Binocular Stargazing

A guide to viewing stars, the moon, planets, meteors, comets, and aurora through binoculars. Features a foreword by renowned astronomer and writer David Levy. Includes a complete guide to current binocular brands and models and explains what to look for in each season.

Many Stargazers Assume They Must Invest Hundreds or even thousands of dollars in equipment before they can enjoy the wonders of the night sky. The truth is, though, that all you need is a simple pair of binoculars. This handy guide explains how to choose binoculars and use them to observe everything from comets to solar eclipses. Ideal for amateur astronomers of all ages, Binocular Stargazing is the perfect way to see the night sky through new eyes.

Reviews for the previous editions: Among the many good books on binocular astronomy, Stargazing with Binoculars stands out as one of the best. [Scagell and Frydman] pack an amazing amount of information into a volume that's clearly written, entertaining, attractive, and portable. --Sky and Telescope A serious contender for the title of best all-around introduction to binocular astronomy. --Sky and Telescope Stargazing with Binoculars is the ideal guide for newcomers to astronomy. The authors review the range of the latest binoculars on the market and provide advice on features to consider before making a purchase. Then they lead the beginner through the first steps of using binoculars to observe the night sky, describing what will be visible and how to find specific objects. This edition has been thoroughly updated to incorporate the latest binocular technology. Illustrated throughout and packed with handy tips and tricks, the book includes: How binoculars work and what to expect Buying for the first time and upgrading The wide range of binoculars available internationally Using different sizes of binoculars The effects of light pollution Observing the Sun, Moon, planets, comets, asteroids, stars, clusters, variable stars, double stars, novae, nebulae and galaxies Guidance for observing in the city and in the country Glossary of terms. Binoculars are portable and financially accessible, whereas a telescope can be costly and unwieldy. Even binoculars without bells and whistles will give the viewer an exciting look into the night sky. This introduction is the ideal guide in that pursuit.

Binocular Highlights is a tour of 109 different celestial sights--from softly glowing clouds of gas and dust to unusual stars, clumps of stars, and vast star cities (galaxies)--all visible in binoculars. Each object is plotted on a detailed, easy-to-use star map, and most of these sights can be found even in a light-polluted sky. Also included are four seasonal all-sky charts that help locate each highlight. You don't need fancy or expensive equipment to enjoy the wonders of the night sky. In fact, as even experienced stargazers know, to go beyond the naked-eye sky and delve deep into the universe, all you need is a pair of binoculars--even the ones hanging unused in your closet. If you don't own any, Binocular Highlights explains what to look for when choosing binoculars for stargazing and provides observing tips for uses of these portable and versatile mini-telescopes.

Binocular Highlights is a tour of 96 different celestial sights ? from softly glowing clouds of gas and dust to unusual stars, clumps of stars, and vast star cities (galaxies) ? all visible in binoculars. Each object is plotted on a detailed, easy-to-use star map, and most of these sights can be found even in a light-polluted sky. Also included are four seasonal all-sky charts that help locate each highlight. You don't need fancy or expensive equipment to enjoy the wonders of the night sky. In fact, as even experienced star gazers know, to go beyond the naked-eye sky and delve deep into the universe, all you need are binoculars ? even the ones hanging unused in your closet. If you don't own any, Binocular Highlights explains what to look for when choosing binoculars for star gazing and provides observing tips for users of these portable and versatile mini-telescopes. Sprial-bound with readable paper spine, full color throughout.

This comprehensive work takes you on a personal tour of the universe using nothing more than a pair of binoculars. More comprehensive than any book currently available, it starts with Earth's nearest neighbor, the moon, and then goes on to explore each planet in the solar system, asteroids, meteors, comets and the sun. Following this, the reader is whisked away into deep space to explore celestial bodies including stars that are known and many sights less familiar. The final chapter includes a detailed atlas of deep-sky objects visible through binoculars. The appendices include guidance on how to buy, care for and maintain astronomical binoculars, tips and hints on using them, and detailed information on several home-made binocular mounts.

Binoculars have, for many, long been regarded as an “entry level” observational tool, and relatively few have used them as a serious observing instrument. This is changing! Many people appreciate the relative comfort of two-eyed observing, but those who use binoculars come to realize that they offer more than comfort. The view of the stars is more aesthetically pleasing and therefore binocular observers tend to observe more frequently and for longer periods. “Binocular Astronomy”, 2nd edition, extends its coverage of small and medium binoculars to large and giant (i.e., up to 300mm aperture) binoculars and also binoviewers, which brings the work into the realm of serious observing instruments. Additionally, it goes far deeper into the varying optical characteristics of binoculars, giving newcomers and advanced astronomers the information needed to make informed choices on purchasing a pair. It also covers relevant aspects of the physiology of binocular (as in “both eyes”) observation. The first edition of this title was praised for its suggested objects for observation and especially for the finder charts for each object. In this second edition, this section is expanded in three ways. There are new objects, with more information on each object, and a re-organization of the objects for binoculars for easier selection for readers. “Binocular Astronomy” 2nd Edition puts an emphasis on understanding binoculars and their use. The additional content in this second edition reflects the latest developments in technology, available testing techniques, and practical ideas for binocular use. It also responds to the substantially positive reviews of the first edition, and is now even better suited to its target readership.

This book contains everything an astronomer needs to know about binocular observing. The book takes an in-depth look at the instruments themselves. It has sections on evaluating and buying binoculars and binocular telescopes, their care, mounting, and accessories. In addition there is a selection of fifty fine objects to be seen with 50mm and 100mm binoculars. The advantages of using both eyes for astronomical observing are many and considerable, largely because of the way the human brain processes visual information. This book enables the astronomer to maximize those advantages.