Chatroom
 

If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

Go Back   Bad Astronomy and Universe Today Forum > Space and Astronomy > Astronomical Observing, Equipment and Accessories
Register FAQ Members List Calendar Mark Forums Read

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1 (permalink)  
Old 10-February-2008, 05:40 PM
Mr Q's Avatar
Mr Q Mr Q is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Edgewood, New Mexico
Posts: 169
Default Deep Space Binocular Observing

I find it challenging and rewarding to go out on a clear, dark night and try to observe deep space objects with just binoculars. After a few observing sessions, I was hooked on the idea and now do a lot of observing this way as much as with my 10" scope.
I use 10x50s and 11x70s and with their wide fields of view, lots of faint (low surface brightness), extended objects that are hard to observe in scopes are easy with binoculars.
For those just starting in stargazing, take note! Lots of experienced observers like myself still make good use of a learning tool - binoculars.
For those interested in binocular stargazing, I suggest the two following books if still available:
Binocular Astronomy by Crossen and Tirion (published by Willman-Bell) and
The Messier Objects by Stephen James O'Meara (published by Sky Publishing Corporation), both of which have many objects suitable for binocular observing.
How often do you observe with binoculars exclusively? Is it rewarding for you as it is for me? Mr Q
Reply With Quote
  #2 (permalink)  
Old 11-February-2008, 09:07 PM
redshifter's Avatar
redshifter redshifter is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Wa state - Seattle area
Posts: 662
Default

I spend at least 50% of my observing time in summer simply scanning the milky way. The summer milky way around Sagittarius and northward is one of the great sights in astronomy IMO, and the area around Cygnus is stunning as well. I have a pair of Orion 12X63's for casual scanning as well as a pair of Celestron 25X100's on a universal astronomics heavy duty unimount. That setup usually draws a small crowd at star parties.
Reply With Quote
  #3 (permalink)  
Old 11-February-2008, 11:05 PM
fotobits fotobits is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Round Rock, TX
Posts: 85
Default

I enjoy using binoculars too. They're great for getting a quick look at double stars, nebulae and star clusters. I have also spent many a fine summer evening lying on my back in a recliner and scanning the Milky Way with binoculars. Great way to relax in the cool evening breeze.
__________________
"There is a theory which states that if ever anybody discovers exactly what the Universe is for and why it is here, it will instantly disappear and be replaced by something even more bizarre and inexplicable. There is another theory which states that this has already happened."
Douglas Adams
Reply With Quote
  #4 (permalink)  
Old 12-February-2008, 07:33 PM
Dave Mitsky's Avatar
Dave Mitsky Dave Mitsky is offline
Moderator
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 4,843
Default

Over the years, I've enjoyed using many binoculars, ranging from 2x opera glasses and the ultrawide field Sard 6x42s to the incredible Fujinon 25x150s.

Have you seen my sticky post on Binocular Astronomy?

Dave Mitsky
__________________
Chance favors the prepared mind.
De gustibus non est disputandum.
Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
Reply With Quote
  #5 (permalink)  
Old 13-February-2008, 01:45 AM
Mr Q's Avatar
Mr Q Mr Q is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Edgewood, New Mexico
Posts: 169
Default Binocular Astronomy

Dave -
I did read your post on the subject and use 10x50s and 11x70s for my observing. The book Binocular Astronomy has a wealth of info on objects to view and their appearance in binos. I also use the Messier Objects book by O'Meara. I fully agree on your post! Mr. Q
Reply With Quote
Reply


Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
NASA, Beatles Celebrate Anniversaries by Beaming Song Into Deep Space ToSeek Space Exploration 14 01-February-2008 07:43 PM
why can't large-scale curvature alone include acceleration without Cosmological Const claycravens Against the Mainstream 55 03-January-2007 08:57 AM
Big U-Turn on ISS. Did Senators miss the GW.Bush memo ? Manchurian Taikonaut Astronomy 10 26-July-2004 08:41 PM
Pseudo-scientific space travel idea Anthrage Against the Mainstream 4 24-March-2004 04:47 AM
IS SPACE CONTRACTING? Richard J. Hanak Against the Mainstream 12 26-November-2003 06:34 PM


All times are GMT. The time now is 04:08 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.6.8
Copyright ©2000 - 2008, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
LinkBacks Enabled by vBSEO 3.0.0
©  2006 Bad Astronomy and Universe Today