| Macarthur Astronomical Society | |
| Abbreviation: | MAS |
| Formation: | 15 January 1996 |
| Status: | Non-profit organization |
| Purpose: | Foster the science of astronomy |
| Location: | Sydney, Australia |
| Region Served: | Macarthur Region |
| Membership: | 100-140 |
| Leader Title: | President |
| Leader Name: | John Rombi |
| Website: | www.macastro.org.au |
Macarthur Astronomical Society is an organisation of amateur astronomers, based in the Macarthur Region of outer South Western Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
The constitutionally adopted objectives of the Society are: (i) to foster the science of Astronomy; (ii) to organise observational field nights for the purpose of carrying out astronomical observation; (iii) to assist and give advice regarding astronomical instrumentation; and (iv) to participate in/co-operate with other scientific societies and groups with a similar scientific interest in astronomy.
In keeping with these objectives, the society's three core activities are:
Formed in 1996[1] in Ingleburn, New South Wales by Philip Ainsworth, Macarthur Astronomical Society Inc. is registered as an independent Incorporated Association by the NSW Fair Trading. Its affairs are governed by its own constitution[2] and managed by an elected seven member Management Committee. As required by NSW Fair Trading, the secretary of the society acts as Public Officer.[3] The Society is approved by the NSW Commissioner of Police for the purpose of an exemption from obtaining a laser pointer permit.[4]
The monthly meetings of the Society provide a platform for professional astronomers and prominent amateur astronomers, on each third Monday (Jan.to Nov.). These meetings were renamed the Macarthur Astronomy Forum in 2011. Guest speakers have included Nobel Laureate Professor Brian Schmidt, Professor Bryan Gaensler, Australia's Astronomer at Large Professor Fred Watson,[5] Mark Phillips and NASA astronaut Greg Chamitoff.
Patrons are appointed by the Management Committee. Between 2009 and 2011 the Society had dual Patrons.
The committee is tasked with the total management of the affairs of the Society and aims to mix youth with experience. It meets monthly and consists of a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and three other Committee Members. Office bearers are elected by the membership at an Annual General Meeting, normally held in April each year. Whilst a ballot is provided for, the Society has traditionally never received more than one nomination per position, thus a ballot has never been held.
On 9 December 2014, MAS won the University of Western Sydney Excellence in Partnership Award.[9] The University awards this to recognize the many and highly valued contributions of the University's community partners. The accompanying citation reads: "The Macarthur Astronomical Society has, in partnership with the Campbelltown Rotary Observatory, conducted astronomy talks and activities to bring the latest advances in physics, astrophysics and high technology to the community. This enables the community to participate in debates about science in an informed manner with experts and politicians."
The Society instituted an annual Students Night in 2015, to encourage school children from Prairiewood High School to study the science of astronomy and report their research findings to the Society's Macarthur Astronomy Forum in December each year.[10]
During 2018, a Student Mentoring Programme was introduced to assist year 7 – 11 students at Broughton Anglican College to complete a scientific astronomical investigation as part of their science courses.
The Society's journal "Prime Focus" was published monthly, for the benefit of members, between 1996 and 2012. Initially the publication was a printed edition but since 2009 it was distributed electronically. In 2011, the first colour editions were published and printed copies became available again. The journal ceased in October 2012 but resumed for a brief period in 2020.
The Society has published two DVDs, "magnitude" and "magnitude II", both containing the best astro-images taken by its members.
The Society has had the following authors of astronomy books within its ranks.[11]
The Society has held major public exhibitions displaying the astro-photographic work of its members:
In 2011, the Society set up a sub-committee to seek a suitable site - remote from city lighting, yet within easy reach of Campbelltown/Camden - at which to locate its first astronomical observatory. In 2012, a suitable site was identified in the Dharawal National Park and the Society pursued opportunities to secure use of the site.[17] The location was originally the site of the North Cliff coal mine, operated by BHP. Whilst anticipating some opposition to placing an observatory in a national park, the society was inspired by the Australian Astronomical Observatory in the Warrumbungles National Park and the concept received much local support.[18]
If successful, the observatory would have been used for astronomical research, public outreach, astro-imaging and members private observing.[19] Whilst the proposal was welcomed in the community and supported by the mine lease-holder, it did not gain the necessary government support.
The Society organises a volunteer computing team[20] for the purpose of carrying out scientific research using the Berkeley Open Infrastructure for Network Computing (BOINC) Project Management middleware platform, which allows users to contribute to a range of scientific computing projects at the same time. Volunteer computing is often also referred to as Citizen science, Distributed computing or Grid computing. The team is currently working as volunteers on projects for theSkyNet, SETI@home, Einstein@home, asteroids@home, LHC@home and other BOINC projects.