Moon and what’s happening in 2026: February meeting recap

At our first meeting of the year for 2026, held inside historic Sydney Observatory, we were treated to two excellent presentations. The talks were presented in hybrid mode, with 31 attendees in person and another 7 via Zoom. Those who attended in person also viewed the Southern Sky Astrophotography (David Malin 2025 Awards) exhibition inside the historic observatory. These awards are presented by the Central West Astronomical Society, sponsored by CSIRO Space and Astronomy, and the exhibition is supported by Powerhouse to travel to other venues.

We welcomed all existing and new members and acknowledged First Nations peoples. SCS Secretary, Elizabeth Cocking, updated members on matters to do with the society.

Dr Andrew Jacob, Sydney City Skywatchers (SCS) vice president, curator of Sydney Observatory, astronomy, horology, meteorology, flight and space for the Powerhouse Museum, described many of the astronomical highlights to expect in 2026 and anniversaries.

Inspired by Dr Nick Lomb’s 2026 Australasian Sky Guide, Andrew highlighted the following events:

·      March 03 : Total Lunar Eclipse

·      April 19-22 : Mercury, mars, Saturn close in the morning sky.

·      May: Jupiter moon mutual event season begins.

·      June 09-10: Venus and Jupiter close, north-west.

·      Nov 03 : Moon occults Jupiter during the day (9:41-10:39am.

·      Dec 24: Supermoon (non-astronomical term).

 He also reminded us of anniversaries. 50 years since the Viking Lander arrived at Mars struck a chord with a number of participants in the audience.

Dr Andrew Wood presented the keynote titled ‘Observing and Imaging the Moon’. Dr Wood is a current SCS Committee member, previous President, and is an active amateur astronomer and a birder. Andrew has a PhD in biochemistry from the University of Wollongong and a BSc from UNSW and his professional life involved research, teaching and technical roles.

Andrew’s talk was very pertinent given that there will be a lunar eclipse next month. He explained our “next door neighbour”, with substantial astronomical explanation of the phases and cycles of the Moon, and how it affects Earth. He enlisted Elizabeth Cocking to help explain how the Moon rotates, and that this is why we always see the same face, and that the area of the Moon that we see varies slightly due to the Moon’s wobble more precisely called its ‘libration’. Andrew’s description of why the Earth has tides was exceptionally clear. He concluded with a discussion of different ways to photograph the Moon, inclusive of how to use your smart phone, and this will be very useful for the total lunar eclipse on 3 March 2026.

Many thanks to the Powerhouse/Sydney Observatory staff and executive who support our in-person meetings. Our next meeting Keynote address is titled 'Welcome to the Dark Side of Astronomy'. This is on-line and presented by amateur astronomer, Dave Gault

by

Dr Toner Stevenson

President Sydney City Skywatchers