During August I was able to observe the solar photosphere on twelve mornings at 10am. This was over two distinct groups as after Aug 12 weather and a trip away meant I could not observe again until August 24, and I was home on 3 more sunny mornings at the end of the month. Figures 1a and 1b show the sunspot activity. Figure 1a shows that sunspot activity started strongly at the beginning of August then dropped constantly, until by Aug 10 there were no sunspots at all. Figure

This research investigates how John Tebbutt gained celebrity fame in the 1860s.

Report by Toner Stevenson A small group of Skywatchers travelled to Spain for the 2026 total solar eclipse: myself, Ron Stevenson and Melissa Hulbert from SASI. Our accommodation for the eclipse was at Hotel Rural 3 Cabos, in El Vallin in Asturias, a mountainous region on the north west coast of Spain. As per its name we could view 3 capes and gorgeous scenery from the hotel, and hear and see cows, chickens and horsesfrom the neighbouring farms. The eclipse was due on Wednesd

During July I was able to observe the solar photosphere on sixteen mornings at 10am. Sunspots were observed using a 127mm Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope. Figure 1 shows that sunspot activity started strongly early in July, then fell away sharply mid-month before increasing again. Figure 1: Graphic representation of sunspot activity during July 2026 through a 127mm Maksutov-Cassegrain telescope and an 8x50 finder-scope, both fitted with full-aperture solar filters. The Relative

This recording of a 1 hour talk provides insights into Australian astronomy in the 1960s as recounted by Wayne Orchiston.

Light pollution is the fastest growing form of pollution in the world, but also the easiest to solve!

How to observe and record features of the solar disc in white light and hydrogen-alpha.

Variable stars are stars whose brightness changes over time, either because the star itself is changing or because something, such as a companion star, temporarily blocks part of its light. These changes may follow a regular cycle, vary only slightly, or involve dramatic brightening and fading over weeks, months, or years.

Lyn Smith FRAS explains how to safely observe the Sun, our closest star, and record its activity.

Dirk Goës, SCS Committee member, presented this short talk on Monday 1st June 2026. It is based on his article of the same name, which can be read here. The GALAH Survey: Searching for the Universe's missing lithium.