Palmerston North Astronomical Society

I have been a member of the Palmerston North Astronomical Society since March 1974. I have held the position of secretary & president so many times since then that I have lost count. My main astronomical intersts are deep-sky observing, astrophotography, comet & aurorae observing and sometimes I take a keen interest in the planets when they are favourable.

I am a founding member, past president and current vice-president of the Horowhenua Astronomical Society (formerly the Foxton Beach Astronomical Soiety). I am also currently the vice-president of the Phoenix Astronomical Society based in Wellington and Carterton.

I have held the position of North Island Co-ordinator of the Aurora & Solar Section of the R.A.S.N.Z. for nearly twenty years. Since 1978 I have observed just over 50 displays of the Aurora Australis from the Manawatu region.

I am a co-author of, "The Night Sky Observer's Guide Vol III: The Southern Section," published by Willmann-Bell. I am also the co-author of the soon to be published, "Imaging the Southern Skies." This new book is a handbook in the series produced under the banner of Sir Patrick Moore by Springer International. The other author is Stephen Chadwick a P.N.A.S. committee member and presdient of the Horowhenua Astronomical Society.