Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society

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 61 cm mirror telescope[2] which it owns and operates.[1] The observatory lies 4 km south west of the centre of Mansfield on one of the highest points in the county of Nottinghamshire.[1]

Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society
AbbreviationMSAS
Formation1969
TypeAstronomical society
Legal statusNon-profit making registered charity
PurposeFurthering interest in astronomy within the community
HeadquartersSherwood Observatory, Coxmoor Road, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 5LF, England
Coordinates53.114214°N 1.221977°W / 53.114214; -1.221977
Region served
Mansfield and adjacent areas of Nottinghamshire
Main organ
Committee
AffiliationsMember of The Federation of Astronomical Societies
Websitehttp://www.sherwood-observatory.org.uk

The society is a member of The Federation of Astronomical Societies.[4]

Aims

The aims of the society are to:

  • further the interests of Astronomy and related subjects within the local community[1]
  • introduce the public to the subject of Astronomy[1]
  • provide a forum for education in Astronomy and observational techniques through a collaboration with the University of Nottingham[1]
  • provide members with the best observational equipment possible.[1]

Meetings

The society holds monthly members-only lecture meetings at the observatory, along with 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]
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References
  1. Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society web site - Society Archived 2009-03-17 at the Wayback Machine.
  2. No place like dome, Brady Haran, BBC News, 2003-08-23.
  3. Wise man of Notts, Sarah Julian, BBC Nottingham, 2007-12-18.
  4. Member Societies, The Federation of Astronomical Societies.
  5. "Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society web site - Membership". Archived from the original on 2009-03-18. Retrieved 2009-08-20.
  6. Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society web site - Radio interview Archived 2010-11-29 at the Wayback Machine.
  7. Society Patrons, Sherwood-observatory.org.uk.
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