Publications

 

Over the years, the Society has been responsible for, or involved with, several occasional astronomical publications. (find out more)


MNASSA

During the Second World War, to fill the gap left by the Journal, the Cape Centre published monthly circulars. The first appeared in 1940 April, and the last in 1942 November. In the same year, these became the Monthly Notes, although somewhat changed in format and content, that we know today. (find out more)

Past copies of MNASSA from 2010 onwards can be accessed online at http://www.mnassa.org.za. MNASSA is also available electronically on a subscription basis from Sabinet.

Volumes 1–15 (Condensed) of MNASSA, volumes 16–62 of MNASSA, and all volumes of ASSA have been indexed and compiled as a chronological table of contents (1923-2001). NASA’s Astrophysics Data System (ADS) started in 2002 December to archive full-text scans of each issue of MNASSA in its digital library.


Sky Guide Southern Africa 2023

Since 2004, the Handbook was redesigned by Auke Slotegraaf and Maciej Soltynski and renamed the Sky Guide. (find out more)


Nightfall

Nightfall is an official ASSA publication – and is yours to enjoy for free.


Previous editions of Nightfall can be found here. (find out more)

The latest edition – Nightfall #8 v5.1 Sky Candy


Southern Skies

ASSA observing section newsletter 5th edition Feb 2023


Comets Asteroids & Meteors

Comets, Asteroids & Meteors 2023 #2 – April – June


Rising Star – A South African Astronomy Journey

Rising Star is the first digital planetarium film of its kind to be produced in Africa about South African astronomy.

This film will take you on an astronomical journey from our beginnings through the development of astronomy research in South Africa to what the future holds for the country and will introduce you to multi-wavelength and multi-messenger astronomy! It will highlight the many remarkable facilities hosted in South Africa, including the Southern African Large Telescope and the most powerful radio telescope in the Southern Hemisphere, MeerKAT.


Early serials

The first official publication of the Cape Astronomical Association was the Circular, published semi-annually between 1918 and 1921. In 1922, the Astronomical Society of South Africa was formed and it published the Journal, which appeared in four volumes between 1923 and 1939. (find out more)


The Handbook

The Handbook has been published annually since 1946 and was replaced by the Sky Guide in 2004. (find out more)

ASSA Website

  • John Gill 2019 – present
  • J Smith 2015 – 2018
  • Dr. Chris Hettlage 2009 – present
  • G Penning 2006 – 2009
  • Auke Slotegraaf 2004 – 2006

Editorial board members

  • Case Rijsdijk 2011 – present
  • Willie P Koorts 2006 – present
  • Maciej G Soltynski 2000 – 2020
  • Auke Slotegraaf 1994 – 2005
  • Joseph Churms 1990 – 1993
  • Emeritus Prof. Brian Warner 1986 – present
  • Michael William Feast 1986 – present
  • W Ludwig Combrinck 1985 – 1989
  • Dr. Ian S Glass 1985 – present
  • Sir Harold Spencer Jones 1982 – 89
  • Peter Anthony Thornton Wild 1980 – 1985
  • David L Block 1980 – 1981
  • Daniel M  Overbeek 1976 – 2002
  • Richard Hugh Stoy 1976 – 1985
  • David Stanley Evans 1976 – 1985
  • Andrew David Thackeray 1976 – 1978
  • Rupert F Hurly 1972 – 1975
  • Anthony P Fairall 1972 – 1973
  • Peter Anthony Thornton Wild 1972 – 1977
  • Hendrik Cornelis Lagerwey 1969 – 1971
  • Joseph Churms 1969 – 1984