Binocular Astronomy

Binoculars can be a useful aid to your enjoyment of traditional astronomy but binocular astronomy is also a subject in its own right. There are many objects that can be seen and studied in the night sky, without having to transport a large telescope around with you. For the avid stargazer, a pair of binoculars can afford many more opportunities to indulge your passion. And for the beginning amateur astronomer, it could be a good place to start.

One of the best guides to the subject is ‘Binocular Astronomy’ by Craig Crossen and Wil Tirion. It is quite an old book and may not be easy to get hold of but it is worth the effort. It includes a chapter on the basics of stellar observation: constellations, the celestial sphere and seasonal changes. There is also a brief guide to choosing binoculars and how to use them. This is still useful, though technology has moved on since it was written.

A good feature of the book is the way that it is organised by seasons.. Four chapters cover what can be seen at a particulr time of year. There are plenty of charts and photographs to help you find and identify the many targets that are described. Each season provides endless opportunities for observation.

Further chapters describe the structure of our own galaxy and even lead you in search of other galaxies. And just with a pair of binoculars! The book also includes some useful and not so useful appendices and ‘Bright Star Atlas’ which you will need.

The book doesn,t have the glossy, web 2.0 look that we have become used to and it could benefit from a makeover. But for good solid information it is hard to beat. It may not be one for the casual observer but for anyone with a serious interest in the subject, it is a must have.