Special General Meeting and Ordinary Meeting [Hybrid Meeting] with Donna the Astronomer

Special General Meeting (SGM): This meeting is being held to vote on a number of Special Resolutions to adopt changes to the Constitution of the Astronomical Society of NSW, with clauses to cover online meetings and online voting, clauses that prohibit the distribution of income or assets to members while the society is operating and winding up, a dissolution clause that covers what happens to the society's assets in the event of winding up, and a number of other important updates and additional clauses. Members may access a copy of the Draft New Constitution 2025, as well as the wording of each of the Proposed Changes on the Voting Page.

Please note that, whilst it is being presented as a hybrid meeting (ZOOM and at the ECC), under the existing constitution, in order to proceed with the meeting, we need a quorum of 15 members who are entitled to vote (i.e. Full and Life members) to be physically present IN THE ROOM. If you live in the Sydney metropolitan region, please come along to ensure that we can make these important updates to the Constitution. There may be GF cake for supper!

Whether or not you are coming to Epping for the meeting, the vote counting will be a lot easier if the majority of voters use the online voting facility. If you have read and understand the proposals, and don't feel the need to discuss, please vote early online. 

Full documentation to explain how to vote is available on the Voting Page.
Access to the Voting Page is restricted to financial Full and Life members.
To get to the Voting Page, take this link: 
Voting Page 

The following talk will be presented via ZOOM immediately following the SGM. 

Guest Speaker: Donna the Astronomer, from Milroy Observatory

Title: Solar Dance: The Sun's Influence on Earth's Climate

Abstract: Our life-giving star, the Sun, has always been a source of wonder and curiosity. Its dynamic behaviour and periodic activity cycles illuminate our skies and play a crucial role in shaping Earth's climate. This talk delves into the intricate relationship between solar activity and climate change on our planet. We will explore the mechanisms through which solar phenomena such as sunspots, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections influence atmospheric and oceanic conditions. By examining historical climate data and the latest scientific research, we aim to unravel the complexities of this cosmic connection and understand the potential implications for future climate trends. Join us as we embark on a journey to discover how the Sun's activity drives changes in Earth's climate and what this means for our understanding of global climate dynamics. 

Biography: Donna Burton, aka Donna the Astronomer, is based in Coonabarabran, NSW. She shares her passion for the night sky with folk who visit Milroy Observatory.  She was awarded an OAM in 2023 for her work in Astronomy and Science Communication. Her unique claim to fame is being the only Australian woman to discover 2 comets. She studies at the University of Southern Queensland and worked at Siding Spring Observatory for 15 years. Her main area of research is on how solar activity affects the climate on Earth and how stellar activity on active young stars influences the habitability of exoplanets.