Professional solar astronomy concentrates on the study of the atmosphere and interior of the Sun. Little attention is given to “classical” programmes, mainly statistical investigations of solar activity. Although the main properties of phenomena associated with the solar cycle seem to be understood there are still enough details to be explained, making it worthwhile monitoring different indicators of solar activity, even if no immediate results are to be expected. Such routine observations are ideal work of amateur astronomers.

Members of West German local astronomical societies founded the journal Sonne in 1977 to combine their efforts on solar observations. The first issue was presented at a conference on amateur solar observation held in Berlin in April 1977. Sonne is compiled by an editorial staff of 23 amateurs from all over West Germany, and is distributed among nearly 500 readers in 20 countries. With the increasing number of foreign readers, the main articles in Sonne are provided with English abstracts.