Welcome to MPAS

Welcome to MPAS

MPAS is a volunteer-run Astronomical Society, located at Mt Martha on the Mornington Peninsula. It was founded in 1969 to foster the study of all aspects of Astronomy, Space and general Science by volunteers and to promote these to the public.

You can visit us at one of our popular public stargazing nights, where you can learn more about the Universe and take a look through our telescopes at the planets, the Moon and the stars.

We hold a monthly general meeting for the exchange of ideas and information. For decades the Society has provided “Astronomy on the Move” educational presentations, including observing nights for schools and community groups exclusively in the Peninsula and surrounding areas, as well as special exhibitions in the Melbourne CBD and Melbourne Museum.

Live sky at the Briars
View of Mt Martha Observatory

Mt Martha Observatory is the Society’s registered astronomical observatory at The Briars Historic Park. It is used to further the Society’s educational, research, innovation and recreational capabilities. Historically this was the first registered amateur observatory in Australia and is one of a network of registered global monitoring stations of night sky light pollution. The Observatory is registered with the Astronomical Society of Australia. We acknowledge the land, water, and sky under which we meet are of the Bunurong and Boon Wurrung peoples and we pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Upcoming Events

Christmas Star Spectacular – 7 December 2024

Get ready to embark on a dazzling musical journey with the Southern Peninsula Concert Band beneath a canopy of stars at our “Christmas Star Spectacular”!

Follow this link for more information, or go straight to the booking page for tickets.

Gippsland Star Party 2025

Mark your calendars for March 28th to 31st, 2025, and join forces with fellow enthusiasts as we embark on this celestial journey.

Echo Bend Camping Park sets the stage for this captivating event, providing the perfect space for forging new friendships, sharing knowledge, and marvelling at the universe together.

Click here for more information and tickets, or go straight to the booking page for this event.

Our popular Public Stargazing nights are open for bookings. You can now also purchase Gift Certificates for these events!

Bookings for stargazing for schools and scouts & guides are also always welcome.

Mt Martha Observatory is open to members.

Newsletter / monthly highlights / meeting videos

  • The Carina Nebula (NGC 3372) is a large, complex area of bright and dark nebulosity in the constellation Carina and is located in the Carina-Sagittarius Arm, which is generally thought to be a minor spiral arm of the Milky Way. The nebula is about 8500 light-years from Earth. Photo by MPAS member Nik Axaris

Mornington Peninsula Astronomical Society
Mt Martha Observatory
The Briars, Mt Martha, Victoria

Email: welcome@mpas.asn.au

Postal address
450 Nepean Hwy,
Mt Martha VIC 3934