- Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society
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Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society 
Sherwood Observatory, home of the Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical SocietyAbbreviation MSAS Formation 1969 Type Astronomical society Legal status Non-profit making registered charity Purpose/focus Furthering interest in astronomy within the community Headquarters Sherwood Observatory, Coxmoor Road, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 5LF, England Coordinates 53°06′51″N 1°13′19″W / 53.114214°N 1.2219769°WCoordinates: 53°06′51″N 1°13′19″W / 53.114214°N 1.2219769°W Region served Mansfield and adjacent areas of Nottinghamshire Main organ Committee Affiliations Member of The Federation of Astronomical Societies Website http://www.solarius.net/ Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society (MSAS) is an amateur astronomical society in the East Midlands of England.[1] It was formed in 1969.[2][3] It is based at Sherwood Observatory, a 61cm mirror telescope[2] which it owns and operates.[1] The observatory lies 3.9 km SW of the centre of Mansfield on one of the highest points in the county of Nottinghamshire.[1]
The society is a member of The Federation of Astronomical Societies.[4]
Contents
Aims
The main aims of the society are to:
- further the interests of Astronomy and related subjects within the local community[1]
- introduce interested members of the general public to the subject of Astronomy[1]
- provide a forum for education in Astronomy and observational techniques through a joint collaboration with the University of Nottingham[1]
- provide members with the best observational equipment possible, subject to the financial limitations of the society.[1]
Meetings
The society holds monthly members-only lecture meetings at the observatory, along with a number of other observing and training evenings for members.[5]
Outreach
The society runs a night school for those who wish to learn about astronomy and the universe. These are usually held at the observatory on Friday evenings.[6]
Funding
MSAS is a registered charity. It is funded through member subscriptions, fund raising events, public open evenings held at the society's Observatory, charitable donations and grants.[1]
Patrons
The patrons of the society are:
- Professor Sir Francis Graham Smith, 13th Astronomer Royal (1982-1990).[7]
- Professor Michael R. Merrifield, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nottingham.[7]
External links
- Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society - official site.
- Mansfield & Sutton Astronomical Society Yahoo Distribution Group.
- Federation of Astronomical Societies (FAS).
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society web site - Society.
- ^ a b No place like dome, Brady Haran, BBC News, 2003-08-23.
- ^ Wise man of Notts, Sarah Julian, BBC Nottingham, 2007-12-18.
- ^ Member Societies, The Federation of Astronomical Societies.
- ^ Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society web site - Membership
- ^ Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society web site - Radio interview.
- ^ a b Society Patrons, Sherwood-observatory.org.uk.
Categories:- Amateur astronomy organizations
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