Articles
P. B. Molesworth's discovery of the great South Tropical Disturbance on Jupiter, 1901 ... Richard McKim
It has long been known that the feature which gave rise to Jupiter's great South Tropical Disturbance (1901-1939), a complex dusky region in the planet's S. Tropical Zone, was first recorded by Major P. B. Molesworth on 1901 February 28. But until now the exact longitude of the feature on that date, together with details of the first few months of its history, have remained unpublished. Examination of Molesworth's original papers has revealed a discovery longitude of 286.3 deg. (System II), details of the early history of the STropD and clues about its dynamical origin. In addition to these new details, this paper provides additional background information on Molesworth's astronomical and military careers. (pp 239-245)
Combined annual solar activity report, 1980-1989 (Part I: 1980-1987) ... Bruce Hardie
With so few Solar Section annual reports appearing in the Journal (the last was for 1980) the present Director decided to make a summary from BAA Solar Section members' observations of the most significant events of the missing years, covering the decline of cycle 21 and the rise to maximum in 1989 of cycle 22. The next report will show the decline of cycle 22 to a minimum in 1996. (Editor's note: Part II of this report, covering the years 1988 and 1989, will appear in the next issue of the Journal.) (pp 246-260)
Adjustable slits for spectroscopes ... E. R. Cook
Simple methods are described for making knife-edged jaws and adjustable slits. (pp 261-263)
T Cassiopeiae - a predictable variable? ... J. J. Howarth
The behaviour of the Mira variable T Cassiopeiae has been analysed using BAA observational data from 1920 to 1995. The only prominent periods were 445 days and harmonics of this period, being consistent with regular, but non-sinusoidal variation. There were also slow, but significant, changes in the phase and the shape of the light curve. (pp 264-269)
Report of the Council and Accounts for the session 1996-1997
(Copies of any of these articles may be requested from the BAA office.)