Some of us still remember the years 2020 and 2021, when we had the opportunity to observe several bright novae in the northern sky one after another. In order of their discovery dates: V1361 Cyg, V1112 Per, V1405 Cas, V1674 Her, V606 Vul, with the recurrent nova RS Oph bringing this remarkable sequence to a climax.

In the summer of 2026, four readily observable novae appeared within a single season of the year. Their basic properties are summarised in Table 1. Figure 1 illustrates the diversity of their light curves. The traditional way of classifying novae according to the MMRD (Maximum Magnitude Rate of Decline) is illustrated by marking the T2 times — that is, the time required for the nova to fade by 2 magnitudes from maximum brightness. The limitations of this approach are evident in V1452 Tau, which reached maximum brightness three, or perhaps even four, times.

A new set of tools for (not only) visual observers was developed by my son Jan. Available at https://japysoft.bombol.space/info. It contains a set of tools for visual estimates of variable stars recording, and reporting to the VSNET and AAVSO databases. In addition, the best observing planner, POZOR, is included as well.

Substantial update of the web done on May 26th 2026. Now three webpages use the same theme: var.kozmos.sk, astrophoto.kozmos.sk and bombol.space.

The construction of the telescope hosting facility in Piconcillo, Andalusia, is entering its final phase. During February and March 2026, we plan to build the two scheduled pavilions so that, shortly after Easter, they will be ready to host the first clients’ telescopes.