Handbook of Binocular Astronomy:
Table of Contents
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Tables, Charts and Diagrams
Finding charts for specific objects
Variable Star Charts
Use this link to go to the Variable Star chart index.
Positions of objects not marked in Norton's 2000
Northern Objects |
Southern Objects
Here are a few links to some relevant sites that I have visited and can recommend. At this point it needs to be borne in mind that many binocular astronomy sites on the net include only the more well-known objects such as the Andromeda Galaxy, rather disappointing in binoculars, though what objects there are, are usually well-indexed. Also, if you use a search engine for the term "binocular astronomy", you will find that most of the sites are actually advertisements for books on the subject, rather than sites themselves. At the moment, there are only a couple of links here, but rest assured that these represent quality rather than quantity!
- Clear Skies, Two Eyes (Site moved - try a search engine)
- A quite extensive site that is especially thorough on observing aids such as mounts for binoculars, and several links to relevant books on the subject of binocular astronomy with facilities to buy online. On the observing side, it's OK, with good descriptions of each Deep-Sky object, though these are again the "usual suspects". Each object has its own page with both wide-field and close-up finder charts with physical data about the object, not all of which is relevant to binocular observing (i.e., M.35 is listed for Trumpler Class and integrated B-V). One niggle; the close-up charts appear to have no scale, which is the very place one is needed, especially for novices. I have removed the link since the site has been moved, and I haven't yet found it again!
- 7 by 35 (Site moved - try a search engine)
- A small site at the moment, consisting of three pages, but I for one hope it grows bigger. Keith is a beginner and writes for other beginners, so if this describes you, go there right away. There are some useful, and above all, practical links to all sorts of interesting places, including one about dark-adaptation. A site bristling with common-sense information and hints for the binocular and small telescope owner. The highlight, though, is his excellent observing log, featuring all kinds of sites, from dark country skies to downtown Birmingham. He is also interested in the history of observational astronomy and star-lore generally. More please, Keith!
- The Constellations (Richard Dibbon-Smith)
- An excellent site with very good descriptions of each constellation, including its history and mythology. Like my site, it includes the Southern groups as well, and the colour-coded index shows which constellations contain items of binocular interest, so you don't end up clicking on (say) Caelum or Leo Minor, only to find that there's nothing to see there. The 'constellations' section reviews each in turn, though includes mainly
telescopic objects. You can also order the paper version of his little book from here.
- Utah Valley Astronomy
Association
- These nice people have given my site a mention, so it's only right that I reciprocate. A very useful site this, with reviews of binoculars, mounts and so on, as well as the more usual fare. If we could now see an HTML version of Karen's article, that would be even better!
- The Binocular Site
- Large, well-laid-out commercial site containing lots of information about buying and using binoculars in astronomy and otherwise. Contains links to several binocular manufacturers.
- GreenLazer
- A useful site for beginners (and those working with beginners) where you can use... well, a little green LASER beam... to point out that elusive sky object. Obviously only to be used for naked eye objects, but you can star-hop from there.
