2026 NACAA a great success!

​Above:  Group photo of the attendees at the 2026 National Australian Convention of Amateur Astronomers hosted by TRAC from 3 to 5 April 2026.  Photo supplied by Garry Copper.

​After two years of planning, the 2026 National Australian Convention of Amateur Astronomers (NACAA) was hosted by TRAC over the Easter long weekend, drawing amateur astronomers from across Australia and beyond for this major bi-annual event.  Commencing with a welcome reception on Friday evening and followed by two full days of excellent presentations on Saturday and Sunday, the event was a wonderful success, showcasing the diverse aspects of amateur astronomy and the many important scientific contributions which amateur astronomers make towards the understanding of our incredible universe. 

Some of the many topics presented by eminent amateurs in their various fields included tackling light pollution, the history of Australian amateur astronomy, measuring sky darkness, the development of facilities such as Swan Reach Observatory in South Australia and global robotic telescope networks for amateurs and education, the evolution of barn door trackers for astrophotography, strategies for dealing with age related impacts on eyesight for the continued enjoyment of visual astronomy, research on contact binary stars, variable star research, occultation observations and the amazing work by three Australian amateur astronomers culminating in the award winning discovery of a ring around a minor planet (read on for more on this remarkable feat).

A highlight of the event was Professor Fred Watson’s excellent presentation on Saturday evening about his amazing work over many decades as one of Australia’s most esteemed professional  astronomers, particularly his time as Astronomer in Charge at the Australian Astronomical Observatory (AAO), Australia’s first Astronomer at Large (and more recently Astronomer on the Loose!), discussion about Australia’s involvement in international giant telescope projects (unfortunately now in some doubt following the Australian Government’s recent decision not to renew our partnership in the European Southern Observatory) and opportunities for amateur involvement in the 2028 total eclipse of the sun.

Prior to his presentation, Fred was invited to present the Astronomical Society of Australia’s Berenice and Arthur Page Medal which this year was awarded to joint winners.  The first was to Chris Stockdale in recognition of his outstanding work in observing exoplanets and the second to Jonathan Bradshaw and Renato Langersek in recognition of their discovery with previous Page Medal winner, John Broughton, of a planetary ring around the dwarf planet Quaoar.  Congratulations to the Medal winners and for the incredible work you are undertaking!

The event concluded on Sunday evening with a farewell BBQ at the Astronomy and Science Centre and the handing over of the NACAA Shield to the 2028 Convention hosts, the Canberra Astronomical Society.  A sincere thank you to all of the presenters and attendees, particularly the NACAA Committee, General Secretary David O’Driscoll, 2026 Convenor and TRAC Vice-President Bryce Little, and everyone who contributed in large and small ways to make the 2026 NACAA such a great and memorable event.   See the below Convention photo gallery and we hope to see you in Canberra in 2028!

Garry Copper, President
Leigh Tschirpig, Editor

​NACAA attendees socialising with friends old and new at the Conference’s Friday evening welcome event.  All photos in this gallery supplied by Leigh Tschirpig.

​Kamilaroi Elder, Len Waters, delivered the Welcome to Country and an excellent talk on Indigenous astronomy.

NACAA General Secretary, David O’Driscoll, pictured here welcoming attendees and providing an overview proceedings.

Australasian Dark Sky Alliance founder, Marnie Ogg, delivering her excellent presentation on the future of dark skies in Australia and ongoing efforts to reduce light pollution.

Dr Toner Stevenson, The University of Sydney, presented a fascinating talk on the history of Australian amateur astronomy and Barry Adcock’s amazing 66 year journey as an amateur astronomer in Victoria.

Dr Ken Grant travelled from South Australia to deliver his excellent talks on ‘Long Baseline Sky Darkness Measurements:  A Statistical Approach’ and the establishment of the Swan Reach Observatory.

Astronomical Society of Victoria member and astronomy teacher, Andrew Yen (left) with world leading robotic telescopes expert, Michael Fitzgerald, delivering their presentation on developments in global robotic telescope networks for amateurs and education.

Clare Williams, President of the Canberra Astronomical Society, provided an excellent talk on the importance of public outreach in fostering continued interest in astronomy and space.

Professor Fred Watson presenting the Astronomical Society of Australia’s Berenice and Arthur Page Medal to 2026 winners (left to right) Renato Langersek and Jonathan Bradshaw, along with joint Medal winner, Chris Stockdale.

Professor Fred Watson with current and previous Berenice and Arthur Page Medal winners.

Professor Fred Watson AM, steps out to deliver his fantastic Saturday evening NACAA presentation on his lifetime of work as one of Australia’s most eminent and esteemed professional astronomers, particularly his time as Astronomer in Charge at the Australian Astronomical Observatory, Australia’s first Astronomer at Large (and more recently Astronomer on the Loose!), discussion about Australia’s involvement in international giant telescope projects (unfortunately now in some doubt following a recent Government funding review) and opportunities for amateur involvement in the 2028 total eclipse of the sun.  See below for some slides from Fred’s presentation.

Above:  Several slides of the various topics covered by Professor Fred Watson during his 2026 NACAA presentation.

Day two of the Convention commenced with a detailed online presentation by Neville Fraser, Western Sydney Amateur Astronomical Group, titled ‘But I’m Not Dead Yet!  The Surprisingly Short History of the Barn Door Tracker’.  Neville’s presentation received the Astral Award for the best presentation at this year’s NACAA event.  Congratulations Neville!

Dr Craig Bowers provided a fascinating online presentation on the amazing 130-year history and work of the Perth Observatory.

Renowned amateur comet observer and TRAC member, Chris Wyatt, gave an excellent talk about visual comet observing.

With a lifetime of experience in amateur astronomy, Joe Cali from the Central West Region of NSW, provided some important advice and considerations to deal with age related impacts on eyesight to enable the continued enjoyment of observing the night sky.

​Dr Serge Wadhwa, Astronomical Society of NSW, provided an in-depth talk on his amazing journey of seeking an answer to a burning personal question relating to contact binary star evolution, involving physics and mathematics initially beyond his own understanding, that through determination and persistence lead to answers and his graduation in 2026 with a PhD in astronomy.

Roy Axelsen, member of the Astronomical Association of Queensland, Variable Stars South and the American Association of Variable Star Observers, provided a fascinating and entertaining talk about his work over the past 20 years in the study of variable stars.

Andew Wendelborn, Astronomical Society of South Australia, during his excellent talk on the current work being undertaken by the Society, including occultations, variable star and radio astronomy work.

Renato Langersek, member of the Astronomical Association of Queensland and the Trans-Tasman Occultation Alliance, presenting his talk on his extensive work in the field of occultations, including his co-discovery with fellow amateur astronomers, Jonathan Bradshaw and John Broughton, of the Q1 ring system around the minor planet Quaoar, recognised through the awarding of the 2026 Berenice and Arthur Page Medal.

This year’s Perdrix Address, named after John Louis Perdrix, considered by many as the ‘father’ of NACAA, was presented by NACAA General Secretary and Brisbane based amateur astronomer, David O’Driscoll, seen here discussing the many advancements in technology that have occurred throughout his career.

Rockhampton based amateur astronomer, Stephen Kerr, member of the Trans-Tasman Occultation Alliance, the Astronomical Society of Queensland, the Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand, the American Association of Variable Star Observers and the International Meteor Organization, gave an excellent talk on the work being undertaken by amateurs in the field of occultations.  Stephen’s presentation was a great preview to the Alliance’s meeting held on Easter Monday following the conclusion of NACAA.

The 32nd NACAA drew to a close at the Conference’s Sunday evening BBQ event hosted by TRAC at the Tamworth Astronomy and Science Centre with the handing over of the NACAA Shield by TRAC Vice-President, Bryce Little, and Club President, Garry Copper, to Clare Williams, President, Canberra Astronomical Society, hosts of the 33rd NACAA scheduled for 2028.

The National Australian Convention of Amateur Astronomers Shield, recognising hosts of the Convention since its preliminary Conference in 1966 and the first Convention held in 1967.  It has certainly been a wonderful honour for TRAC to host this important bi-annual event!