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Steve Napier
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 05/10/04
Posts: 1559
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Can anyone recommend a GOOD! observing through binoculars type book for the night sky?
Years ago I bought Patrick Moore"s "Observing the night sky through binoculars" but,this is rubbish!
As most things that Patrick writes about its rushed and gives the impression of have being written in only 5 minutes.
There is also some very dodgy information within.Patrick states that he finds Jupiters Moons very hard to detect yet,he seems to have no trouble detecting much harder objects.
The Lunar section is filled with some of the most appaling photographs you are ever likely to see.
As for the binoculars themselves he skims over them in his usual manner.
There must? be some better books available than this.
In the "Star Ware" book by P Harrington he unbelievably states that 20x77 size binoculars are only MARGINALLY useful for Astronomy!  Im sure most people would give their high teeth for a pair of 20x77 binoculars.
I asked the question before if Edz has written a book or intends to and I recieved no reply.I wish he would.
Steve.
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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I use a combination of two books for binocular and telescope observing.
Sky atlas 2000.0 and NGC2000.0 by the same author. Yes I know they are not dedicated binocular books, but they both do the job.
If a pair of 20x77s are only marginally good for astronomy my 20x80s and 25x100s should be just about good enough  .
Edited by messier44 (10/30/04 11:13 AM)
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Blues
sage
Reged: 10/18/04
Posts: 288
Loc: NC
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Craig Crossen's "Binocular Astronomy" and Phil Harrington's "Touring The Universe Through Binoculars" are both outstanding books for the binocular observer. I would recommend purchasing both.
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Elliott
Orion XT8 Classic
Orion Vista 10x50
Live Free Or Die
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sftonkin
sage
Reged: 02/25/04
Posts: 395
Loc: Kent, UK
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Well, Steve, I have at least two answers to that:
Firstly, I am working on another book at the moment (due for pub next year); there will be a lot of stuff about binoculars in it, but not a heck of a lot about what to observe because...
Secondly, I have always found it more useful to use a normal star chart, be it SA2000, Collins Gem "Night Sky" (aka "Stars" -- lives in my big bino case), or planetarium software ("Guide" on the PC, "2Sky" and "Planetarium" on the Palm) than anything in any of the bino books.
As regards the forthcoming book, if there's anything about binos that people think ought to be in it, do say so. No promises, but I'm hardly likely to ignore part of the possible audience! 
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Stephen
Hindsight: The only truly diffraction-limited system
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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I use the National Audubon Society's "Field Guide to the Night Sky". It is not strictly for binoculars, but it serves that purpose well. I also use SkyAtlas 2000.0 to supplement the field giude.
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ngc6475
Fearless Spectator
Reged: 03/02/02
Posts: 4790
Loc: Northern Sierra Foothills
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I have Binocular Astronomy by Crossen and Tirion and Touring the Universe through Binoculars by Philip S. Harrington. Both books are fine for identifying and describing bino-worthy objects, but I would recommend Binocular Astronomy as being the better of the two. I prefer its format and the style of writing, plus it contains the Bright Star Atlas 2000.0. Harrington's book has no included star charts, although there is companion software available at extra cost that is cross-referenced with the book. Personally, I would have preferred that the software be included with the book, even a higher price, but it only available separately. In defense of Touring the Universe throgh Binoculars, it is a very competent reference book for choosing targets to hunt with binos, but it definitely benefits from a good star chart or appropriate software. Either book is a good choice, but for my money, Binocular Astronomy is superior.
As a footnote to this post, Binocular Astronomy was written specifically for observers who use mid-power, hand held binoculars. The author himself used a pair of binos he purchased for $40.00 from Sears and Roebuck to make sure everything in the book was visible through a pair of 10x50 glasses. I feel it gives a certain voice of authority to his opinions and observations.
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Walter
"Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest."
-Mark Twain
Edited by ngc6475 (10/30/04 03:26 PM)
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btschumy
Think Astronomy
Reged: 04/13/04
Posts: 1110
Loc: Austin, TX, USA
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I have Crossen's "Binocular Astronomy" and there are things I like about it, and things I don't like.
He has a fair amount of historical information about constellations and star names, going back to the Mesopotamian times. To be honest, this stuff just puts me to sleep.
He also generally uses smaller binoculars and most of his descriptions and observing lists are geared to something like 10x50 binocs. I would personally prefer more stuff geared to larger binoculars.
Where he shines is in his descriptions of what you are looking at and how it fits into the structure of the galaxy. He discusses the large-scale structure of the night sky, explaining, for example, that when looking at M36, M37, and M38, you are looking down the Perseus spiral arm which lies just inside of our Orion arm. He also discusses the various gaps in the intergalactic dust that allow us to see bits of other arms which for the most part are blocked from our view. I find this aspect of observational astronomy fascinating and wish there were more written one it.
I'm not too fond of his (or anyone else's) "tours" through the constellations. There is too much information to hold in your head (at least for me), but the book is not really organized for use in the field. I would much prefer a book like the Night Sky Observer's Guide, but geared towards binoculars. If you are not familiar with this, it is basically a big extensively annotated list of objects in each constellation with a short preface for each constellation.
I haven't looked at Harrington's book very thoroughly yet. Maybe I'll stick it on my Christmas list.
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Bill Tschumy
Where is M13? Freeware -- Add a new dimension to your observing.
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ngc6475
Fearless Spectator
Reged: 03/02/02
Posts: 4790
Loc: Northern Sierra Foothills
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Harrington's book lists the objects by constellation rather than by season, which is more or less what Crossen does in his book. In Harrington's Touring the Universe through Binoculars, he also prefaces each constellation with a list of objects. As a matter of personal taste, I like Crossen's way of describing the seasonal night skies and the objects that lurk within each, over Harrington's approach. By the same token, I rather like reading the historical background of the constellations, which is also why I like reading Burnham's handbooks for fun. This points out the different tastes and observing styles each person possesses. In any case, there is a big difference between the philosophy behind each book and, while I prefer Crossen's book, that does not mean Harrington's book might not appeal to other observers. Just remember, if you do try TUB, don't forget to take along a star chart!
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Walter
"Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest."
-Mark Twain
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Steve
I agree with you about Patrick Moore's approach to binocular observing. He still trots out the old saw about 7 x 50s being the best binoculars for astronomy. I have an old copy of his Obserers book which is also rubbish.
Moore is best at writing about the Moon and planets and observing with telescopes.
If you can find them, Peter Lancaster Brown's "Star and Planet Spotting" and James Muirden's "Astronomy with Binoculars" are good, if out of date. Muirden's book includes a chapter on what to do once you have found the Messier objects (variable stars, mostly).
I have a copy of the National Audubon Society book which is an excellent pocket guide.
But the best advice is merely to use a good paper or electronic atlas and look around the sky.
Bruce
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Steve Napier
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 05/10/04
Posts: 1559
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Thankyou all.
Stephen,the book you mention sounds VERY interesting,please keep us all informed.
As for what you think should be included, ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING!
Steve.
P.S. In Patrick Moore"s book he states that Mizar is only splitable with a telescope yet,I had no trouble at all splitting it with a cheap pair of 20x60 binoculars.
Moore had a pair of 20x70 binoculars at his disposal.
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KennyJ
Reged: 04/27/03
Posts: 10146
Loc: Lancashire UK
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Stephen,
Being ever the optimist , and given that the provisional launch date for your next publication is "sometime in 2005" May I suggest that perhaps you could include in it , if by then agreed by mutual consensus , a diagram of how vignetting affects binocular specifications and performance :-)
Regards -- and good luck with the book !
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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AJTony
sage
Reged: 04/17/04
Posts: 379
Loc: Hamilton Square, NJ
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I have most if not all of the books mentioned in these posts. In general, I have felt frustrated trying to find the “best bino astronomy book, and my search continues.
I am an avid bino astronomer, and the following are my personal choices:
Books- Star Watch by Phil Harrington. Nicely laid out. Is limited to small binos through 6-8” telescopes. I also like it because he selects out specific objects that are good for 3-5” telescopes, which fits the range of my 25 X 100mm binos.
Nightwatch by Terence Dickinson. Great overall read. For my bino observing sessions, I like the simplicity of his 20 star charts, and most of the objects are visible through standard or giant binos.
Software: Starry Night Pro or Enthusiast. With this software, a laptop, and extra batteries, my viewing sessions are great. (If you ever go this route, E-mail me, and I will describe my personal technique, which allows you to “locate” a DSO with your binos, even if it is too dim for your binos to see.)
Charts: Orion Deep Sky Map- simple and gives a good overview of the sky and of course all the Messiers are listed.
My latest addition to my bino viewing is a set of Hendricks heaters, a controller, and an Orion power source. I really couldn’t take another beautiful clear night being totally ruined by dew.
AJ
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Oberwerk BT100-45 Binos
Apogee 25 X 100 Binos
Canon 15 X 50 IS Binos
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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As a side note, I find it a little disappointing that binoculars do not have greater coverage in the more popular astronomy magazines. I admit that binoculars might not be quite as popular, but still, I think it's reasonable to have some degree of acknowledgement.
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btschumy
Think Astronomy
Reged: 04/13/04
Posts: 1110
Loc: Austin, TX, USA
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Quote:
As a side note, I find it a little disappointing that binoculars do not have greater coverage in the more popular astronomy magazines. I admit that binoculars might not be quite as popular, but still, I think it's reasonable to have some degree of acknowledgement.
S&T does have Gary Seronik's "Northern Binocular Highlight" each month. It is a bit short though. It would be nice if it were expanded to a full one or two page article.
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Bill Tschumy
Where is M13? Freeware -- Add a new dimension to your observing.
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KennyJ
Reged: 04/27/03
Posts: 10146
Loc: Lancashire UK
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< As a side note, I find it a little disappointing that binoculars do not have greater coverage in the more popular astronomy magazines. I admit that binoculars might not be quite as popular, but still, I think it's reasonable to have some degree of acknowledgement. >
Worse still , in the case of Astronomy Now magazine , which I have delivered monthly , when there IS an odd piece about binoculars , it is usually somehere between being TOO basic and TOO embarrassing to read twice.
It would be nice to have a book specifically about binocular astronomy , with individual chapters , however small , dedicated to many common sizes of binoculars , started from 7 x 35s , through 8 x 42s and 10 x 50s , right up to 25 x 100s , indicating what can and cannot be seen in varying conditions of NELM , and how to find these targets by starhopping.
Although I've never seriously put my mind to trying to think of anything better , and probably couldn't even if I did ,I have a personal dislike for the accepted system of identifying stars , using Greek symbols and obscure names.
It actually puts me off the whole hobby.
I would much prefer each star to be identified by a combination of simply memorable names ( in some cases ) and a grid system by which one would readily be able to convert to relative orientation within any given cluster or area , rather than have to work things out from the ( sometimes dubious ) factors of apparant brightness.
I really do like my Starry Night Enthusiast , because even though the P.C screen is obviously only two -dimensional, the "artistic impression" is , to my eyes , far more life -like than any maps or sketches I've ever seen in a book or on paper.
As far as binocular books in general go ,I've yet to read one that really grabbed me.
I would just LOVE there to be a publication about binoculars as comprehensive , colourful and educational to behold as , for example , books which can be purchased specialising in Guitars or Automobiles -- i.e a COMPLETE ENCYLOPAEDIA , with at least a full page dedicated to each and every model currently available.
Regards , 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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Steve Napier
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 05/10/04
Posts: 1559
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I agree very much with Uncle Kenny, "Astronomy Now" recently reviewed a pair of Helios 15x70 binoculars and,the review was worse than useless,believe it or not it didn"t even include the FOV!
Binoculars are treated shabily by most magazines,Sue French sometimes mentions observations with binoculars in her Sky & Telescope column.
I hope Stephen will keep us up to date with his binocular book as that sounds very interesting and as its by Stephen it will be full of the things WE want to know.
Im sure ALL Cloudynights members will able to buy it HALF PRICE  !
Steve.
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sftonkin
sage
Reged: 02/25/04
Posts: 395
Loc: Kent, UK
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Quote:
May I suggest that perhaps you could include in it , if by then agreed by mutual consensus , a diagram of how vignetting affects binocular specifications and performance :-)
No need to request. With or without consensus , I intend to include my view of it, enumerating its positive, neglegible, and negative effects.
Thanks for your good wishes, Kenny.
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Stephen
Hindsight: The only truly diffraction-limited system
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Quote:
It would be nice to have a book specifically about binocular astronomy , with individual chapters , however small , dedicated to many common sizes of binoculars , started from 7 x 35s , through 8 x 42s and 10 x 50s , right up to 25 x 100s , indicating what can and cannot be seen in varying conditions of NELM , and how to find these targets by starhopping.
I feel a book coming on...
Quote:
Although I've never seriously put my mind to trying to think of anything better , and probably couldn't even if I did ,I have a personal dislike for the accepted system of identifying stars , using Greek symbols and obscure names.
DOH!  I thought that was your chance to start hammering out a binocular astronomy book for us Kenny.
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sftonkin
sage
Reged: 02/25/04
Posts: 395
Loc: Kent, UK
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Quote:
It would be nice to have a book specifically about binocular astronomy , with individual chapters , however small , dedicated to many common sizes of binoculars , started from 7 x 35s , through 8 x 42s and 10 x 50s , right up to 25 x 100s , indicating what can and cannot be seen in varying conditions of NELM , and how to find these targets by starhopping.
It won't be quite that detailed, but objects will be broken down into different binocular size classes.
Quote:
Although I've never seriously put my mind to trying to think of anything better , and probably couldn't even if I did ,I have a personal dislike for the accepted system of identifying stars , using Greek symbols and obscure names.
I rather like it -- the names are often meaningful (a certain bright orange star has been known in this family as "The Armpit Star" for over a decade.
It's a damned sight preferable to trying to reer to them by TYC or GSC numbers!
Quote:
I would much prefer each star to be identified by a combination of simply memorable names ( in some cases ) and a grid system
You can learn them by RA and Dec, if you wish, but once you take precession and proper motion into account...
Quote:
I would just LOVE there to be a publication about binoculars as comprehensive , colourful and educational to behold as , for example , books which can be purchased specialising in Guitars or Automobiles -- i.e a COMPLETE ENCYLOPAEDIA , with at least a full page dedicated to each and every model currently available.
There's at least two reasons that I won't do this. Firstly, I cannot write with any authority on an instrument that I haven't used. Secondly, even if it is up to date when I check the page-proofs, it will be out of date by the time it is published. It is, IMO, preferable to refer to instruments by type/size/class and to assume that the reader is sufficiently intelligent to work out a few things for himself or herself.
But I'll certainly take what you say into account, and I may split the classes up a tad more than I had intended, if space allows. Thanks.
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Stephen
Hindsight: The only truly diffraction-limited system
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sftonkin
sage
Reged: 02/25/04
Posts: 395
Loc: Kent, UK
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Quote:
Im sure ALL Cloudynights members will able to buy it HALF PRICE !
No promises -- it's up to the publisher. Also, when it's finally out, you may not think it's even worth half-price!
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Stephen
Hindsight: The only truly diffraction-limited system
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KennyJ
Reged: 04/27/03
Posts: 10146
Loc: Lancashire UK
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Stephen,
First and foremost , I'm honoured that you have even taken the time to respond , and in great detail , to each of my "suggestions" -- all of which were typical top of the head stuff -- i.e without any great thought.
I will certainly be buying your book , at FULL price , regardless of what it contains.
One of the reasons for that is the shortage of such books and a personal desire to eventually read and own every one that DOES exist.
Another reason is there are a few spaces in my bookcase to fill , and it would nice to even fill one shelf with books which are binocular -related.
I have in fact , seriously considered writing a book about binoculars myself -- until I realised that I know next to nothing about them -- which is a pretty good reason in itself to bring about second thoughts -- then , like yourself Stephen , I realised that without actually trying out so many models in person , it would be grossly unfair of me to even attempt to compare one model against another.
The fact that I probably even understand WOMEN better than I do astronomy also had a bearing on my decision to spend the time I might have spent putting a book together, on reading and typing away my thoughts to this forum instead.
It is pretty obvious to me , given the unlikelihood of even the most astute and experienced members of this forum , for example , acquiring a sufficient range of models , let alone find the time , to make fair and meaningful comparisons between practically every highly rated binocular , let alone the lower - rated ones as well , that the ONLY way such a "fantasy book" could ever be put together , would be by means of a combined effort of many.
The closest possible reality I can currently envisage to achieve this would be for something akin to what amounts to a combination of our " Best Of" and "Mini-Reviews" to be strung together , edited , re - edited , then re -edited again , and with the consent of all the good people who have contributed to these invaluable sources of information , have a "hard -back" form created by Cloudy Nights as an organisation ,perhaps under the heading
"The Cloudy Nights Binocular Book" -- sold at a price hopefully to meet all printing and publishing costs , with any eventual profit going to a charitable cause.
THAT is my ammended " dream book"
BUT -- I will buy any book about binoculars written by any member of Cloudy Nights.
Regards -- and clear skies -- 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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Fiske
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 03/14/04
Posts: 2057
Loc: Missouri / United States
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Quote:
S&T does have Gary Seronik's "Northern Binocular Highlight" each month. It is a bit short though. It would be nice if it were expanded to a full one or two page article.
My head almost exploded after reading a comment from Gary Seronik in (I think) the October 2004 S&T to the effect that the only binocular object worth viewing in Cygnus is M39.
Of course, Mr. Seronik is using a pair of 10x30 Canon IS binos to make his observations, which says about all anyone needs to know regarding his binocular astronomy qualifications. And to note that his "column" seems something of an after-thought surely qualifies for an understatement-of-the-year award.
I'm not kindly disposed to Mr. Seronik, in all honesty, after being rather tactlessly advised by him that Sky & Telescope readers have no interest in an article on using premier birding binoculars like Nikon's 12x50 SEs for astronomy. After considering his response, it dawned on me that Canon advertises in S&T but Nikon does not. (Neither does Zeiss, Leica, or Swarovski, come to that.)
With regard to books, I own Crossen's Binocular Astronomy and Harrington's Touring the Universe with Binoculars. The Crossen book is far and away the better of the two, despite it's somewhat goofy looking cover.
Another fine book that is quite useful with binoculars, though not as comprehensive as one might like, is Erich Karkoschka's The Observer's Sky Atlas.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0387986065/qid=1099350414/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/002-1786326-7630401?v=glance&s=books
It's a nifty, pocket-sized guide that packs an unbelievable amount of info into a slim softcover volume. It's not intended specifically for binoculars, but considering that it can probably fit inside your binocular case with the instrument it wins the portability contest hands down.
I think Sir Patrick has come in for a bit more than his fair share of drubbing on CloudyNights. I for one have been guilty of contributing to this. He is actually a participant on the forum -- something EdZ pointed out to me (and others) in a deservedly chiding response in the Stellar Reading forum. Last week I picked up a copy of Sir P's FireFly Encyclopedia of Astronomy and am quite pleased with it.
As for atlases that are good for binocular astronomy, my mainstay is the Sky Atlas 2000 but I actually find the Uranometria terrifically useful with binoculars, especially when it comes to making observations of open clusters.
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Fiske Miles
Nikon 8x42 LX / 12x50 SE Binos
Mini Borg 60ED, TV-101, AT80Ach, XT-8, C11/CI-700, 22-Inch Dob
Way too many Nagler eyepieces
http://www.fiskemiles.blogspot.com/
www.fiskemiles.com
Edited by Fiske (11/01/04 06:26 PM)
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btschumy
Think Astronomy
Reged: 04/13/04
Posts: 1110
Loc: Austin, TX, USA
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Another book that is useful with binoculars in the field is Hans Vehrenberg's "Atlas of Deep-Sky Splendors". This is a collection of wide field photos of many of the best objects in the sky (all the M-objects plus plenty of NGC and IC ones).
What makes this so useful is the fact that the image scale of the photos is similar to what you get through large binoculars (about 3x3 degrees). The plates are also black and white and not wildly over-exposed. Together, this means you get an image that is not too unlike what you will see through the binoculars. It is fun to examine the image and then try to make out some of the more subtle features in the binocs.
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Bill Tschumy
Where is M13? Freeware -- Add a new dimension to your observing.
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KennyJ
Reged: 04/27/03
Posts: 10146
Loc: Lancashire UK
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< It is fun to examine the image and then try to make out some of the more subtle features in the binocs. >
Great point Bill,
And infinitely preferable to seeing enhanced images which started life on Hubble , in full blown technicolour , at a trillion times magnification , then trying to find THAT image through yer 10 x 50s :-)
Fortunately ,to tickle such fancy , with some of the binoculars doing the rounds , that kind of techno -colour splodge is not completely out of the question , particularly by day :-))
Regards, 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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EdZ
Professor EdZ
Reged: 02/15/02
Posts: 12581
Loc: Cumberland, R I , USA42N71.4W
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I own a few of these binocular books, so my comments follow:
Harrington's "Touring the Universe thru Binoculars" is a good read, a wide selection of objects described nicely. But in my opinion it is a poor binocular guidebook. Other than his simple moon maps, which I like, there is not a single chart in the book, not even a small finder chart. Sorry, but I cannot go on a "Tour" without a map. The photographs in the book do not resemble any indication of what any of those objects would look like through binoculars. Photos mismatched with intended purpose and a "Touring Guide" without maps leaves me with the opinion this is not a book I would recommend for a binocular observer.
Crossen's "Binocular Astronomy" I think is one of the best binocular guidebooks out there. I wrote this short book review on it about 2 years ago;
Binocular Astronomy, by Crossen and Tirion, $24.95, $30 to $60 used, 182 pgs. 8.5x11 hard. Organized by season. Lists about 250 objects visible in binoculars. Has a ten-page set of mag 6.5 star charts, The Bright Star Atlas, in the back of the book, nice for the binocular enthusiast who might not have a separate atlas. Chart scale is 29mm per 10 degrees. This book includes a data table to chart reference for every item identified in the text of the book. Larger size detail charts are included in each seasonal section. A great strength of the book is the outstanding sky photos with deep sky objects identified, making this a great choice for the beginner or avid novice. Some of these sky photos look exactly like the views thru my 10x50s and 15x70s. This can definitely be usable as more than a binocular guidebook and could easily be recommended for the avid novice telescope user. A great reference. Highly Recommended!
Sky Atlas 2000 charts are my primary maps of the sky. I now have so much information written on my photcopies of chart areas that I would lose years of information if I were to abandon these and switch entirely to some other charts. However I do use other charts in conjunction with these. Just last night I was doing some detailed work around NGC1502 and Kemble's Cascade and while I still used SA2000 in the field, I later needed Uranometria to give me a little deeper magnitude reference and larger scale to get the measures I needed.
SkyAtlas 2000.0 Deluxe are my recommended charts for field use, for telescope or binocular. The mag 8.5 star limit on this chart very closely matches the stars in the view thru a 10x50 when used for scanning and orienting. if you've got those 10x50s mounted you'll see deeper than the SA2000 charts, but those will be really faint stars in a 10x50.
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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Anonymous
Unregistered
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I agree with your recommendation of SkyAtlas 2000.0 Deluxe. I often use it before and during most of my detailed observations. It's worth every cent.
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Dear Ed,
My copy of "Binocular Astronomy" arrived today. I can see why you speak highly of it.
Best Wishes,
anton
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EdZ
Professor EdZ
Reged: 02/15/02
Posts: 12581
Loc: Cumberland, R I , USA42 | | |
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