Jimmy2K63
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 04/26/09
Posts: 1184
Loc: Kentucky
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If you had to choose just one book for your collection for binocular astronomy, which one would it be?
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http://astronomyguy63.blogspot.com/
LXD75 SN6-UHTC
Cave Astrola 10" f/5
Garrett 15x70/FarSight
Canon XS (1000D)
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GlenM
Vendor
Reged: 05/20/07
Posts: 1734
Loc: Lancashire UK
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My favourite at the moment is Binocular Astronomy-Stephen Tonkin.
It's good for my 50mm upto my 100mm.
Nearly forgot! EdZs' reviews 
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Glen
www.lyraoptic.co.uk
Edited by GlenM (06/01/09 10:02 AM)
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bsim
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 01/04/08
Posts: 1049
Loc: New York City
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The 1st edition of Binocular Astronomy by Crossen & Tirion. The 2nd edition is not endorsed by Crossen. You can do a search on CN for the reasons.
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Phillip Creed
Idiot Seeking Village
Reged: 07/25/06
Posts: 1301
Loc: Canton, OH
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Hands down, my favorite is Phil Harrington's Touring the Universe through Binoculars. A bit dated, but still invaluable.
Clear Skies,
Phil
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"The hopeful depend on a world without end, whatever the hopeless may say"--Rush, "Manhattan Project"
Wilderness Center Astronomy Club member since 1995
ICQ Comet Observer Code: CRE01
*****
(1) 12" f/4.9 Skywatcher Collapsible Dobsonian
(2) Orion 120mm ST Refractor
(3) Oberwerk 15x70 Binoculars
(4) Minimalist Eyepiece Set:
"23"-mm Axiom LX (~24mm; long story...)
13mm Nagler Type 6
9mm Nagler Type 6
7mm Nagler Type 6
1.75X Siebert Barlow
*****
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EdZ
Professor EdZ
Reged: 02/15/02
Posts: 14711
Loc: Cumberland, R I , USA42N71.4W
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You might want to see the "Best Of" thread BOOKS for Binocular Observers.
edz
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Teach a kid something today. The feeling you'll get is one of life's greatest rewards.
member#21
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Jimmy2K63
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 04/26/09
Posts: 1184
Loc: Kentucky
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I found a free download for Phil Harrington's TUBT sky atlas through doing a search on the website.
My library actually has that book. I had checked it out but I didn't think it was that good.
Is there a good website/book club that has listings and reviews of newer and dated amateur astronomy books? I find most of them rehash the same old thing, so I'm reluctant to just blindly order and take my chances. Of the 2 dozen or so books I have on amateur astronomy, only a select few are worth their money.
Actually for a resource. CN is Far Better than most books, truth be told.
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http://astronomyguy63.blogspot.com/
LXD75 SN6-UHTC
Cave Astrola 10" f/5
Garrett 15x70/FarSight
Canon XS (1000D)
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EdZ
Professor EdZ
Reged: 02/15/02
Posts: 14711
Loc: Cumberland, R I , USA42N71.4W
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You may find Celestial Sampler by Sue French to be an excellent resource for binocular observing.
The subtitle is 60 Small-Scope Tours for Starlit Nights. If you are a serious binocular obbserver, you may find that the objects highlighted for small scopes are not much different than what could be considered challenging objects for binoculars. You may not be able to observe everything in this book using just binoculars, but you may find some objects of interest that you would have otherwise overlooked.
In addition to a well-detailed section of a star chart for each of the 60 tours, this book includes also a photographic image for most of these same charts, all in 150 pages of text that describe all the objects noted. Each chart has a data table of important info on that chart and several small close-up detail charts accompany the main charts. A set of all sky monthly maps are also included. This is a complete observing book.
edz
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hallelujah
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 07/14/06
Posts: 2148
Loc: Rocky Mt. High Colorado
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Quote:
If you had to choose just one book for your collection for binocular astronomy, which one would it be?
The New Atlas of the Stars CLICK HERE 
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Celestron Traveler 8x25 & B. & H. 8x40 FC JAPAN & Revue 10x50 CF Porro FC JAPAN &
Pentax 12x50 PCF WP II FMC & Pentax 16x60 PCF WP FMC &
Pentax 20x60 PCF WP II FMC & Orion 12x63 Mini Giant FMC JAPAN &
SPECTRUM I 20x65 FC JAPAN &
Orion 15x70 Little Giant II FMC JAPAN & Orion 20x70 Little Giant II FMC JAPAN
Orion 16x80 Giant FMC JAPAN & Orion 30x80 MEGAView FMC JAPAN
Barska 30x80 X-Trail LW FC & Burgess Optical Series II 20x90 FMC
Hallelujah! For the LORD God Omnipotent Reigneth
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KennyJ
Reged: 04/27/03
Posts: 12885
Loc: Lancashire UK
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Sir Stanley ,
This thread was crying out for a " LINK " ! :-)
Kenny
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If everyone is thinking the same thing , no-one is thinking - General George S.Patton
Zeiss 7 x 42 BGAT
Captain's Helmsman 7 x 50
Nikon 10 x 42 Superior E
Swift Audubon Kestrel 10 x 50
Helios 15 x 70 Observation
Strathspey 20 x 90
Televue 76 APO
Zeiss 85 Diascope
Helios 102 f5 refractor
Various eyepieces barlows tripods mounts etc.
Panasonic Lumix DMC - TZ5 digital camera
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hallelujah
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 07/14/06
Posts: 2148
Loc: Rocky Mt. High Colorado
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Quote:
Sir Stanley ,
This thread was crying out for a " LINK " ! :-)
Kenny
Lord Kenneth,
I heard your cry and responded accordingly, not wanting you to be disappointed. 
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Celestron Traveler 8x25 & B. & H. 8x40 FC JAPAN & Revue 10x50 CF Porro FC JAPAN &
Pentax 12x50 PCF WP II FMC & Pentax 16x60 PCF WP FMC &
Pentax 20x60 PCF WP II FMC & Orion 12x63 Mini Giant FMC JAPAN &
SPECTRUM I 20x65 FC JAPAN &
Orion 15x70 Little Giant II FMC JAPAN & Orion 20x70 Little Giant II FMC JAPAN
Orion 16x80 Giant FMC JAPAN & Orion 30x80 MEGAView FMC JAPAN
Barska 30x80 X-Trail LW FC & Burgess Optical Series II 20x90 FMC
Hallelujah! For the LORD God Omnipotent Reigneth
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Bruce MacDonald
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 01/12/06
Posts: 1078
Loc: Devizes, Wiltshire, UK
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I'd also recommend "Astronomy with Binoculars" by James Muirden. It is rather dated now (and some of the advice on observing the Sun is potentially dangerous and should be treated with caution) but there's some good stuff in there including a chapter on what to do after you have ticked off all the Messiers and double stars.
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Bruce MacDonald
Devizes, Wiltshire, UK
Per Mare Per Terras
Viz Top Tip: Don't waste money buying expensive binoculars. Simply stand closer to the object you wish to view.
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Jimmy2K63
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 04/26/09
Posts: 1184
Loc: Kentucky
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I downloaded the free PDF on the binocular challenge on this webpage, placed them in plastic sleeves and put them in my logbook binder. Not only are they free, but I think they are quite good because they include a star chart and are nicely laid out with your field of view. If you've seen this before please accept my apologies.
http://www.irishastronomy.org/cms/component/docman/cat_view/8-observing-challenges?orderby=dmdate_published&ascdesc=DESC
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http://astronomyguy63.blogspot.com/
LXD75 SN6-UHTC
Cave Astrola 10" f/5
Garrett 15x70/FarSight
Canon XS (1000D)
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Man in a Tub
Not Retired!, But a little cranky!!!
Reged: 10/28/08
Posts: 2014
Loc: San Francisco, CA
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Hi Jimmy
Hope you got all three PDFs available. The second PDF is the IFAS Binocular Handbook, and it's very good.
No need for apologies. It serves as a reminder for those who've forgotten, and it's a good reference for those who have just begun to visit this site. Over time, information like this gets lost.
Clear Skies!
Todd
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Todd
Brunton Eterna 15x51 ° Garrett Optical Signature Series 15x70
Nikon Action EX 12x50 ° Oberwerk 15x60 and 20x80 Standard
Orion Paragon Plus Mount and Paragon XHD Tripod
Garrett Optical Series 2000 Grip-Action Monopod
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edwincjones
Postmaster
Reged: 04/10/04
Posts: 5655
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Quote:
The 1st edition of Binocular Astronomy by Crossen & Tirion. The 2nd edition is not endorsed by Crossen. You can do a search on CN for the reasons.
this would be my choice also,
edj
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daniel_h
sage
Reged: 03/08/08
Posts: 482
Loc: VIC, Australia
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I also have the IFAS pdf's- terrific
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regal 10x42, 10x50ultras, 15x70 ultras, 20x80
Oly e-500, vixen 100/1000 with 0.965"/1.25",
2 old sturdy tripods for the bins (slik & velbon)
zeiss f5.6 refractor/lens (under construction)
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harbinjer
super member
Reged: 12/17/08
Posts: 125
Loc: Southeastern Minnesota
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Quote:
The 1st edition of Binocular Astronomy by Crossen & Tirion. The 2nd edition is not endorsed by Crossen. You can do a search on CN for the reasons.
Can anyone give me a pointer about the difference? I tried the search, and a google site search but can't find what you mean.
Thanks,
Edited by harbinjer (06/02/09 12:00 PM)
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Carl Kolchak
professor emeritus
Reged: 08/02/06
Posts: 546
Loc: Northeast, Florida
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Quote:
Quote:
The 1st edition of Binocular Astronomy by Crossen & Tirion. The 2nd edition is not endorsed by Crossen. You can do a search on CN for the reasons.
Can anyone give me a pointer about the difference? I tried the search, and a google site search but can't what you mean.
Thanks,
Hi harbinjer,
Here is a post from the Stellar forum, New edition of Crossen's _Binocular Astronomy_, that will lead to the other post.
peace & clear skies,
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Richard H.
Antares 105mm f/9.5 Elite Series Refractor
AstroTelescopes 102mm f/7 Refractor
Orion ShortTube 90mm f/5.6 Refractor
Meade Model 300 80mm f/15 Refractor
Tasco Cosmic 6TE-5 50mm f/12 Refractor
Orion SkyView Pro 8" Intelliscope
Orion Scenix 10x50 Binoculars
Zhumell SuperGiant 20x80 binoculars
NightSky Journal
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danmdak
member
Reged: 10/03/07
Posts: 37
Loc: NE Ohio
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Phil Harringtons "Touring the Universe through Binoculars"
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Main instrument: homemade 16" f/4.5
secondary instruments: Homemade 8" f/8 & Meade 2045 4"
Garrett 15X70 binos
In the works: Homemade 8" f/4
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Ragaisis
super member
Reged: 05/16/08
Posts: 183
Loc: Milwaukee, WI
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I hear very little about O'Meara's new binocular book (it came out a few months ago). You'd think that when a "major name" like that comes out with something there'd be a lot of talk about it.
Chris
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Televue TV85 APO on a Half-Hitch alt-az mount
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harbinjer
super member
Reged: 12/17/08
Posts: 125
Loc: Southeastern Minnesota
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Thanks for the link Richard,
Its a sad tale. I hope he can at some point write and publish more, in astronomy.
I too wonder about the O'Meara book. Amazon has two positive reviews, but from what looks like book critics. There is also one short negative review. Maybe its not as good as his other books, or perhaps it is, but wouldn't word get out faster if it was so good?
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Jay_Bird
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 01/04/06
Posts: 958
Loc: Nevada 36N 115W
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I think Crossen and Tirion 1st Ed. 'set the bar' for all others to follow.
If you see a used copy of any c. 1970's constellation guides by Peter Lancaster Brown, take a look; I enjoyed his descriptions of views with various sized binos as well as telescopes.
I've become as likely to pack my clearance hardbound 'Collins Atlas of the Night Sky' instead of the smaller 'Pocket Star Atlas' depending on moon phase, for travel with binos and/or smallest scope, because Collins has a nice 'bonus' at the back after the star charts and descriptions -- a detailed set of normal and reversed moon maps.
Be sure to read the best of link because there are a lot of titles, Reynolds, Tompkins, Harrington, Seronik, French, etc.
The newer books (even some by CN contributors!) look appealing when perused and might be the best choice for someone's first or second book, but I'd have a hard time justifying bringing another home with Crossen and Tirion, PSA, Collins, and several others already on the shelf.
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'these things stand like stone - kindness in another's troubles, courage in your own' Gordon
C-8, Nighthawk, C-90; Binoculars 6-11x21-80mm; Paragon p-mount
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digitaldave
sage
Reged: 04/23/06
Posts: 269
Loc: Stevenage, UK
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Quote:
My favourite at the moment is Binocular Astronomy-Stephen Tonkin.
It's good for my 50mm upto my 100mm.
Glen,
Interesting that you mention this book... I picked up a copy last year, but didn't really get on with it for some reason. I ended up donating to to my astronomy club's Xmas raffle, so I think it's gone to a good home eventually  .
I got a copy of Gary Seronik's 'Binocular Highlights', which I really like. If you've ever read any of Gary's binocular columns in Sky & Telescope magazine, it's in the same easy to read style, and each object has a finder chart too (as does Stepehn's book, to be fair).
I'd also second Ed's suggestion of Sue French's 'Celestial Sample'. Another easy to read book.
Dave.
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GlenM
Vendor
Reged: 05/20/07
Posts: 1734
Loc: Lancashire UK
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Hello Dave,
I have heard that before about this book. I got my copy as a gift from a dear friend in the States. I just like the book.
I also have Gary Seronik's book. I have a subscription to S&T and always look forward to binocular highlights.
I see you have had some sky time with the 85.
Clear Skies.
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Glen
www.lyraoptic.co.uk
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digitaldave
sage
Reged: 04/23/06
Posts: 269
Loc: Stevenage, UK
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Quote:
I see you have had some sky time with the 85.
Indeed I have, and with the 13mm Ethos too (it was very nearly with an 8mm Ethos as well, but I bottled out of buying that at the last minute!). I really should post an observing report. Managed to get M13, M4, maybe M5 but I can't remember, and M81/82. The last one was quite amusing, because the resident star hopping expert told me how to find them from the plough, I pointed the scope in roughly the right area, did a couple of turns on the slow motion controls, and suddenly there they were! I bet I couldn't do that again!
Anyway, back to the original post, sorry for the slight detour .
Dave.
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GlenM
Vendor
Reged: 05/20/07
Posts: 1734
Loc: Lancashire UK
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Just wondering if any binocular books are available as e-books? Must do a search.
I have been trying to buy the Crossen/Tirion book for quite some time now. Can't seem to get hold of a copy.
Clear Skies.
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Glen
www.lyraoptic.co.uk
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Crossen
member
Reged: 07/14/08
Posts: 87
Loc: Vienna
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In response to the question of about the difference between the original and the "second" editions of "Binocular Astronomy":
The difference is in what the second edition of "Binocular Astronomy" SHOULD have been. According to what I have heard (I have not seen it myself: Why should I pay postage to get it?), the text of the second edition is basically the same, or very similar, to that of the first edition--which it had to be because I had nothing to do with the preparation of the second edition. However, I wrote that text more than twenty years ago and some of the astronomical data and much of the constellation history information in it is now obsolete.
Also, I do have plenty of ideas of what to add to the book to make it richer. For example, more discussion on the nearest stellar associations, which are ideal binocular targets. And I felt the introductions to each of the seasonal chapters should be expanded. And I wanted to add some discussion about the far southern Milky Way to the Milky Way chapter. And over the years I've accumulated more illustrations of the Babylonian constellation figures from ancient Babylonian art.
Hopefully someday an authentic second edition of "Binocular Astronomy" will be offered to the public. But right now things don't look promising. I must say I'm quite upset that a cut-rate product is being marketed under my name. I feel badly about those who have purchased the "new" Binoc Astro thinking that they are getting something that really IS new.
Craig Crossen
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GlenM
Vendor
Reged: 05/20/07
Posts: 1734
Loc: Lancashire UK
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Craig,
I for one would not buy the new addition. I just would not feel right in buying it. I suspect that other members of the forum will feel the same.
I hope someday for a authentic second addition.
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Glen
www.lyraoptic.co.uk
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Jimmy2K63
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 04/26/09
Posts: 1184
Loc: Kentucky
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Please excuse my stupidity as I had not considered that some authors would actually be following along on CN. I should know that because I have seen people on here whose articles I have read from S and T some 32 years ago. I guess I should remember that we are amateurs and it's like that in this hobby. I got to spend a night with John Dobson him and I in 1985 after the public had gone home, and I've met Terrence Dickenson before as well. Those are two pretty famous people in this hobby to some newbies - taking on almost heroic proportions, but back in the day they started out as guys like you and I.
I'll take all the advice you've offered into consideration. And when it comes to Atlas's, I still love my old Norton's the best. Tirion's SA2000 just does not compare from an observational viewpoint even though it's views are very detailed, plate scale is important when you are co-relating what you see with what you are looking for. Now if I was using setting circles, then that changes things, but for good old fashioned sky sweeping...it's Norton's.
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http://astronomyguy63.blogspot.com/
LXD75 SN6-UHTC
Cave Astrola 10" f/5
Garrett 15x70/FarSight
Canon XS (1000D)
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Carl Kolchak
professor emeritus
Reged: 08/02/06
Posts: 546
Loc: Northeast, Florida
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Quote:
Thanks for the link Richard,
Its a sad tale. I hope he can at some point write and publish more, in astronomy.
I too wonder about the O'Meara book. Amazon has two positive reviews, but from what looks like book critics. There is also one short negative review. Maybe its not as good as his other books, or perhaps it is, but wouldn't word get out faster if it was so good?
You're welcome harbinjer.
I have O'Meara's "Observing the Night Sky with Binoculars" and I like it. It is not IMO, in the same style of his "Deep Sky Companions" guides at all. In those he writes as if you and he are at the eyepiece together and he is speaking to you as he describes what he sees in the EP. I really like that style a lot.
"Observing the Night Sky with Binoculars" has a huge amount of historical info, facts and trivia about the objects and constellations themselves. The book is divided into seasons and then further into the months in the seasons. The book provides the reader with a large area of the sky incorporating several constellations to help you get to the right area and then has a 7* finder map to help zero in on the target. Some of the 7* charts have images of the object and I really wish that O'Meara had included a sketch instead of a image of the object. 
The book is geared toward beginner stargazers according to the back page. I haven't read page by page but there are no real surprise objects for a binocularist but you may find some information you didn't know about some of the objects or history of a constellation. I added it to my library because there are so few books geared to binoculars.
peace & clear skies,
--------------------
Richard H.
Antares 105mm f/9.5 Elite Series Refractor
AstroTelescopes 102mm f/7 Refractor
Orion ShortTube 90mm f/5.6 Refractor
Meade Model 300 80mm f/15 Refractor
Tasco Cosmic 6TE-5 50mm f/12 Refractor
Orion SkyView Pro 8" Intelliscope
Orion Scenix 10x50 Binoculars
Zhumell SuperGiant 20x80 binoculars
NightSky Journal
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Bruce MacDonald
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 01/12/06
Posts: 1078
Loc: Devizes, Wiltshire, UK
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Quote:
If you see a used copy of any c. 1970's constellation guides by Peter Lancaster Brown, take a look; I enjoyed his descriptions of views with various sized binos as well as telescopes.
Agreed. The book "Star and Planet Spotting" is excellent and is one of my favourites. It is a classic of the binocular-astronomy field.
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Bruce MacDonald
Devizes, Wiltshire, UK
Per Mare Per Terras
Viz Top Tip: Don't waste money buying expensive binoculars. Simply stand closer to the object you wish to view.
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EdZ
Professor EdZ
Reged: 02/15/02
Posts: 14711
Loc: Cumberland, R I , USA42N71.4W
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Quote:
I had not considered that some authors would actually be following along on CN.
We have no less than 6 authors that visit just this forum. There are more on other CN forums.
edz
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Teach a kid something today. The feeling you'll get is one of life's greatest rewards.
member#21
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PhilH
sage
Reged: 01/27/05
Posts: 277
Loc: Long Island, NY
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Quote:
We have no less than 6 authors that visit just this forum. There are more on other CN forums.
edz
One of whom just started a monthly column on the Binocular Universe here on Cloudynights. I forget which author that is, however. 
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Phil Harrington
Contributing editor, Astronomy magazine
Author: Star Ware || Star Watch || Touring the Universe through Binoculars || et al...
Binocular Universe
http://www.philharrington.net
http://www.observingsites.com
"Two eyes are better than one!"
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Robert A.
sage
Reged: 01/21/05
Posts: 292
Loc: Milwaukee, WI Northern USA
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Bravo! Phil. Thanks for your article!
An article on Scorpius for binoculars!
Rob.
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Oberwerk 11x56, Nikon 12x50se, Fujinon 16x70, Stellarvue 20x85, Oberwerk 25/40 45degree 100mm
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Gordon Rayner
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 03/24/07
Posts: 965
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I find the Seronik book has some novel starhops, and has enjoyable tours, particularly for lower magnification. But I disagree with his advocacy of central focus (vs. individual focus) for astronomy . There are the same number of adjustments required for either method, and CF usually has mechanical/sealing/collimation(from eyebrow pressure, for one thing) compromises.
The Sue French material is very good, but tends to require higher magnification /aperture than offered by most binoculars.
The books by Dickinson and Dyer have good maps of highlights. The 3rd. edition of Backyard Astronomer's Guide does not have the very useful object tour maps found in some of their earlier books( some of which have a different title), but has the beautiful Milky way object maps and enhanced, attractive, pseudo - visual representations of the galaxy and its surroundings by our contributor Glenn LeDrew. That book has lots of up-to-date information about amateur astronomy equipment and techniques in general: digital techniques, mounts, orientation to the changing perspectives as seasons and lattitudes change, general phenomena of the sky, and has beautiful pictures of astro objects and clear illustrations of both natural and technical topics.
I use the Sky and Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas frequently. It helps find targets. But to read about the targets in detail, one needs other references.
I like DK's extremely well illustrated Universe for up-to date astronomy, astrophysics, and cosmology theory, pictures, mythology, classical paintings and statues of the mythological figures, to fix in memory to add to the imagination as one fills in the gaps in constellations. A very good way to spend $25 for the large paperback, or $50 for the hardbound,heavy, larger format version.
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Mr. Bill
Post Laureate
Reged: 02/09/05
Posts: 3147
Loc: Just passing through.....
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Quote:
If you had to choose just one book for your collection for binocular astronomy, which one would it be?
Still waiting.....
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10x50 Fujinon binos + 16x70 Fujinon binos + UA UniMount
Oberwerk BT100 45 degree +24mm Pans + Hercules fork mount
120mm f/5 Orion achromat + Moonlite focuser
130mm TMB 130SS f/7 APO refractor
140mm f/5.7 Vixen NeoAchro Petzvel refractor
150mm f/8 homemade achromat
8 inch newt with f/5 Swayze mirror
10 inch f/4.7 Orion newt + Paracorr
15 inch f/5 Discovery "Galactic Cannon"
Member IDA
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Bruce MacDonald
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 01/12/06
Posts: 1078
Loc: Devizes, Wiltshire, UK
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Perhaps you should write it yourself? 
Edited by Bruce MacDonald (06/05/09 04:54 PM)
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Mr. Bill
Post Laureate
Reged: 02/09/05
Posts: 3147
Loc: Just passing through.....
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Quote:
Perhaps you should write it yourself?
Much too obsessive.....I don't like lists or taking notes.
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10x50 Fujinon binos + 16x70 Fujinon binos + UA UniMount
Oberwerk BT100 45 degree +24mm Pans + Hercules fork mount
120mm f/5 Orion achromat + Moonlite focuser
130mm TMB 130SS f/7 APO refractor
140mm f/5.7 Vixen NeoAchro Petzvel refractor
150mm f/8 homemade achromat
8 inch newt with f/5 Swayze mirror
10 inch f/4.7 Orion newt + Paracorr
15 inch f/5 Discovery "Galactic Cannon"
Member IDA
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Jimmy2K63
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 04/26/09
Posts: 1184
Loc: Kentucky
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Quote:
Quote:
We have no less than 6 authors that visit just this forum. There are more on other CN forums.
edz
One of whom just started a monthly column on the Binocular Universe here on Cloudynights. I forget which author that is, however.
Well Phil I'll give your book another chance. Maybe it wasn't the book as much as I was just disappointed in our library. Their collection is about 15 books, most of which were written in the 60's, 70's and 80's. Lots has changed in astronomy since that time and I think it's important that a library keep current especially in a science like astronomy where things are constantly changing.
One of my favorites has always been Burnhams Celestial Handbook, the 3 volume hardcover set. It serves as a reference, a supplement, a place to do your "homework", and before CN, a place to visit on cloudy nights. :-)
I had read your article before, and man, it's hard to believe that its been 40 years since Apollo 11. We were supposed to have bases there now, huge telescopes, colonies on Mars, etc.
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http://astronomyguy63.blogspot.com/
LXD75 SN6-UHTC
Cave Astrola 10" f/5
Garrett 15x70/FarSight
Canon XS (1000D)
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Mr. Bill
Post Laureate
Reged: 02/09/05
Posts: 3147
Loc: Just passing through.....
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I would like to see a binocular book aimed at touring the Milky Way for bright/dark nebulae and star clusters at the mesoscale of binocular telescopes such as my BT100s... that is 25x and a 2 1/2 degree real fov.
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10x50 Fujinon binos + 16x70 Fujinon binos + UA UniMount
Oberwerk BT100 45 degree +24mm Pans + Hercules fork mount
120mm f/5 Orion achromat + Moonlite focuser
130mm TMB 130SS f/7 APO refractor
140mm f/5.7 Vixen NeoAchro Petzvel refractor
150mm f/8 homemade achromat
8 inch newt with f/5 Swayze mirror
10 inch f/4.7 Orion newt + Paracorr
15 inch f/5 Discovery "Galactic Cannon"
Member IDA
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GHarris
newbie
Reged: 06/06/09
Posts: 1
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Quote:
In response to the question of about the difference between the original and the "second" editions of "Binocular Astronomy":
The difference is in what the second edition of "Binocular Astronomy" SHOULD have been. According to what I have heard (I have not seen it myself: Why should I pay postage to get it?), the text of the second edition is basically the same, or very similar, to that of the first edition--which it had to be because I had nothing to do with the preparation of the second edition. However, I wrote that text more than twenty years ago and some of the astronomical data and much of the constellation history information in it is now obsolete.
Also, I do have plenty of ideas of what to add to the book to make it richer. For example, more discussion on the nearest stellar associations, which are ideal binocular targets. And I felt the introductions to each of the seasonal chapters should be expanded. And I wanted to add some discussion about the far southern Milky Way to the Milky Way chapter. And over the years I've accumulated more illustrations of the Babylonian constellation figures from ancient Babylonian art.
Hopefully someday an authentic second edition of "Binocular Astronomy" will be offered to the public. But right now things don't look promising. I must say I'm quite upset that a cut-rate product is being marketed under my name. I feel badly about those who have purchased the "new" Binoc Astro thinking that they are getting something that really IS new.
Craig Crossen
I'm just starting out in binocular astronomy and so I have been searching for a copy of your reputedly excellent book. I almost bought the 2nd edition from the publisher, but luckily I kept on googling and discovered the thread on this forum describing the differences between the 1st and 2nd edition. It seems there's no way I can purchase the book that would result in you receiving the money you deserve for writing it! Which is a sad state of affairs. I have ordered a used copy of it, so that at least no money will go to the publisher. But if you ever release an "official" 2nd edition I for one would buy it immediately (even if the price is high due to it being published abroad).
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Tony Flanders
Post Laureate
Reged: 05/18/06
Posts: 3452
Loc: Cambridge, MA, USA
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Quote:
I would like to see a binocular book aimed at touring the Milky Way for bright/dark nebulae and star clusters at the mesoscale of binocular telescopes such as my BT100s... that is 25x and a 2 1/2 degree real fov.
Wow, wouldn't that be cool? Who wants to write it? You? Glenn?
There would, of course, be some overlap with Sue French's Celestial Sampler. A 105-mm APO at low power strongly overlaps the functionality of 25x100 binos. But Sue tends to avoid things that can be seen only at dark sites, which is where big binos really strut their stuff.
--------------------
Tony Flanders
First and foremost observing love: naked eye.
Second, binoculars.
Last but not least, telescopes.
And I sometimes dabble with cameras.
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Mr. Bill
Post Laureate
Reged: 02/09/05
Posts: 3147
Loc: Just passing through.....
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Tony
I guess I need to order Sue French's book.....(just did)
I'm not sure that I'm up to the task of writing a book but I'm not seeing what I envision would be a "hats off" to EE Barnard in giving the MW its due.
Maybe increasing light pollution has taken the edge off of enthusiasm for such a project.
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10x50 Fujinon binos + 16x70 Fujinon binos + UA UniMount
Oberwerk BT100 45 degree +24mm Pans + Hercules fork mount
120mm f/5 Orion achromat + Moonlite focuser
130mm TMB 130SS f/7 APO refractor
140mm f/5.7 Vixen NeoAchro Petzvel refractor
150mm f/8 homemade achromat
8 inch newt with f/5 Swayze mirror
10 inch f/4.7 Orion newt + Paracorr
15 inch f/5 Discovery "Galactic Cannon"
Member IDA
Edited by Mr. Bill (06/07/09 06:30 PM)
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Man in a Tub
Not Retired!, But a little cranky!!!
Reged: 10/28/08
Posts: 2014
Loc: San Francisco, CA
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Are you familiar with this site? I think we should be thankful to the folks at Georgia Tech.
Edward Emerson Barnard's A Photographic Atlas of Selected Regions of the Milky Way
Now, that would be one heckuva book for a personal library. I'm sure there will probably never ever be a fascimile edition for all of us. There are two originals in my area.
Todd
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Todd
Brunton Eterna 15x51 ° Garrett Optical Signature Series 15x70
Nikon Action EX 12x50 ° Oberwerk 15x60 and 20x80 Standard
Orion Paragon Plus Mount and Paragon XHD Tripod
Garrett Optical Series 2000 Grip-Action Monopod
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Mr. Bill
Post Laureate
Reged: 02/09/05
Posts: 3147
Loc: Just passing through.....
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Quote:
Are you familiar with this site? I think we should be thankful to the folks at Georgia Tech.
Edward Emerson Barnard's A Photographic Atlas of Selected Regions of the Milky Way
Now, that would be one heckuva book for a personal library. I'm sure there will probably never ever be a fascimile edition for all of us. There are two originals in my area.
Todd
Hi Todd
That's been my inspiration.....
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10x50 Fujinon binos + 16x70 Fujinon binos + UA UniMount
Oberwerk BT100 45 degree +24mm Pans + Hercules fork mount
120mm f/5 Orion achromat + Moonlite focuser
130mm TMB 130SS f/7 APO refractor
140mm f/5.7 Vixen NeoAchro Petzvel refractor
150mm f/8 homemade achromat
8 inch newt with f/5 Swayze mirror
10 inch f/4.7 Orion newt + Paracorr
15 inch f/5 Discovery "Galactic Cannon"
Member IDA
Edited by Mr. Bill (06/07/09 09:51 PM)
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Man in a Tub
Not Retired!, But a little cranky!!!
Reged: 10/28/08
Posts: 2014
Loc: San Francisco, CA
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Quote:
150mm f/8 homemade achromat....EE Barnard MW Sweeper
I hadn't noticed the above in your signature before.
The plaque is truly commendable, and thanks for posting the pic for all to see.
Todd
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Todd
Brunton Eterna 15x51 ° Garrett Optical Signature Series 15x70
Nikon Action EX 12x50 ° Oberwerk 15x60 and 20x80 Standard
Orion Paragon Plus Mount and Paragon XHD Tripod
Garrett Optical Series 2000 Grip-Action Monopod
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Mr. Bill
Post Laureate
Reged: 02/09/05
Posts: 3147
Loc: Just passing through.....
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After I built it, it reminded me of Barnard's small Petzval camera, so I decided that the plaque commemorating his work on recording large scale MW structure (especially the dark nebulae) was appropriate.
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10x50 Fujinon binos + 16x70 Fujinon binos + UA UniMount
Oberwerk BT100 45 degree +24mm Pans + Hercules fork mount
120mm f/5 Orion achromat + Moonlite focuser
130mm TMB 130SS f/7 APO refractor
140mm f/5.7 Vixen NeoAchro Petzvel refractor
150mm f/8 homemade achromat
8 inch newt with f/5 Swayze mirror
10 inch f/4.7 Orion newt + Paracorr
15 inch f/5 Discovery "Galactic Cannon"
Member IDA
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beachchairbill
professor emeritus
Reged: 11/06/08
Posts: 504
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Here is another book that you might like
Finding and Viewing Messier's Objects - by - Ken Graun
BB
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Mr. Bill
Post Laureate
Reged: 02/09/05
Posts: 3147
Loc: Just passing through.....
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Quote:
Quote:
I would like to see a binocular book aimed at touring the Milky Way for bright/dark nebulae and star clusters at the mesoscale of binocular telescopes such as my BT100s... that is 25x and a 2 1/2 degree real fov.
Wow, wouldn't that be cool? Who wants to write it? You? Glenn?
There would, of course, be some overlap with Sue French's Celestial Sampler. A 105-mm APO at low power strongly overlaps the functionality of 25x100 binos. But Sue tends to avoid things that can be seen only at dark sites, which is where big binos really strut their stuff.
Good call Tony........
Just spent a couple of hours reviewing Sue French's book....definitely recommend this as a good guide for giant binocular observing. A bit more of the dark nebulae would be in order, but then I have a definite bias in that direction.
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10x50 Fujinon binos + 16x70 Fujinon binos + UA UniMount
Oberwerk BT100 45 degree +24mm Pans + Hercules fork mount
120mm f/5 Orion achromat + Moonlite focuser
130mm TMB 130SS f/7 APO refractor
140mm f/5.7 Vixen NeoAchro Petzvel refractor
150mm f/8 homemade achromat
8 inch newt with f/5 Swayze mirror
10 inch f/4.7 Orion newt + Paracorr
15 inch f/5 Discovery "Galactic Cannon"
Member IDA
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PhilCo126
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 01/14/05
Posts: 1636
Loc: coastline of Belgium
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What about:
http://www.irishastronomy.org/cms/component/docman/doc_download/3-binocular-challenge?bcsi_scan_992089A424B9F4BC=1
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TS 152/1200 ( f 7.90 ) Achromatic Refractor
Saving/Looking for 180/1620 ( f 9 ) Refractor
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Mr. Bill
Post Laureate
Reged: 02/09/05
Posts: 3147
Loc: Just passing through.....
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Quote:
What about:
http://www.irishastronomy.org/cms/component/docman/doc_download/3-binocular-challenge?bcsi_scan_992089A424B9F4BC=1
What happened to the Milky Way? Was it even mentioned? I saw only one dark nebula mentioned.....Barnard 92 in M24.
This is an example of the point I'm making....binocular lists and books I've seen largely ignore one of the most fascinating objects in the sky and uniquely accessable for two eyed low power viewing.
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10x50 Fujinon binos + 16x70 Fujinon binos + UA UniMount
Oberwerk BT100 45 degree +24mm Pans + Hercules fork mount
120mm f/5 Orion achromat + Moonlite focuser
130mm TMB 130SS f/7 APO refractor
140mm f/5.7 Vixen NeoAchro Petzvel refractor
150mm f/8 homemade achromat
8 inch newt with f/5 Swayze mirror
10 inch f/4.7 Orion newt + Paracorr
15 inch f/5 Discovery "Galactic Cannon"
Member IDA
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GaryS
super member
Reged: 10/30/06
Posts: 191
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What happened to the Milky Way? Was it even mentioned? I saw only one dark nebula mentioned.....Barnard 92 in M24.
This is an example of the point I'm making....binocular lists and books I've seen largely ignore one of the most fascinating objects in the sky and uniquely accessable for two eyed low power viewing.
Your point is a good one. My book only mentions two, but there are obviously more. I suspect one reason dark nebulae get so little play is that you absolutely need a good, dark sky to see them well. With so many people living and observing under less-than-ideal conditions, you can see why the usual targets are so popular.
Like I said though, you do make a good point. I'll try to include a few more in my next book.
Regards,
Gary
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Sky & Telescope Contributing Editor
SkyNews Columnist & Blogger
www.GarySeronik.com
A place for stargazing enthusiasts.
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BobinKy
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 04/27/07
Posts: 1682
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Quote:
I'll try to include a few more in my next book.
Gary
Please tell us more. Your readers want to know about your next book. 
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Bob
38°N
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Mr. Bill
Post Laureate
Reged: 02/09/05
Posts: 3147
Loc: Just passing through.....
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Quote:
What happened to the Milky Way? Was it even mentioned? I saw only one dark nebula mentioned.....Barnard 92 in M24.
This is an example of the point I'm making....binocular lists and books I've seen largely ignore one of the most fascinating objects in the sky and uniquely accessable for two eyed low power viewing.
Your point is a good one. My book only mentions two, but there are obviously more. I suspect one reason dark nebulae get so little play is that you absolutely need a good, dark sky to see them well. With so many people living and observing under less-than-ideal conditions, you can see why the usual targets are so popular.
Like I said though, you do make a good point. I'll try to include a few more in my next book.
Regards,
Gary
How about a whole chapter devoted to the MW and binocular observing? There are many people here in the West with good to great skies.
Maybe we need to inspire....aim at the best possible rather than the least common denominator when it comes to observing opportunities....I have made great personal sacrifices in order to experience pristine skies, but no more than many others who are passionate about deep sky observing.
Edited by Mr. Bill (06/13/09 06:27 PM)
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GlennLeDrew
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 06/18/08
Posts: 1250
Loc: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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I've long fantasized about writing a book on observing our Milky Way with unaided eye, binos and small telescopes. In addition to the usual, oft-mentioned Galactic denizens, due emphasis would be given to:
- Dark clouds, which are fascinating in and of themselves, not to mention their importance as star factories.
- Stellar associations, primarily the OB type due to their ease of observation. But the T-associations should at least receive mention, and possibly be located in charts.
- The Gould Belt, because it nicely encircles us and comprises most of the younger stars, clusters, and associations, as well as most of the bright and dark nebulae, within about 500 - 2,000 l-y.
- The several moving groups of stars that we find ourselves immersed within. For example, we have the Sirius/UMa, Hyades and Arcturus streams, to name a few.
Of course, external galaxies would not be overlooked, especially the brighter examples, if for no other reason than that they put our own galaxy into context.
My approach would be *not* simply a kind of listing/description of individual objects in isolation. I look at the sky more holistically, and so objects would be placed into context as regards such factors as location within the Galaxy, how they are related with other objects/structures, and age/evolutionary state.
One gains more pleasure from observing when at least a passing understanding of the physical processes that shape the universe is obtained. To this end I should like to provide a kind of 'astrophysics 101' oriented toward the observer.
As to target audience, I would lean toward bucking the trend of narrowly focusing on a particular level of experience. I've always believed that a good reference book is one you grow into. In other words, make it accessible to beginners who will continue to use it long after they've become old hands.
The task would be daunting, and I'm notorious for procrastination. In fact, I half-jokingly claim to have put the 'pro' in procrastination. Perhaps I could be inspired to get off my duff in a collaborative venture....?
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Home-made 11X50 right angle bino, 8.1 deg. FOV
Modified 26X100 bino, 3.5 deg. FOV
Home-made Mk II RA bino, using interchangeable objectives and eyepieces
My Gallery
Mediocre minds discuss people. Good minds discuss events. Great minds discuss ideas.
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Mr. Bill
Post Laureate
Reged: 02/09/05
Posts: 3147
Loc: Just passing through.....
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Glenn....welcome to the party....wondering when you would make the scene.
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10x50 Fujinon binos + 16x70 Fujinon binos + UA UniMount
Oberwerk BT100 45 degree +24mm Pans + Hercules fork mount
120mm f/5 Orion achromat + Moonlite focuser
130mm TMB 130SS f/7 APO refractor
140mm f/5.7 Vixen NeoAchro Petzvel refractor
150mm f/8 homemade achromat
8 inch newt with f/5 Swayze mirror
10 inch f/4.7 Orion newt + Paracorr
15 inch f/5 Discovery "Galactic Cannon"
Member IDA
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BobinKy
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 04/27/07
Posts: 1682
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Glenn...
The overview you posted for your book looks very interesting. Please continue the research and writing. Let us know if we can help.
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Bob
38°N
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Mr. Bill
Post Laureate
Reged: 02/09/05
Posts: 3147
Loc: Just passing through.....
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A few thoughts about a book devoted to observing the MW.....
It would be at least 8 1/2 by 11 inches, 10 by 14 would be better. It would have spiral binding so that it will lay flat when open. It would have MATTE (not shiny) lamination that would resist dew.
One page would have a negative photo of the area of interest with declination and right ascension grid, the other facing page would have a chart of the same area same scale with objects labeled and constellations outlined and isophotes of the starfields outlined much as the Becvar charts.
Included would be a transparent grid overlay with circles outlining the real fov...say 2.7 degrees for my BT100s with 24mm Pan eps and Telrad reticle circles of 2 and 4 degrees.
--------------------
10x50 Fujinon binos + 16x70 Fujinon binos + UA UniMount
Oberwerk BT100 45 degree +24mm Pans + Hercules fork mount
120mm f/5 Orion achromat + Moonlite focuser
130mm TMB 130SS f/7 APO refractor
140mm f/5.7 Vixen NeoAchro Petzvel refractor
150mm f/8 homemade achromat
8 inch newt with f/5 Swayze mirror
10 inch f/4.7 Orion newt + Paracorr
15 inch f/5 Discovery "Galactic Cannon"
Member IDA
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Bruce MacDonald
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 01/12/06
Posts: 1078
Loc: Devizes, Wiltshire, UK
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Looks like we have a project in the pipeline...there's definitely a gap in the market for a binocular book aimed squarely at big bin owners, and the idea for a book concentrating on the Milky Way is excellent.
--------------------
Bruce MacDonald
Devizes, Wiltshire, UK
Per Mare Per Terras
Viz Top Tip: Don't waste money buying expensive binoculars. Simply stand closer to the object you wish to view.
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Greg83
member
Reged: 10/14/06
Posts: 14
Loc: Slovenia
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Quote:
Looks like we have a project in the pipeline...there's definitely a gap in the market for a binocular book aimed squarely at big bin owners, and the idea for a book concentrating on the Milky Way is excellent.
which brings me to idea about a book, or even more binocular books that would be our community work, perhaps in a way like Wikipedia (Binopedia?)is done. I know there are many very experienced experts here that would be willing to share their expertise in such common effort.
Would such project be possible on this server?
Best regards, Greg
Edited by Greg83 (06/18/09 09:27 AM)
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Gordon Rayner
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 03/24/07
Posts: 965
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Yesterday, I spent an evening in bookstores, first at Barnes & Noble, and then at Borders/Waldenbooks. Many of the books in this thread were on display. I see that Mr. Harrington still says the the Fuji 25 x 150 prisms are BaK-4. The spec sheets for the Model 1, with trunnions , say BaK-7. Who needs or wants BaK-4 for a Porro II cluster (without inclination of the line of sight, in this f/5,2.7 deg.field cone case, and most Porro II uses) ? The optics in the current version are the same.
I bought two specials at Borders, both are now $10 each, as closeouts or specials. Both are large and obviously worth more and cost more originally:
The Illustrated Atlas of the Universe, by Mark A. Garlick,with large star maps by Will Tirion. The Tirion maps are seasonal, and also for individual constellations, for both hemispheres. 304 large pages, profusely illustrated in color. Solar system, cosmology,more. Hubble images. Weldon Owen, Sydney, NSW, Australia, 2006, ISBN 10: 1-74089-625-4 , and ISBN 13 : 978-1-74089-625-2
The Stargazer's Handbook, by Giles Sparrow. <<w.quercusbooks.co.uk>>, originally cost 25 pounds. It features simulated, enhanced color, sensitive naked eye dark sky views of the constellations, for both hemispheres. This presentation is attractive, useful, and for me, novel. On the facing page, there are maps showing highlights of each constellation's contents, with a short astrophysical description. There are many large Hubble images. ISBN 978-1-94866-021-2
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Jay_Bird
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 01/04/06
Posts: 958
Loc: Nevada 36N 115W
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Thanks for mentioning those Gordon, I liked and bought "The Illustrated Atlas of the Universe" from Borders...
I was ready to buy after seeing the large, seasonal color star charts. Further review leaves me very impressed with the organization, the range of astronomy topics covered in a nice factual manner, the other sky charts, and the amount of "meaty" content throughout for the price.
The Milky Way special edition of Astronomy Magazine is the same $10 price. I grabbed that on the spur of the moment for its Milky Way poster fold-out, but after reading through was left a bit disappointed at the sensational tone of many articles, remiscent of cable 'science' shows, as if colliding galaxies and black holes were crossed with "shark week". It's good enough, but review it more carefully in store to see if you like all the content for $10 vs. the more impressive books Gordon mentioned above. However, it should stimulate some good questions from the kids. Good, but not great in my opinion.
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Man in a Tub
Not Retired!, But a little cranky!!!
Reged: 10/28/08
Posts: 2014
Loc: San Francisco, CA
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Quote:
The Stargazer's Handbook, by Giles Sparrow. <<w.quercusbooks.co.uk>>, originally cost 25 pounds. It features simulated, enhanced color, sensitive naked eye dark sky views of the constellations, for both hemispheres. This presentation is attractive, useful, and for me, novel. On the facing page, there are maps showing highlights of each constellation's contents, with a short astrophysical description. There are many large Hubble images. ISBN 978-1-94866-021-2
One book I snapped up at a Borders bargain sale a couple of years ago has a similar setup of simulated night sky views with Wil Tirion maps on the facing pages. It's a Firefly book: Night Sky Atlas by Robin Scagell. Worth having.
Just how ubiquitous Tirion's wonderful maps are I sometimes wonder.
Sometimes I see the same maps (not necessarily Tirion's maps) and photos in different books by different authors. And a lot of them are on the bargain tables at Borders.
Regards,
Todd
--------------------
Todd
Brunton Eterna 15x51 ° Garrett Optical Signature Series 15x70
Nikon Action EX 12x50 ° Oberwerk 15x60 and 20x80 Standard
Orion Paragon Plus Mount and Paragon XHD Tripod
Garrett Optical Series 2000 Grip-Action Monopod
Edited by Man in a Tub (06/30/09 02:43 AM)
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GlenM
Vendor
Reged: 05/20/07
Posts: 1734
Loc: Lancashire UK
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I have just picked up an original copy of Binocular Astronomy by Craig Crossen and Will Tirion. It cost me just a tenner. I've been looking for one for quite some time. I didn't really want to buy the second edition.
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Glen
www.lyraoptic.co.uk
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harbinjer
super member
Reged: 12/17/08
Posts: 125
Loc: Southeastern Minnesota
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I too just got a used first edition of Binocular Astronomy a little while ago. I'm really very impressed with it. I really appreciate all the science that it has, in addition to the observational notes. It doesn't look flashy, but the writing is excellent. It could only be improved by adding targets and observations for larger binoculars.
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GlenM
Vendor
Reged: 05/20/07
Posts: 1734
Loc: Lancashire UK
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I like using Binocular Astronomy by Stephen Tonkin for targets. I like this book,but others seem to shy away from it for some reason.
I'll do some reading tonight.
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Glen
www.lyraoptic.co.uk
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Jay_Bird
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 01/04/06
Posts: 958
Loc: Nevada 36N 115W
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I agree that the lists in Tonkin's book are its best feature for use with binoculars or small scope. After wondering why I keep this book, I've realized the seasonal/constellation lists and the compact format are why.
Crossen and Tirion has all the nice charts in addition, for a more all-in-one package.
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GlenM
Vendor
Reged: 05/20/07
Posts: 1734
Loc: Lancashire UK
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To be honest I use an ipod touch with Starmap Pro and SkyVoyager when I'm out in the backyard.
When I'm planning before I go outside there is nothing like a book to relax with and sort the targets out along with the touch.
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Glen
www.lyraoptic.co.uk
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rookie
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 01/14/06
Posts: 875
Loc: St. Petersburg, FL
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Quote:
I like using Binocular Astronomy by Stephen Tonkin for targets. I like this book,but others seem to shy away from it for some reason.
I'll do some reading tonight.
Tough crowd. 
I like the last 1/2 of the book best. Practical observing suggestions and binocular targets with charts. 
--------------------
SV
Scope: Celestron CPC8
Binoculars: Garrett GT80~45, Fujinon 16x70, Regals 10x42, Ultima 9x63, Nikon AE 8x40
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Mr. Bill
Post Laureate
Reged: 02/09/05
Posts: 3147
Loc: Just passing through.....
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I've found that Becvar's Atlas of the Heavens (1979 Sky Publishing) serves very well for identifying the bright/dark nebulae in the Milky Way for rich/richest field viewing with binoculars/short focal length refractors.
It will do until we see a true work devoted to this endevour.
--------------------
10x50 Fujinon binos + 16x70 Fujinon binos + UA UniMount
Oberwerk BT100 45 degree +24mm Pans + Hercules fork mount
120mm f/5 Orion achromat + Moonlite focuser
130mm TMB 130SS f/7 APO refractor
140mm f/5.7 Vixen NeoAchro Petzvel refractor
150mm f/8 homemade achromat
8 inch newt with f/5 Swayze mirror
10 inch f/4.7 Orion newt + Paracorr
15 inch f/5 Discovery "Galactic Cannon"
Member IDA
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Gordon Rayner
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 03/24/07
Posts: 965
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I read much of the Crossen first edition, as a library book, after reading this thread. Then, unable to find a first edition locally, I bought the second. As has been noted , there is little, if any difference. The outstanding feature is Mr. Crossen's writing, done for the first and reproduced in the second. It motivates one to go to a dark place and look, as well as being pleasurable in itself. But I did not need any more motivation.
The most noteworthy failing seems to be that the writing about the structure of our galaxy is obsolete. For example, we have recently learned that the Milky Way is a barred spiral, rather than a more evenly multiarmed pinwheel. So reading the writing about the arms and their relationships, one wonders what the other errors in it, from today's perspective, are? An extreme analogy might be reading religious books, which I abandoned long ago.
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Crossen
member
Reged: 07/14/08
Posts: 87
Loc: Vienna
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You're completely correct about how dated the chapter on the Milky Way in "Binocular Astronomy" really is. It was one of the aspects of the book I most wanted to rewrite for an authorized second edition, and in recent years I've done considerable study in the technical journals in hopes that someday I can do a new version of that chapter.
The other extremely dated aspect of "Binocular Astronomy" is the material on constellation history. Here too I've done a lot of study in recent years to do an update on that information.
Of course the thing about the book that is NOT outdated is what you can see in simple garden-variety binoculars--and that is in the authorized first edition.
Naturally in my search for new information on the Milky Way I've found a lot of information in the technical journals relevant to objects described in the first edition of Binoc Astro and would have liked to have gotten some of that into an authorized second edition. It's impossible for me even to guess what percentage of the general astronomical information in Binoc Astro needs updating, but it's considerable.
Craig Crossen
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BobinKy
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 04/27/07
Posts: 1682
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Quote:
The other extremely dated aspect of "Binocular Astronomy" is the material on constellation history. Here too I've done a lot of study in recent years to do an update on that information.
...Craig Crossen
Craig...
Do you have any plans to publish your constellation history research?
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Bob
38°N
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rookie
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 01/14/06
Posts: 875
Loc: St. Petersburg, FL
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Craig,
I recall that you are writing a book about Ancient Babylonian Astronomy. Do you have an idea when it will be published? 
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SV
Scope: Celestron CPC8
Binoculars: Garrett GT80~45, Fujinon 16x70, Regals 10x42, Ultima 9x63, Nikon AE 8x40
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Crossen
member
Reged: 07/14/08
Posts: 87
Loc: Vienna
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Thank you both for asking. During the past month I've been hitting the constellation history book VERY hard and I'm very pleased with how it's coming. Can't say when I expect it to be done, though: it will have scores of illustrations (many of them already scanned and on disc) and of course that makes it more complicated to write. But I am writing it with the feeling that it's a book whose time has come.
Part of the reason it's writing so well is that, in contrast to earlier drafts of this book, I have a very clear idea of for whom I'm writing it. And that I owe to the Cloudy Nights forums I've been reading beginning summer a year ago, because the contributors to the forums are the potential readers of this book.
Craig Crossen
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mwedel
super member
Reged: 12/16/07
Posts: 183
Loc: Claremont, CA
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Quote:
Hope you got all three PDFs available. The second PDF is the IFAS Binocular Handbook, and it's very good.
No need for apologies. It serves as a reminder for those who've forgotten, and it's a good reference for those who have just begun to visit this site.
...like me! Yes, many thanks to all for the links, all the recommendations, and the "under the hood" discussion of books past, present, and future. I hope the proposed Milky Way/dark nebula book becomes reality.
I REALLY like the idea of a book that puts local star associations, etc., into context. I would like to know more about where I'm at in the Milky Way, what's nearby, and what's far off. Can anyone recommend any good references along these lines while we wait for the proposed volume(s)?
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Orion XT6 "Shaft"
Little Maks: Orion Apex 90, Celestron orange tube C90, Synta MC90
Edmund Astroscan "Baby Red"
76mm ongoing ATM experiment
Celestron UpClose 10x50
Celestron SkyMaster 15x70
10 Minute Astronomy
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rookie
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 01/14/06
Posts: 875
Loc: St. Petersburg, FL
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Quote:
...like me! Yes, many thanks to all for the links, all the recommendations, and the "under the hood" discussion of books past, present, and future. I hope the proposed Milky Way/dark nebula book becomes reality.
I REALLY like the idea of a book that puts local star associations, etc., into context. I would like to know more about where I'm at in the Milky Way, what's nearby, and what's far off. Can anyone recommend any good references along these lines while we wait for the proposed volume(s)?
Sky Vistas: Astronomy for Binoculars and Richest-Field Telescopes by Crossen & Rhemann would be the book that fits your description. It's a beautiful and well written book.
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SV
Scope: Celestron CPC8
Binoculars: Garrett GT80~45, Fujinon 16x70, Regals 10x42, Ultima 9x63, Nikon AE 8x40
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Mr. Bill
Post Laureate
Reged: 02/09/05
Posts: 3147
Loc: Just passing through.....
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Quote:
Quote:
...like me! Yes, many thanks to all for the links, all the recommendations, and the "under the hood" discussion of books past, present, and future. I hope the proposed Milky Way/dark nebula book becomes reality.
I REALLY like the idea of a book that puts local star associations, etc., into context. I would like to know more about where I'm at in the Milky Way, what's nearby, and what's far off. Can anyone recommend any good references along these lines while we wait for the proposed volume(s)?
Sky Vistas: Astronomy for Binoculars and Richest-Field Telescopes by Crossen & Rhemann would be the book that fits your description. It's a beautiful and well written book.
I'll second that recommendation. A bit expensive ($90 new on Amazon) but worth every penny IMO.
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10x50 Fujinon binos + 16x70 Fujinon binos + UA UniMount
Oberwerk BT100 45 degree +24mm Pans + Hercules fork mount
120mm f/5 Orion achromat + Moonlite focuser
130mm TMB 130SS f/7 APO refractor
140mm f/5.7 Vixen NeoAchro Petzvel refractor
150mm f/8 homemade achromat
8 inch newt with f/5 Swayze mirror
10 inch f/4.7 Orion newt + Paracorr
15 inch f/5 Discovery "Galactic Cannon"
Member IDA
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mwedel
super member
Reged: 12/16/07
Posts: 183
Loc: Claremont, CA
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All right, it's going on the Christmas list. Thanks for the recommendation!
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Orion XT6 "Shaft"
Little Maks: Orion Apex 90, Celestron orange tube C90, Synta MC90
Edmund Astroscan "Baby Red"
76mm ongoing ATM experiment
Celestron UpClose 10x50
Celestron SkyMaster 15x70
10 Minute Astronomy
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Gordon Rayner
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 03/24/07
Posts: 965
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I re-discovered my copy of UNIVERSE GUIDE TO STARS AND PLANETS, by Ian Ridpath and Wil Tirion, Universe Books, New York, 1985 ISBN 0-87663-859-0.
The current edition , 2008 Princeton Univ. Press, 400pp. , is ISBN13: 978-0-691-13556-4, $ 19.95, or 14 pounds U.K. the price in Europe, Africa, Middle East, and India.
http://press.princeton.edu/titles/8626.html for reviews.
Somehow, , unless I missed it, nobody has posted about this one. I have been reviewing the first edition. The writing is very good, and of course, the Tirion maps are first-rate. It gives a compact guide to highlights of each constellation in both hemispheres. I intend to to find the current edition.
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Bensi
sage
Reged: 02/22/09
Posts: 235
Loc: Italy, Near Rome
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I recently purchased a book that I find beautiful for those who like the binoculars in all its aspects, technical, professional, military, sports and collector.
Binoculars and People by Brin Best.
The book is a great collection of memories and stories of professional and amateur users of binoculars, and at the same time you review the origins and evolution of the binoculars up to the present day.
I'm reading, even if my poor English ... but I really suggest to anyone who "loves" the binoculars.
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Marco Bensi
Telescope
C.P.GOERZ 1270/110 - 1910
Binoculars Gallery
http://www.flickr.com/photos/37533746@N03/sets/72157622478972171/
Blog: http://blog.libero.it/GOERZ/
Edited by Bensi (09/17/09 03:07 AM)
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Gordon Rayner
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 03/24/07
Posts: 965
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Re: Sky Vistas : I do not have that book. Have seen it, but sticker shock made me pass on it. Perhaps I should reconsider. Do they have a correct description of Milky Way structure, that is, that the Milky Way is a barred spiral, rather than a top view of a whirlpool?
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GlennLeDrew
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 06/18/08
Posts: 1250
Loc: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Gordon,
One should not place too much emphasis on how the *gross* structure of our Galaxy is treated. Why? From an observational standpoint, the dust-laden disk limits the in-plane horizon from about 400 to 15,000 light-years. Considering the average in-plane distance to which we can see in the visible, the fraction of the galactic disk open to our gaze is only about one percent of its 100,000 light-year diameter! Besides the occasional, relatively clear sight lines which allow to peer quite deep into the disk, for the most part our observational horizon is limited to the Sagittarius, Cygnus-Orion (Local) and Perseus arms.
For an observing guide to be considered out of date just because its treatment of the largely inaccessible inner Galaxy is incorrect is perhaps unfairly rigorous.
Cheers!
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Home-made 11X50 right angle bino, 8.1 deg. FOV
Modified 26X100 bino, 3.5 deg. FOV
Home-made Mk II RA bino, using interchangeable objectives and eyepieces
My Gallery
Mediocre minds discuss people. Good minds discuss events. Great minds discuss ideas.
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rookie
scholastic sledgehammer
Reged: 01/14/06
Posts: 875
Loc: St. Petersburg, FL
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Hi Gordon,
NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope sky survey identified the central core of the Milky Way to be barred. The press release was August 2005. Sky Vistas was published in 2004.
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SV
Scope: Celestron CPC8
Binoculars: Garrett GT80~45, Fujinon 16x70, Regals 10x42, Ultima 9x63, Nikon AE 8x40
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Crossen
member
Reged: 07/14/08
Posts: 87
Loc: Vienna
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Quote:
Re: Sky Vistas : . . . Do they have a correct description of Milky Way structure, that is, that the Milky Way is a barred spiral, rather than a top view of a whirlpool?
Gordon,
Right off hand, the only thing I recall saying in "Sky Vistas" about our Galaxy's central bar is on page 127 of the book: ". . . we live within a relatively loose-armed Sbc spiral galaxy with a small central bulge (that probably is barred rather than simply spheroidal)." I'd drop the "probably" if I had to rewrite that statement, though it does get across the fact that the bar is weak--nothing like the spectacular bar of NGC 1300.
I've long been familiar with the question of the central bar of the Milky Way, because one of the guest speakers at an advanced graduate course on the Milky Way that I took at the U of MN in the spring of 1992 was Leo Blitz of the U of MD, one of the early researchers into the matter. But as Glenn LeDrew implies in his post, the emphasis in "Sky Vistas" is on things actually seeable in giant binocs and RFT's and, because of interstellar dust, there are very few objects as far as 20,000 l-y away that we can see in the disc of our Galaxy. Only a few "pieces" of our Galaxy's central bulge are actually visible with the eye or binoculars above or below or through the dense dust of the Galactic plane, the largest and brightest being the Great Sgr Star Cloud. (The presence of the bar was inferred from IRAS surveys and from peculiarities in the rotation velocities of objects in and near the bulge observed at radio wavelengths.) Consequently the one chart of spiral structure in the book, on page 131, simply shows the distribution of associations, young open clusters, and large emission nebulae that "trace" the spiral arms in the immediate solar neighborhood.
"Sky Vistas" has a fairly large amount of text. But that text is devoted to describing what you can see with wide-field instruments, why these objects look they way they do and, further, why they're distributed in the sky the way they are (that is, trying to "see" the sky in 3-D). I tried to make the text as down-to-earth as possible while at the same time presenting a lot of solid scientific astronomy.
Craig Crossen
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