ASSA Special Interest Group
Visual Astronomy
Visual astronomy is the direct experience of exploring the night sky with your eyes, binoculars or a telescope. It can be as simple as learning the constellations from a suburban backyard or as ambitious as seeking faint galaxies under a dark country sky.
Meet the special interest group
Visual Astronomy
With Paul Martinaitis
Paul introduces the pleasures, practical skills and possibilities of observing the night sky visually.
Watch on YouTube ↗Start with what you have
- Unaided eye: learn bright stars, constellations, the Moon, planets, meteors and the movement of the sky.
- Binoculars: sweep star fields, open clusters, bright nebulae and larger galaxies.
- Telescope: explore the Moon and planets, double stars, clusters, nebulae and galaxies in greater detail.
What visual observers do
Visual observing is active, patient and rewarding. Observers plan targets, learn to navigate the sky, compare views under different conditions and build an understanding of what each instrument can reveal.
A simple notebook or observing log can turn an evening outside into a lasting record of progress and discovery.
Observe more comfortably
- Allow time for your eyes to adapt to darkness.
- Use a dim red light for charts and notes.
- Dress for cooler conditions than the daytime forecast suggests.
- Choose a stable chair or comfortable observing position.
- Protect night vision and be considerate of nearby observers.
- Never look at the Sun without purpose-made solar equipment and appropriate guidance.
Planning an observing session
Start with a short target list suited to the date, time, location and equipment. A mixture of easy and more challenging objects keeps the session enjoyable. The monthly videos below are a practical guide to what is well placed in southern Australian skies.
The Sky This Month
Paul Martinaitis presents ASSA's guide to celestial objects and events visible from the Southern Hemisphere. The newest available episode is featured below, followed by Paul's back catalogue on the ASSA YouTube channel.
Most recent episode
December 2025
Explore the month's sky with Paul Martinaitis, with an emphasis on objects and events visible from southern Australia.
Watch the episode ↗Open The Sky this Month playlist ↗
2024
2023
About the coordinator
Paul Martinaitis began observing with his father through a 2-inch Tasco telescope on a homemade equatorial mount. After returning to astronomy many years later, he joined ASSA in 2009. His favourite visual targets include globular clusters, bright nebulae and galaxies, with occasional planetary and solar imaging.
Coordinator
| Name | Paul Martinaitis |
|---|---|
| To be advised |