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 over a cup of coffee at Rectory Cottages, Bletchley and we'll make out the case that MKAS is the right Society for you!
Upcoming: ONLINE MEMBERS ONLY:
Apollo 13. Houston We've Had a Problem Here
A look at what went wrong with the Apollo 13 Lunar mission and what it took to get the three astronauts back to Earth safely
We are still in a situation where public assemblies and meetings with a physical presence are not allowed under the present sanitary regulations. Public Health England will review the restrictions on July 4th. Our current venue at Rectory Cottages, Bletchley will act on its recommendations but has informed us that real meetings will not restart until Autumn 2020
The Management Committee has held virtual meetings to explore and use current options to resume its business. On Friday June 12th , MKAS held its first virtual meeting to which society members were invited to present any observations they had made during the first phase of lockdown. On Friday June 26th , we had our second virtual meeting on Zoom.
At our next virtual meeting on Friday July 10th , we shall welcome Dave Eagle. Dave was originally booked to present a talk at Rectory Cottages. He has now kindly agreed to present an online talk entitled "Apollo 13. Houston We've Had a Problem Here".
To take part, you must be a paid-up MKAS member and respond to the invitation which will be sent to you. Unfortunately, we are not able to open the meeting more widely to members of the Public.
Pierre Girard, Chairman, 27th June 2020
Presented by Mr Dave Eagle
Dave Eagle is a self-confessed Amateur Astronomer, Planetarium Operator, Presenter, Author and Tutor. His interest in Astronomy was rekindled in 1985, having moved from North London / Herts to the Bedford area. He established the Bedford Astronomical Society in 1987. At the same time, he was editor of the FAS Handbook. He was elected Fellow of the Royal Astronomy Society in 1996. Having gained a degree in Biology, also trained as a science teacher, Dave obtained a Post Graduate Certificate in Education which makes him well qualified in his 'semi-retirement' as a STEMNET Ambassador for talks and presentations to schools, astronomical societies and community groups. An inflatable planetarium is part of his kit to teach the sky to children. In 2013, his first authored Astronomy book was published by Springer. Since then, Dave has self-published his own guides on Astronomy and different aspects of Image Processing. He expands on the techniques he advocates through dedicated workshops. Dave is still an amateur astronomer at heart, never missing an opportunity to observe and image the latest developments in the sky.
For more background, go to: About Dave Eagle
Join us at MKAS
So, what is MKAS offering you for your subscription?
(currently £28 per annum and concessions £14)
- 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 £2 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 over a cup of coffee 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