Observing Sunspots from 1958 to 2015
This paper describes methods and long-term observations of sunspots made between 1958 and 2015, an interval covering more than 5 solar cycles.
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Archives
Jupiter’s South Equatorial Belt cycle in 2009–2011: II. The SEB Revival
A Revival of Jupiter’s South Equatorial Belt (SEB) is an organised disturbance on a grand scale. It starts with a single vigorous outbreak, from which energetic storms and disturbances spread around the planet in the different zonal currents. The Revival that began in 2010 was better observed than any before it. The observations largely validate the historical descriptions of these events: the major features portrayed therein, albeit at lower resolution, are indeed the large structural features described here.
Read moreMapping the infrared thermal emission from the surface of Venus, 2017 April-May
Employing a novel narrow-band filter technique, Australian BAA observers Phil Miles & Anthony Wesley have been able to achieve a new level of resolution for amateur imaging of the infrared thermal emission from the nightside of Venus. In addition to revealing topographic details, images from 2017 April-May reveal at least one compact, infrared-bright spot located within a topographic depression upon the surface. We discuss the interpretation of this bright spot, and the question of whether it was or was not a temporary feature.
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Brecon Beacons dark skies: five years on
In 2012, the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority announced its intention to become an International Dark Sky Reserve within the
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Absolute Beginners no. 11: Astronomical ‘Seeing’
Paul puts you straight on what is meant by ‘seeing’, and why it is important, particularly for planetary and lunar observing.
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Two autumn comets
As the nights draw in for northern hemisphere observers, two interesting comets will be well placed for observation from the
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