Astronomical Observing with Binoculars
Observing astronomical objects with binoculars is a major step up in seeing additional astronomical objects and more details that
could not be seen with the unaided eye.
Using binoculars is an excellent observing phase to develop new observing skills before purchasing a telescope.
The benefits of using binoculars versus using a telescope include:
- Starting to observe with binoculars can be much less expensive than starting with a telescope.
- Binoculars are easier to use for a novice because they are smaller, lighter and can easily be taken on trips.
- Binoculars are quicker to use; most telescopes require assembly and disassembly during an observing session.
- Binoculars provide a wider field of view than most telescopes.
- A wide field of view reduces the problem of finding objects in the binoculars, which can be a real challenge for a beginner using a telescope with its much narrower field of view.
- Some astronomical objects such as comets, open star cluster, constellations are better observed with a binoculars' wide field of view than most telescopes' narrow field of view.
There are always some exceptions like the Tele Vue Optics Pronto telescope that can provide wide field of views that match or can exceed some binoculars.
- Binoculars are used even after one acquires a telescope and are an excellent complimentary observing instrument with the telescope.
- Binoculars are very good for non-astronomical viewing.
Also, observing with binoculars provide excellent observing skills that is useful for finding objects with telescopes.
Binoculars Observing Equipment
- Essentials for binoculars observing
- Binoculars.
- Check Sky Events for moon, planets, comets, etc.
- Sky Atlas for Binoculars.
- Red flashlight.
- Nice to have items for binoculars observing
- Books that describe the object and how it looks in binoculars
- Tripod mount for binoculars
- Binoculars dew shields
- Notebook or observating form to record observations
- Outdoor lounge chair and small table for sky charts, books, etc.
- Warm clothes
- 1X finder mounted on the binoculars
Observing with Binoculars
It is good to have unaided eye observering skills before using binoculars.
The skills learned in unaided eye observing are also used in observing with binoculars.
The more skilled you are at unaided eye observing the easier it is to observe with binoculars.
Observing with Binoculars Resources on the Web
There are many resources that can help you in binocular observing.
They include information about astronomical objects that you can see with binoculars and what these objects look like through binoculars.
Location information on when and where in the sky you can find these astronomical binoculars objects.
Also, there is information on binoculars and other observing equipment that can help you before and during your observing sessions.
Sky Atlas for Binoculars
To find these books first check your local library, your astronomy club's book library,
used book stores and new book stores.
Some of these books may be out of print and may not be available at new book stores.
Sky Atlas for Small Telescopes and Binoculars by David Chandler & Billie Chandler
- Eight star charts for small telescopes and binoculars.
The Observer’s Sky Atlas by E. Karkoschka
- Full of sky charts.
- Rates objects by unaided eye, small opera glasses, ... small binoculars, large binoculars, etc.
- This is the printed sky charts that I use the most.
- Pages: 130
Binoculars Books
To find these books first check your local library, your astronomy club's book library,
used book stores and new book stores.
Some of these books may be out of print and may not be available at new book stores.
Exploring the Night Sky with Binoculars by David Chandler
- A very nice starting guide for a beginner in astronomy.
- Comes as kit with The Night Sky planisphere and Sky Atlas for Small Telescopes and Binoculars.
- Pages: 44
Binocular Astronomy by Crossen & Tirion
- Divided up seasons for observing.
- Covers deep-sky objects and many other types of objects.
- Very detailed comments on each object.
- Lots of photos and detail sky maps.
- Includes the Bright Star Atlas 2000.0
- Pages: 294
Touring the Universe through Binoculars by Philip Harringtion
- Wide coverage of moon, planets, comets, etc.
- Covers deep-sky objects with comments on each object.
- Includes photos.
- You will need a sky atlas as a companion to this book.
- Pages: 182
Exploring the Night Sky with Binoculars by Patrick Moore
- Wide coverage of moon, planets, comets, etc.
- Includes simple sky charts of each constellation and a moon map.
- Observing comments on objects.
- Pages: 203
Astronomy with Binoculars by James Muirden
- Wide coverage of moon, planets, comets, etc.
- Observing comments on objects.
- Includes simple sky charts.
- Revised edition.
- Pages: 173
Deep-Sky Objects for Binoculars by John Kozak
- Focus on deep-sky objects with comments on each object.
- You will need a sky atlas as a companion to this book.
- Pages: 127
Exploring the Moon through Binoculars by Ernest H. Cherrington, Jr.
- A chapter for each day of the 29 day coverage of the moon.
- You will need a moon atlas as a companion to this book.
- Pages: 211
Star Gazing Through Binoculars by Stephen Mensing
- Wide coverage of moon, planets, comets, etc.
- Includes photos
- You will need a sky atlas as a companion to this book
- Pages: 230
© 1998-2006 David Haworth
