THE OBSERVER’S HANDBOOK for 1964 is the 56th issue. The constellation names are given in French in addition to Latin and the official three-letter abbreviations; on the same page is listed the approximate position of the centre of each constellation. The table of miscellaneous astronomical data has been revised in accordance with the “Supplement to the Astronomical Ephemeris and Nautical Almanac”, 1961. Distances are given in kilometres as well as miles and recent observed values of solar parallax and velocity of light are included. Further information concerning the data in this table is given on page 94 along with a drawing showing the nomenclature of the belts and zones of Jupiter. Tables of the lunar occultations visible in Halifax and Winnipeg are given, increasing the number of stations to six. H.M. Nautical Almanac Office would appreciate receiving reports of the observed timing of occultations.

Cordial thanks are offered to those who assisted in the preparation of this volume, to those who are named and to A. R. Constable, David Crampton, Barbara Gaizauskas, Art Griffin, Ian Halliday, Sandra Holm, Pierre Lemieux, Inge Sackmann, Maude Towne, Isabel Williamson and Dorothy Yane. Special thanks are due to Margaret W. Mayall, Director of the A.A.V.S.O., for the predictions of the variable stars and to Gordon E. Taylor and the British Astronomical Association concerning the prediction of planetary appulses and occultations.

Our deep indebtedness to the British Nautical Almanac Office and to the American Ephemeris is thankfully acknowledged.

Ruth J. Northcott