If you’re looking for something to do with family and friends over summer, why not head to the Briars Astronomical Observatory in Mount Martha and look towards our sparkling skies. You’ll be delighted at the celestial wonders you discover.

Founded in 1969 at the time of the moon landings, the Mornington Peninsula Astronomical Society (formerly the Astronomical Society of Frankston) hosts its telescope stargazing nights on the first Friday of each month. These family oriented evenings are a fantastic opportunity to view the moon, planets such as Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn, interesting stars and clusters as well as bright satellite and International Space Station passes, all with a wide array of telescopes. There is a small charge for these public stargazing nights and bookings on mpas.asn.au are essential due to their popularity.

Meanwhile, there will be a telescope learning day on Saturday, February 24, from 4pm, during which you’re invited to bring your telescope and have any questions answered by members. A barbecue dinner will be provided. And on Saturday, March 24, at 1pm there will be a solar day when the public can learn all about the sun, how sundials work, how to tell the time by the sun and have the opportunity to look at the sun with special solar telescopes.

All aspects of astronomy, from visual to astrophotography, are undertaken at the observatory and public viewing nights usually go ahead no matter the weather.  If the cloud cover is thick, you’ll be privy to a bevy of extended astronomical presentations in the Don Leggett Astronomy Centre.

The Briars Astronomical Observatory is at The Briars, 151 Nepean Highway, Mount Martha (Melway ref: 151 E1).