PMAA Membership

CONTACT

Port Macquarie Astronomical Association

Professor Fred Watson AM - Our Association Patron

Astronomer, Writer, Science Communicator, Illustrator

Fred says he's spent so many years working in large telescope domes that he has started to look like one. He is Australia’s first Astronomer-at-Large in the Commonwealth Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, having worked at both of Britain’s Royal Observatories before joining the Australian Astronomical Observatory as Astronomer-in-Charge in 1995.

Read Bio

Recognised internationally for helping to pioneer the use of fibre optics in astronomy during the 1980s, Fred is best known today for his award-winning radio and TV broadcasts, books, music, dark-sky advocacy and co-hosting the Space Nuts podcast.

Fred has adjunct professorships at Macquarie University and the Universities of New South Wales, Sydney, Western Sydney, Southern Queensland and Wollongong. In 2003, he received the David Allen Prize for communicating astronomy to the public, and in 2006 was the winner of the Australian Government Eureka Prize for Promoting Understanding of Science. In January 2010, Fred was made a Member of the Order of Australia for service to astronomy, particularly the promotion and popularisation of space science through public outreach.

Fred's books include "Stargazer - the Life and Times of the Telescope", "Why is Uranus Upside Down? - and Other Questions About the Universe” (which won the 2008 Queensland Premier's Literary Prize for Science Writing) and "Star-Craving Mad - Tales from a Travelling Astronomer”, featuring highlights from his science tours around the world. HIs most recent books are “Cosmic Chronicles - a user’s guide to the Universe”, and “Spacewarp - Doomsday Comets and other Cosmic Catastrophes”, aimed at the 10+ age group.

Fred has an asteroid named after him (5691 Fredwatson), but says that if it hits the Earth, it won't be his fault...

Port Macquarie Observatory

Our Memberships

ORDINARY MEMBERSHIP

Active membership with full privileges.

  • Must be over 18 years of age.
  • Entitled to vote.
  • Eligible to serve on the committee.

Register

YOUTH MEMBERSHIP

Membership for individuals under 18 years old.

  • Under 18 years of age.
  • Can only vote on matters related to youth members.
  • Not eligible to serve on the committee.

Register

DONOR MEMBERSHIP

Membership for individuals who do not want to volunteer but want to enjoy free access to Open Nights and other Member events.

  • Not active members of the association.
  • Entitled to vote.
  • Not eligible to serve on the committee.

Register

Open To The Public

WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY NIGHTS:  Join us throughout the year for a night of stargazing and discovery. 

The observatory is also open to the public on other sundays during school holidays and when there are significant astronomical occurrences.

SPECIAL GROUP BOOKINGS: We offer tailored presentations for schools, churches, tourist groups, and community organizations outside regular open nights.

Our Visitors

At the Port Macquarie Observatory, our open nights are the highlight for visitors, offering an unforgettable opportunity to explore the southern sky through our telescopes. Guests enjoy engaging presentations, learn about the significance of celestial objects, and discover how telescopes act as "time machines," revealing events from the distant past.

Additional Events:

During school holidays and significant astronomical events, we open our doors for special public viewings, making the observatory a hub for learning and exploration.

Where to Next...

Contact Us

2025 © All Rights Reserved. | ABN: 45 697 909 376
Website by Cloud Concepts