NEXT EVENT: 11th October 2024 - Will Joyce - The Origin of the Moon ... DETAILS
ABOUT MKAS www.midkentastro.org.uk/about
The Mid-Kent Astronomical Society (MKAS) was formed in 1976 by a small group of keen amateur astronomers. Today, the society has a very active membership of between 50 and 100 members from across North and Mid-Kent and some from East Kent.
The Mission of MKAS is Making Astronomy accessible to all. Its aims are to promote interest in and enhance the study of astronomy in Kent, and to provide facilities for the study of astronomy for its members.
Additionally, MKAS promotes the education of astronomy to the public and its members. This is done through a wide variety of talks, events, projects, and outreach activities. Talks are usually made very simple for everyone to understand, and are highly enjoyable.
The society is based in Bredhurst, Gillingham in Kent, and also has an Observatory in Canterbury, Kent.
Members come from many parts of Kent, predominantly in or around the Medway Towns, Sittingbourne and Maidstone. The society supports other astronomy groups nationally, a variety of other interest groups and events across many parts of Kent, and provides support to the Scout and Guide movement in fulfilling their astronomy badge requirements.
Regular meetings are held on the second and last Fridays of each month, except during August and at Christmas, at Bredhurst in the Bredhurst Village Hall*. On other Fridays, if weather allows, the society opens its Observatory in Canterbury for members and the public.
MKAS is a very friendly society and always willing to help those new to Astronomy, to show and explain how to use Telescopes, what and how to observe, and introduce a wide variety of topics across all aspects of Astronomy.
The society also has a number of projects, which members can get involved in, which are designed to be enjoyable and purely for personal interest but some also contribute to science.
MKAS also owns a very large research-grade 20 inch Grubb Parsons telescope, awarded by the Royal Observatory of Edinburgh in 2012. The society is working hard to raise the large pot of funds required to get it operational and installed in an observatory for use by members, researchers, other societies/groups and the public.
*Currently, in 2020-2021, we have been holding virtual meetings, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Details can be found on our website, of our events and how to access them.
www.midkentastro.org.uk/about
