.

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Public stargazing nights are held every first Friday of the month. Clear or cloudy nights the public stargazing night goes ahead. Members operate a number of telescopes of various sizes and types, and for those nights where the sky is cloudy, extended astronomical presentations are presented in the Briars Astronomy Centre.

Mornington Peninsula Astronomical Society (Mount Martha)

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