Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society

Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society (MSAS) is an amateur astronomical society in the East Midlands of England. It was formed in 1969. It is based at Sherwood Observatory, a 61 cm mirror telescope which it owns and operates. The observatory lies 4 km south west of the centre of Mansfield on one of the highest points in the county of Nottinghamshire.

The society is a member of The Federation of Astronomical Societies.

Aims
The aims of the society are to:
 * further the interests of Astronomy and related subjects within the local community
 * introduce the public to the subject of Astronomy
 * provide a forum for education in Astronomy and observational techniques through a collaboration with the University of Nottingham
 * provide members with the best observational equipment possible.

Meetings
The society holds monthly members-only lecture meetings at the observatory, along with observing and training evenings for members.

Outreach
The society runs a night school for those who wish to learn about astronomy and the universe. These are usually held at the observatory on Friday evenings.

Funding
MSAS is a registered charity. It is funded through member subscriptions, fund raising events, public open evenings held at the society's Observatory, charitable donations and grants.

Patrons
The patrons of the society are:
 * Professor Sir Francis Graham Smith, 13th Astronomer Royal (1982-1990).
 * Professor Michael R. Merrifield, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nottingham.