Mary Lou's New Telescope /
Le nouveau télescope de Chloé

Written by: Don Kelly / Illustrated by: Mike McEwing

The Observer's Handbook is a reference guide published annually since 1907 by The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. Through its long tradition and the expertise of more than 50 contributors, the Observer's Handbook has come to be regarded as the standard North American reference for data on the sky. The material in the Handbook is of interest to professional and amateur astronomers, scientists, teachers at all levels, students, science writers, campers, Scout and Guide leaders, as well as interested general readers. The Observer's Handbook is an integral part of many astronomy courses at the secondary and university levels, and it should be on the reference shelf of every library.

A New Beginning for the National Newsletter

The Bulletin first appeared in February 1991 as a new and improved version of the National Newsletter. Sporting a new name and using the latest in desktop publishing techniques, the Bulletin offered an improved experience to readers. Delivered with the Journal, it was no longer published when the Journal was redesigned and relaunched in 1997. Patrick Kelly (Halifax) served as Editor of the Bulletin for its entire run.

The National Newsletter first appeared in the February 1970 issue of the Journal as a simple stapled add-in that focused on Society news and information. In February 1978 it changed into a physically separate 16-page supplement under Editor Frank Shinn. In 1991, the National Newsletter was transformed into the Bulletin in a more expanded format.

Out of Old Books is a column written by Helen Sawyer Hogg that appeared in the Journal of the RASC (JRASC) for many years. Since the pages of JRASC have been scanned by SAO/NASA's ADS, they are available to everyone in digital form.

This list of offprints has been compiled by RASC Archivist Randall Rosenfeld.

Observer's Handbook Supplements

118th Edition, Edited by James S. Edgar

This is the supplements page for the Observer’s Handbook 2026, one of Canada's oldest scientific publications. This page lists resources related to the Handbook; the following supplements are available (these are the property of the RASC; copying is forbidden without express written consent):

The Observer’s Handbook contains a number of recommended links to additional astronomy resources. This page includes live hyperlinks that will allow you to access these resources more easily. Happy exploring!

• Access the websites listed in Selected Internet Resources on page 15 of the 2026 Observer’s Handbook.
• Access all the websites listed in the 2026 Observer’s Handbook, listed by page.

Handbook Updates

Every effort is made to ensure that the RASC Observers's Handbook is as accurate and comprehensive as possible. Occasionally, errors or omissions can occur and readers will find updated information on these pages.

If you have identified an error and want to let us know, then please forward a message to the Handbook Editor.