Binocular Astronomy
The physics and physiology of binocular visual astronomy is followed by an in-depth description of how to choose, test, and buy the best equipment. This is followed by details of care and use your binocular. Finally, there introductory lists of several hundred of the most exciting objects for 2-inch (50mm) and 4-inch (100mm) binoculars, complete with finder charts and descriptions.
Click the subheadings to toggle their content on/off.
Contents
Introduction
Chapter 1. Why Binoculars?
- Advantages & disadvantages of binoculars for astronomy
- Portability
- Ease of setup
- Use of 2 eyes; Physiology of Visual Processing
- "The 5mm Exit Pupil" : myth and reality
- Small focal ratio and aberrations
- Realistic expectations
Chapter 2. Binocular Optics & Mechanics
- Objective Lens Assemblies
- Eyepieces
- Prisms
- Optical coatings
- Aberrations
- Aperture Stops and Vignetting
- Focusing Mechanisms
- Collimation
- Image stabilization
- Binoviewers
Chapter 3. Choosing Binoculars
- Binocular Specifications
- Field of View
- Eye Relief
- Hand-held Binoculars
- Mounted Binoculars
- Binocular Telescopes
- Binoviewers
- Zoom Binoculars
Chapter 4. Evaluating Binoculars
- Preliminary Tests
- Field Tests
Chapter 5. Care and Maintenance of Binoculars
- Rain Guards
- Storage
- Dessicants
- Grit
- Cleaning
- Dismantling
- Collimation
Chapter 6. Mounting Binoculars
- Hand-holding
- Mounting Brackets
- Monopods
- Photo Tripods
- Fork Mounts
- Mirror mounts
- Parallelogram mounts
- Observing chairs
Chapter 7. Accessories
- Finders
- Filters
- Dew prevention and removal
- Charts and Charting Software
- Software
- Torches (Flashlights)
- Storage and Transport
Chapter 8. Observing Techniques
- Personal Comfort
- Observing Sites
- Observing Techniques
Chapter 9. 50 Deep Sky Objects for 50mm Binoculars
- 5° finder charts, location, data and description
Chapter 10. 100 Deep Sky Objects for 100mm Binoculars
- 2.5° finder charts, location, data and description
Appendices
- Double Stars for Indicating Resolution
- Limiting Magnitude
- True Field of View
- Useful Addresses
- Internet Resources
- Binocular Designations
- Glossary of Terms
Index
Review Snippets
"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
Errata
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 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
p 228, line 1 down
delete: υ
insert: ξ
Purchase
