About
Alessandro Spina is a visual deep-sky observer and member of the Astronomical Society of NSW. His observing focuses on the southern deep sky — open clusters, globular clusters, planetary nebulae, emission nebulae, dark nebulae, and galaxies — observed through three Dobsonian reflectors of increasing aperture.
Wiruna
Wiruna is the Astronomical Society of NSW's dark-sky observing site, located near Ilford in rural central-western New South Wales. The site offers consistently dark skies — typical SQM readings above 21.5 mag/arcsec² — and is home to a dedicated group of visual deep-sky observers who gather each new-moon weekend.
Equipment
12-inch f/5 Dobsonian
305 mm aperture, 1525 mm focal length. Personal scope for quick sessions and star parties.
17.5-inch f/5 Dobsonian
445 mm aperture, 2225 mm focal length. ASNSW club scope — the workhorse for most deep-sky observing.
22-inch f/5 Dobsonian
559 mm aperture, 2795 mm focal length. ASNSW club scope — the big gun for faint galaxies and planetary nebulae.
The Object Catalogue
Alongside the monthly articles, this site hosts a growing catalogue of deep-sky objects observed from Wiruna. Each entry includes background information, finder charts at multiple scales (wide-field, finderscope, eyepiece), a DSS survey plate, and personal observing notes. The catalogue is searchable by name, type, constellation, and magnitude.
Contact
For questions or feedback, reach Alessandro at aspi624@gmail.com.