Macarthur Astronomical Society

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:

1. The Macarthur Astronomy Forum.
2. Dark sky astronomical observing nights for members. These are held regularly at two locations: the Dudley Chesham Sports ground at The Oaks, owned by Wollondilly Council; and a property near Oakdale, for the purpose of telescopic observing and astro-imaging.
3. Public outreach events, which include visits to schools and other community organisations; and open nights for the general public, generally held at either the Campbelltown Rotary Observatory at Western Sydney University or the Dudley Chesham Sports Ground, The Oaks.

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.

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.

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.

• List of telescopes of Australia
• List of astronomical societies
• Macarthur Astronomy Forum

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