MPAS - Benefits of Membership

Being part of a dynamic, friendly group of local, active amateur astronomers who are willing to teach beginners and answer their many questions, as well as guide and encourage more advanced members.
Monthly high quality meetings in a modern 135-seat theatrette for dissemination of the latest astronomical and science information by members and invited special guest speakers. These meetings run parallel sessions enabling a choice of topics, and special access to astronomy and science videos. The monthly meetings are video taped and these can be borrowed from the society’s library.
An extensive library of hundreds of books, videos and CD ROM computer software related to astronomical topics. The library also contains newsletters published by other astronomical societies. Members can request items of interest for inclusion in the library as funds become available. Remote members are able to borrow library materials by post.
Ability to borrow special instruments, such as reflector and refractor telescopes and binoculars for use at home.
A bimonthly newsletter journal providing details of astronomy happenings both locally and internationally.
Access to purchasing special offers, such as astronomy videos, posters etc. that arise from time to time.
An email newsgroup for rapidly alerting members of late breaking or privileged news, and late invitations to external science lectures.
An email newsgroup for meteor shower observers.
An email newsgroup for alerting concerned members of the likelihood of geomagnetic storms and aurorae.
An aurora (Southern Lights) telephone alert service to assist members to see this rare phenomenon while it is actually in progress.
Regular member “club” viewing nights at the Society’s dark sky Briars property on the Mornington Peninsula where an astronomical observatory is well under construction, and you can view the night skies through other members’ telescopes without having to travel very long distances. Advice on telescopes and their optimal use is always readily available.
Regular social events at least once a month, including free BBQ’s at each Briars site working bee and Telescope Learning Day, and an annual Christmas star-be-cue.
Access to other members who are highly skilled in telescope making and all other aspects of astronomy.
Special reduced rates for purchase of excellent annual Astronomical Almanacs of what is in the night sky throughout the year, planispheres and other astronomical materials. These are aimed from beginners to advanced amateurs.
Privileged information about forthcoming astronomical phenomena and events.
Privileged access to observing predictions for jovian satellite eclipses, variable stars, minor planet occultations, lunar occultations and meteors.
Opportunity to participate in field observing events throughout the state, some of which pass their observations onto professional astronomers overseas.
Access to the Society’s laser telescope collimator and CCD camera eyepiece.
Opportunities for students or teachers to apply for work experience openings and prizes annually.
Ability to attend educational public talks conducted by the Society for free.
Ability to participate with school children and the wider community at Astronomy on the Move night sky viewing evenings.
A website for dissemination of information.
A telephone recording service (0419 253 252) and an email address (skywatch@iprimus.com.au) for answering remote members’ specific questions.
Access to biennial conferences of amateur astronomers, both state-wide with VASTROC and nation-wide with NACAA. The Mornington Peninsula Astronomical Society has hosted these several times.
Discounts at certain camera and telescope outlets from time to time.
Members can ask specific questions on any astronomy-related topic and have them answered either directly, in the bimonthly newsletter or at a future general meeting. This is typically via the Idea-Suggestion box at meetings, via telephone, via email or simply in person.

Full Member	$50
Pensioner	$45
Student	$35
Family	$65
Family Pensioner	$60
Newsletter Only	$22
Organisation	$70