About us:
The Society was founded in 1892 as the North-Western Branch of the British Astronomical Association. We became independent in 1903 and are one of the oldest astronomical societies in the country. We aim to encourage the study of astronomy for both the newcomer and the seasoned observer alike. We have been custodians of the Godlee Observatory since 1946, thanks to the generosity of firstly the College of Technology, later UMIST and finally, the University of Manchester.
Godlee Observatory following refurbishment a few years ago © MAS
Weekly Meetings
Audience at a Meeting at the Godlee Observatory
© MASWe currently meet every Thursday at the Blackett Lecture Theatre in the Schuster Building, (except during Christmas/New Year week), when digital image shows and informal talks take place. Of course the telescopes are also used, weather permitting.
On the third Thursday of the month, from October to March, a FREE public lecture is held at a venue in the centre of Manchester - currently, this is the Blackett Lecture Theatre, Schuster Building, Manchester University, Oxford Road - commencing at 19:30. Non-members are most welcome. The prestigious Kopal Lecture is given annually by an academic from The University of Manchester in honour of an old friend, the late Emeritus Professor Zdenek Kopal, Manchester's first Professor of Astronomy.
Full details of all our meetings can be found here. To keep members informed on the activities of the Society 'Current Notes' is published occasionally.
Please also see...
Online Virtual Tour of the Observatory
Information on visiting the society
Society History
How to contact us