The society's first patron was Dr J G Porter whose BBC radio broadcasts about astronomy preceded television's long-running series The Sky At Night.

These cover observations of aurorae, comets, deep sky, the Moon, meteors, occultations, the planets, the Sun and variable stars.

Previously it was a quarterly publication, but it now includes material that was carried in now-defunct separate regular printed News Circulars.

A members-only email newsletter provides immediate news of major discoveries as well as information and reminders about society meetings and events.

The SPA offers advisory services on choosing a telescope, electronic imaging, photography and the GCSE astronomy examination.