The Astronomical Society of Frankston

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Where do you find us?

Email:-

Peter Lowe// aggro@peninsula.starway.net.au

Postal Address:-

Astronomical Society of Frankston
Post Office Box 596
Frankston
Victoria, 3199

Voice Mail Messages:-

Phone messages can be left upon the society voicemail service at 0419-253252
(This service is only read weekly so there may be some delay in replies)

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GENERAL MEETINGS

General Meetings are held on the THIRD Wednesday of each month at:-
The Peninsula School, Mt Eliza
(Melways May 105,F5)
commencing 8pm

Want a MAP and Meeting Schedule

Meetings generally have multi-sessions. Firstly there is a general get-together
to review the "Sky for the Month" and any new items of interest such as new comets,
novas, asteroid occultation, planetary and space events. The social and observing programme is announce for the new month after which the meeting breaks for coffee.
Following coffee, special purpose workshops are held. These might consist of a guest speaker in one room, talks on astronomy for beginners in another and if the weather is OK observing at the telescopes

Visitors are always welcome

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Society Viewing Site

The Society has for several years been viewing from The Briars at Mt Martha.
The construction of a Society Observatory has commenced and is expected to be fully
operational in the year 2000. This site was one of the first in Australia to receive a Designated Astronomical Viewing Site status thereby protecting our dark skies for future generations. Photographs can be seen in the Society Gallery
In addition, an observing platform has been establish for members to set up their own telescopes. Power is not available at the site yet but it is hoped to establish this in the future.
Deep sky observing events occur on the Saturday night closest to the new Moon.
Visitors should check before attending as these events are subject to change.

(Weather !!! If it's raining Forget It!!!)

The Briars can be found off Nepean Highway, Mt. Martha (Melways Map 145,E12)

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Public Viewing Arrangements

Since its formation the Society has provided the services of its members for public viewing. These take the form of general viewing events at local parks or booked events with local schools or clubs. This activity is part of the Society's charter to foster the study of astronomy by amateurs and promoting the hobby of amateur astronomy to the general public. Over the years tens of thousands of people have had the pleasure of exploring some of the wonders in our skies via these events.
Details of general public viewing nights are published in the local newspapers. Booked events generally consist of a preliminary presentation of things to see at the telescopes followed by observing at the telescopes. If the weather is inclement a more extensive slide show will be shown or the event can be re-booked. While most events are free, the Society does charge for booked events.
Enquires for booked events should be made in writing to The Secretary at the society's Address

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Membership

Society Membership is not compulsory but there are benefits to becoming a member
1) All members receive the latest astro-information via the society's journal "Scorpius"
2) Members have access to the society library which includes a video and astronomy software section.
3) Monthly members viewing nights at held at the society viewing site.
4) Members only events are planned regularly covering both astronomical and social activities
4) Members with email facilities can recieve International Astronomical Union circulars highlight the latest discoveries.
5) Members are able to purchase selected books and Sky Almanacs at discounted prices.
6) Loan telescopes and binoculars are available for rental.

Details of membership fees

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Annual Membership Fees

Subscription Fees

Membership fees are due 1st January each year.
Pro-rata rates apply to new members joining late in the year.

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General Society Activities

A general Meeting is held every month to maintain contact between members and pass on the latest information concerning current astronomical phenomena. Where?/When?  

Member-Only Deep Sky viewing night are held at The Briars Observatory on the weekends closest to the New Moon. Visitors are welcome subject to prior arrangements.

Public Viewing events are held on the first Friday of every month at The Briars Visitor Centre commencing 8pm. The event consists of a slide/lecture presentation on current phenomena and some aspect of astronomy after which tea and light refreshments are served before moving to the telescopes of general observing. A small charge is made to members of the general public for this event. Bookings are essential for catering purposes. Contact is made via the Society voicemail box on 0419-253252 and leave contact details or alternatively by phoning Don Leggett 0359-854927

Regularly organised social events are held such as special topic meetings, society dinners, BBQ's, film nights or visits to other societies. Special New Members meetings are held for those who wish to learn some of the basics of amateur astronomy. 

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