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Visual Astronomy of the Night Sky

R. N. Clark

These pages are dedicated to Visual Astronomy of the Night Sky. Many of the concepts discussed here follow from my book Visual Astronomy of the Deep Sky. In these pages, I present info on astronomical observing and clarifications of concepts in the book. The Deep Sky generally refers to beyond the solar system. By using the term Night Sky, I will include solar system observations too.

Proposed Observing light standard. If you observe faint deep-sky objects in the night sky, you want to keep your eyes well dark adapted. Here is a guide.

Clark, R.N., Visual Astronomy of the Deep Sky, Cambridge University Press and Sky Publishing, 355 pages, Cambridge, 1990.

Table of Contents

Galaxy M51 as a function of magnification as seen through a 12.5-inch telescope: an illustration of the "Optimum Magnified Visual Angle."

Galaxy M51 as a function of telescope aperture.

The Optimum Magnified Visual Angle (OMVA), for detecting the smallest, lowest contrast objects or detail within objects viewed through a telescope. Recent research and discussion about the concept, the confusion and controversies concerning the OMVA.

A Catalog of Deep-Sky Objects, derived from Appendix E from Visual Astronomy of the Deep Sky. Roger Clark's pick of 611 deep-sky objects that are the most interesting to observe in amateur telescopes.

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Last updated April 10, 2002