Do I know you?

With our reader survey in mind (see opposite), here are some of the questions about content that I have been discussing of late with my Editorial Board. We'd like to know what you think. We have news that is reasonably topical within the limits of our printing schedule — but should we cover news in print when so much is available online? Should we be covering news online? We also have current research, in this issue from a recent RAS Fowler Prize winner, and from an international survey group. This type of article is the meat of the magazine — scientists talking to scientists, snapshots of exciting current research intended to keep you, the reader, up-to-date with progress across a wide range of research fields. We write about topics discussed in discussion meetings. We also have shorter pieces on different themes; this issue has some fascinating historical data about aspects of solar physics, with early auroral observations from Chile, plus the historical debate on the origin of the Sun's green line. But what do you want to read? You know what's going on in your field, but these articles are intended to show you something interesting from other areas. Do they? Do you read round? Does A&G help? Or do you seek out your own field in A&G and skip the rest? And then there's the community aspect. We have covered outreach activities — for IYA2009, for example. We interview people about their work. We pose opinions and hope for responses. We bring you news of RAS initiatives and plans. Do you want to see any or all of this in A&G? Do you want more news of people, or none at all? How can we best reflect the diverse community in the distinct but overlapping fields of interest that we cover? Whatever you think, whoever and wherever you are, please tell us and give us your ideas for the future. And if thinking about A&G has revealed to you an article you'd love to read, get in touch with me directly — especially if you'd like to write it! http://tinyurl.com/n7tnjz