Welcome to the Milton Keynes Astronomical Society [MKAS]
Our mission: To spread the interest and enjoyment of astronomy to people of all ages in and around Milton Keynes
We find that there is nothing better than to exchange practical experiences gained under our challenging skies. We like most things related to Astronomy and Space. We book speakers to come and enlighten us on their fields of expertise. We have social events throughout the year and love to talk about all things Astronomical
So, come along and have a chat at Rectory Cottages, Bletchley and we'll make out the case that MKAS is the right Society for you! MKAS recommends the wearing of masks inside the venue. Bring your own refreshments and leave contact details on register.
Upcoming: Online Zoom Talk: Richard Lambert Memorial Lecture - Enceladus, Europa and the Trappist-1 Systems as Potential Sources of Life -
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic this Astromeet is being held online using Zoom.
If you want to join our virtual meetings, please email webmaster@mkas.org.uk for meeting login details on Zoom.
At this moment in time, we only know about life on Earth. However, scientific studies exploring our environment have found life thriving in extreme conditions. At the bottom of the oceans in extreme pressure and darkness, life exists around hot water vents near mid-ocean ridges. In the rocks of the Earth crust, a seemingly impenetrable environment, there are microbes. It is possible that these extreme environments harbour some types of life elsewhere in the Solar System. In the last decades, many planets have been discovered orbiting other stars. Some candidates orbit their parent stars in the 'habitable zone' where conditions are benign enough to support life. Dr Martin Bradddock will explore and explain these likelyhoods.
Presented by Dr Martin Braddock
Professor Martin Braddock FRSB FRAS has an academic background in Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Radiation Biology acquired at the Radiation Biology Unit, Atomic Energy Research Establishment, Harwell Oxfordshire. He is actively involved in the research and developments of new pharmaceutical treatments. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology He is currently on the editorial committee of eleven scientific journals. He has published widely and is author on over 140 peer-reviewed publications, is a member of several scientific advisory boards, a listed inventor on 8 patents and has given lectures all over the world. He has a serious interest in astronomy and in 2015 was elected Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. He is passionate about all aspects of Astronomy, Cosmology and Astrobiology. This makes Martin eminently equipped to speculate about life on solar system bodies and on planets orbiting other stars.
Milton Keynes Astronomical Society has been meeting remotely since June 2020 as public assemblies are not allowed under COVID-19 rules at our usual venue at Rectory Cottages, Bletchley. We are sticking to the framework of our disrupted programme as much as we can and guest speakers are happy to present their talks remotely.
We have decided to open our virtual meetings to visitors as our physical meetings were before this crisis flared up. Same rules apply with 2 meetings permitted before we ask you to consider membership.
Join us at MKAS
So, what is MKAS offering you for your subscription?
(For the duration of the COVID pandemic membership fees will be reduced by 50%. Full memberships are £14 per annum and concessions are £7 per annum)
- 26 fortnightly meetings on average per year.
- We aim to invite 5-6 guest speakers to our talk nights each year (Some members will also present their own talks)
- Astromeets are the platform for members to present their observations, ideas or projects to others.
- Occasional trips out to places of astronomical interest.
- In the autumn, a residential observing weekend in Shropshire.
- An annual dinner in March.
- A pre-Christmas social.
- Outreach events in schools, youth and general interest groups.
- Our instruments can be taken on loan for a fee of £3 per fortnight.
- A library of books and current magazines.
- The AGM is held in November.
And of course, visitors are welcome to attend a couple of meetings before considering membership. So, come along and
have a chat and we'll make out the case that MKAS is the right Society for you.
Click here to apply to be a member
Connect with us
Contact us today for more information at Email