How Vizag Astronomy Club is bringing stargazing back to Visakhapatnam

From beach to terrace, Vizag Astronomy Club expands stargazing in Visakhapatnam

On a humid evening along Beach Road in Visakhapatnam, a small crowd gathers around a telescope, waiting for a glimpse of the moon. Conversations quieten as each viewer takes a turn. Some step back in astonishment, others linger, returning for another look. These are the familiar rhythms of the Vizag Astronomy Club’s ongoing moon watch sessions, a public initiative that has gradually shaped a modest yet steady culture of sky-watching in the city.

Founded by BSS Srinivas, the club began without formal infrastructure or institutional backing. Srinivas recalls that its earliest sessions were held for neighbours, friends and family, with a single telescope and a simple intention to share what he describes as “the joy of astronomy”.

“Over time, these informal gatherings widened into structured public programmes. Our Moon Watch sessions held at the Beach Road are drawing first-time viewers as well as regular participants,” says Srinivas.

There is a certain historical continuity to these efforts. In 1840, Gode Venkata Jaggarow established an observatory on his private estate in what is now Dabagardens, marking one of the earliest engagements with astronomy in the region. While many residents may be unaware of this history, the Vizag Astronomy Club’s work is rekindling interest in the field.

Full moon. | Photo Credit: KR Deepak

The moon watch sessions, locally referred to as Chandra Darshanam, are designed as open-access gatherings. They are typically held from the fourth day after the new moon until the full moon phase, when lunar features become increasingly visible to the naked eye and through telescopes. At the Beach Road, sessions currently run between 6.30pm and 10pm, with the programme scheduled to continue until April 3. Visitors can join without prior registration, an approach that has contributed to its growing footfall.