Welcome to the Museum Astronomical Resource Society, also known as the M.A.R.S. astronomy club. M.A.R.S. is sponsored by the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), in Tampa, Florida. This site provides club news and astronomical information to our membership and to the public.

There's only one thing the people of M.A.R.S. enjoy more than observing the heavens... that's sharing it with others! Whether you are new to astronomy and curious about how to experience it, or a seasoned veteran looking for an active club to spend observation time. We invite you to attend one of our monthly meetings as our honored guest.

Monthly meetings are currently being held on the 3rd floor of MOSI in the Science Theater, and take place on the 2nd Friday of each month from 7:30PM to 9:00PM. Meetings are free and open to the public.

MARS Meeting Schedule

Next Meeting
Friday, February 10th 7:30PM
Speaker : Richard Scott - Installing a Mirror Locking System on a Schmidt Cassegrain Telescope

2012 Meeting Schedule
February 10th, 2012
March 9th, 2012
April 13th, 2012
May 11th, 2012
June 8th, 2012
July 13th, 2012
August 10th, 2012
September 14th, 2012
October 12th, 2012
November 9th, 2012
December 14th, 2012

Current Events

  • MOSI Skywatch - Feburary 11th
  • MOSI Skywatch - March TBD


Recent Presentations

Astronomy League Observing Clubs
Author : Curt Walker
Date : 1/13/2012
Topic : An the Astronomy League Observing organization and what it offers amateur astronomers.

Astronomy News

Cambridge, MA - Astronomers using NASA's Kepler mission have detected two Earth-sized planets orbiting a distant star. This discovery marks a milestone in the hunt for alien worlds, since it brings scientists one step closer to their ultimate goal of finding a twin Earth.

"The goal of Kepler is to find Earth-sized planets in the habitable zone. Proving the existence of Earth-sized exoplanets is a major step toward achieving that goal," said Francois Fressin of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA).

Original Article ...



The above Clear Sky Chart is a online resource developed by Attilla Danko out of Ottawa Canada. This resource is updated on an almost hourly basis. As with any weather based forecast, take the above with a grain of salt and look out the window before you start your car and head for dark skies.