Binoculars have, for many, long been regarded as an "entry level" observational tool, and relatively few have used them as a serious observing instrument. This is changing! Many people appreciate the relative comfort of two-eyed observing, but those who use binoculars come to realize that they offer more than comfort. The view of the stars is more aesthetically pleasing and therefore binocular observers tend to observe more frequently and for longer periods.
Binocular Astronomy, 2nd Edition extends its coverage of small and medium binoculars to large and giant (i.e., up to 300mm aperture) binoculars and also binoviewers, which brings the work into the realm of serious observing instruments. Additionally, it goes far deeper into the varying optical characteristics of binoculars, giving newcomers and advanced astronomers the information needed to make informed choices on purchasing a pair. It also covers relevant aspects of the physiology of binocular (as in "both eyes") observation.
The first edition of this title was praised for its suggested objects for observation and especially for the finder charts for each object. In this second edition, this section is expanded in three ways. There are new objects, more information on each object, and a re-organization of the objects for binoculars for easier selection.
Binocular Astronomy, 2nd Edition puts an emphasis on understanding binoculars and their use. The additional content reflects the latest developments in technology, new testing techniques, and practical ideas for binocular use. It also responds to the substantially positive reviews of the first edition, and is now even better suited to its target readership.
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"Binoculars are an often-overlooked lower-cost alternative for introductory astronomy students and
beginning amateur astronomers. … The detailed information on buying and maintaining binoculars will be
particularly useful for those who have always used telescopes. … Photographs and drawings are excellent
and enhance the usefulness of the book; the appendixes contain additional information to enable proper selection
and expert use of binoculars in astronomy. An excellent addition to the well-regarded Practical Astronomy series.
Summing Up: Highly Recommended. General reader; lower-division undergraduates; faculty/professionals."CHOICE, Vol. 44
"What a fine book ... it goes down as one of the most enjoyable and
informative astronomy books I've purchased ... there was a real need for a book
like this that raises our level of knowledge about the use of astronomical
binoculars. "Reader Comment
"I'm so impressed ... congratulations on a TREMENDOUS work."Reader
Comment
"What a great book. Easy to read, a wealth of bino information,
excellent illustrations, pictures and star charts. This book is a must have for
anyone getting into binocular astronomy."Reader Comment
"I'm pleased with all the drawings of objects thru the 50mm and 100
mm binoculars. A real plus."Reader Comment
"...a really nice book. Very, VERY impressive!"Reader
Comment
Unto those Three Things
which the Ancients held to be impossible, there should be added this Fourth: to
find a Book printed without Errors. —
Alfonso the Wise (1221 - 84)
p 33, Fig 2.27 caption delete: Amend text at top of image to read: “ delete: ” make remaining text non-italic
p 55, line 4 down delete: roof
insert: Porro Type 2
p 176, line 17 up delete: Kemble's Cascade
p 177, between lines 13 and 14 up insert: NGC 253
NGC 288
p 177, between lines 12 and 13 up insert: 56 Andromedae
NGC 752
p 177, between lines 4 and 5 up insert: Kemble's Cascade
p 178, between lines 8 and 9 down insert: NGC 2477
p 178, between lines 19 and 20 down insert: M5 (NGC 5904)
M4 & NGC 6144
p 178, between lines 15 and 16 up insert: M55 (NGC6809)
Barnard 142, 143 (Barnard's E)
p 178, between lines 14 and 15 up insert: 61 Cygni
p 178, line 2 up delete: NGC 253
p 178, line 1 up delete: NGC 288
p 179, line 7 down delete: 56 And
p 179, line 8 down delete: NGC 752
p 179, line 22 down delete: NGC 2477
p 180, line 18 up delete: M5 (NGC5904)
p 180, line 15 up delete: M4 (NGC 6161)
p 181, lines 12 and 13 down delete: Barnard 142, 143 (Barnard's E)
M55 (NGC6809))
insert: M71 (NGC 6838)
NGC 6934
Struve 2809
p 268, line 5 up delete: M84
insert: M49
p 284, heading and line 4 up delete: 2065
insert: 6025
Unto those Three Things
which the Ancients held to be impossible, there should be added this Fourth: to
find a Book printed without Errors. —
Alfonso the Wise (1221 - 84)
p 4, line 6 up delete: len
insert: lens
p 26, line 2 down between as and direct insert: a
p 40, line 6 up delete: roof
insert: Porro Type 2
p 168, line 3 up delete: )
p 175, line 1 up delete: O-II
insert: O-III
p 180, line 1 down delete: field S of
insert: field SE of
p 180, line 2 down delete: θ Tel to θ1 Sco
insert: α Tel to ι1 Sco
p 182, line 1 up delete: light
p 184, line 2 up delete:6943
insert: 6934
p 211, line 2 down delete: ν
insert: η
p 216, line 1 down delete: ψ
insert: γ
p 221, line 1 down delete: four fields from ζ
insert: three fields from ξ
p 222, line 2 up delete: Sag
insert: Sgr
p 224, line 2 up delete: spactacular
insert: spectacular