125 years of citizen astronomy!

2020 is an important year for citizen astronomy in New South Wales with the assembly, and first meeting to form the British Astronomical Association New South Wales Branch (now called Sydney City Skywatchers) held on 30 January 1895. John Tebbutt FRAS was appointed the first President.

At the second meeting held in March 1895 there were 48 members admitted, including women. A rigorous series of monthly meetings followed with talks and presentations about comets, solar eclipses, planets and stars. You can find out more here.

We are now affiliated with the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences and usually meet at Sydney Observatory.

This year we have embraced new ways of communicating with the over 80 members who live far and wide using Zoom technology. There are talks planned every month with expert speakers, some are our own members, presenting.

We have also launched a new logo which honours our past, but looks forward to many new opportunities to learn and participate in astronomy.

As the 56th President of the Society, I am inviting all members to join in our presentations on-line and, if you are not a member, join up because it is great network of people who are interested and engaged in astronomy in many different ways. Once Covid-19 regulations are relaxed we will resume our outreach program which gives opportunities to improve telescope skills and if you don't own a telescope you can see what others are using and learn. No prior experience, but curiousity is required!

Toner