How to contribute to the Solar Section’s new databases, exploring a volcanic lunar landscape, a chance to help solve a 164-year-old nova mystery and a bumper selection of reviews

Explore the enigmatic Gyulbudaghian’s Nebula, read expert guidance on observing November’s transit of Mercury, and catch up with the latest from all the Sections in the annual Council report

A paper on the colourful life of BAA Variable Star Section Director John Glasby gives historical context to updates on cutting-edge research by the Section. Also: insights into Solar Cycle 24, an interview with the Astronomer Royal for Scotland and our first equipment review.

An asteroid with a mysterious backwards orbit, an aurora expedition caught up in a major incident at sea and how to observe the home of an iconic black hole. 50 years on, we also celebrate the BAA amateurs who supported the Moon landings.

John Simpson uncovers the truth behind a centuries-old myth, while Venus is the subject of a milestone paper by Richard McKim. Also: a lunar impact caught in the act, Hydra’s deep sky delights and saving the night sky.

From a violent outburst to a cosmic vanishing act, this Journal celebrates recent amateur discoveries. Achievements of early BAA member Alice Cook are to be found alongside present-day research of the Jupiter Section, while for aspiring discoverers, David Arditti explains how to set up a telescope.

Here is another of Martin Mobberley’s superb biographies of early BAA members, as well as Paul Abel’s 14th Absolute Beginners tutorial, and some thoughts by David Arditti on the best telescope for an adult beginner.

Richard McKim reports on the 2012 solar transit of Venus, just in case you cannot wait until the next one in 2117! Also we have the 2nd part of Mike Foulkes’ report on observations of Saturn in 2008/2009, and the Director of the new Equipment & Techniques Section answers an often vital question, ‘What telescope should I give a child?’

Section Director David Arditti introduces the new Equipment & Techniques Section, and reports from the Mars, Saturn and Comet Sections highlight the planetary observing skills of BAA members.

Define the size of an asteroid with amateur observations, travel back in time to the BAA in the 1970s, and find your way around the spectacular dark nebulae of the summer sky: plenty for all in this Journal