What activities does the Macarthur Astronomical Society run?

The Macarthur Astronomical Society (MAS), based in south-western Sydney, runs four main activity streams: dark sky field nights (members only), field workshops, an Astro Imaging Group, and the monthly Macarthur Astronomy Forum, which is free and open to the public. If you want to attend a talk without joining, the Forum is the entry point; if you want regular observing or imaging practice, the member activities are where that happens.

Activities at a glance

Macarthur Astronomy Forum

This is the society's public-facing event and the easiest way to sample what MAS does before committing to membership.

• Held monthly in collaboration with Western Sydney University (Campbelltown).
• Open to the public with free entry.
• Features Australian and international guest speakers presenting their latest research.
• Also available to members on Zoom.

An example from the society's notice board: on 21 September, David Mieklejohn and Marnie Ogg (a Dark Sky Defender) are scheduled to speak on "The Night Is Not Lost: Preserving the Future of Dark Skies in Australia."

The Forum series also reflects the society's partnership with Western Sydney University. WSU Provost Prof Sarah Lewis recently welcomed astronomer Prof Fred Watson AM at a Forum, alongside MAS Vice President Noel Sharpe and President John Rombi.

Field Nights and Workshops

These are the hands-on, member-focused activities.

Field Nights are regular dark sky observing sessions scheduled for members. Because they depend on dark sky conditions and are restricted to members, check the Notice Board for dates rather than assuming a fixed schedule.

Workshops are aimed at improving field expertise — specifically learning how to navigate the night sky and get the most out of your telescope. They suit newer members or anyone who owns a telescope but hasn't yet used it confidently.

Astro Imaging Group

The AIG brings together members with a shared interest in astrophotography. Its stated purpose is knowledge sharing, learning and camaraderie — so it functions as a peer group for improving photographic technique rather than a formal course. If your interest is imaging rather than visual observing, this is the relevant group.

Other ways to get involved

• Public outreach: MAS visits schools and local institutions to talk about astronomy, and describes itself as a community outreach partner with WSU.
• Articles: Members contribute practical astronomy articles on telescopes and amateur astronomy, collected on the society's Articles page.
• Membership: The society invites anyone curious about the universe to join; joining is what unlocks Field Nights, Workshops and the AIG.

Choosing what fits you

• Want to test it first, no commitment: attend a Macarthur Astronomy Forum — free, public, monthly.
• Want to observe under dark skies: Field Nights, but you need to be a member.
• New to using a telescope: the Workshops address exactly that.
• Interested in photographing the sky: the Astro Imaging Group.

For current dates and any changes, the society directs visitors to its Notice Board, and to the AIG and Workshop pages for those specific activities.