John Hicks (The Approaching Solar Maximum) is an experienced solar observer/photographer who has been studying both the photosphere and chromosphere of the sun. His interest lies particularly in the area of observing and photographing prominence filaments on the limb and hunting for the onset of flare activity within active regions.

The predicted maximum of the current solar cycle is March 2000, with most major flares expected during 1999 to 2003. John prefers to concentrate on methods of improving the capture and resolution of the more elusive components exhibited by very active regions. His particular quest involves photographing the rare "Ellerman bombs", "flare kernels" and "flare progenitors". John will exhibit his filtergrams and peculiar phenomena captured over a period of 18 years. Alongside the illustrations he will explain what can be expected in the upcoming solar maximum and the kinds of observing programs that could be of interest in both white light and H-alpha filtration.