Saturday 1 September 2012

Astronomy Binoculars - 7 Tips For Best Star Gazing Equipment And Techniques


Astronomy binoculars can be a valuable resource for the amateur astronomer. With a good set of binoculars, you can see a wide variety of stars and other formations. This article provides seven tips to help star gazers get started in viewing the heavens.
1) Get a good handbook
Many hobbies have excellent reference works. Two good books for learning how to use astronomy binoculars are "Touring The Universe Through Binoculars" by Philip Harrington, and "The Binocular Stargazer" by Leslie Peltier. These reference works provide helpful tips to the beginner and experienced star gazer alike.
2) Find an astronomy support group
Many cities and towns have an established astronomy club or interest group. The club members often organize star watching parties to promote astronomy as a hobby. These club members often have years of experience in doing astronomical observations, with both telescopes and binoculars. Sign up for one of these outdoor gatherings, there is usually a special program for newcomers. Find out all you can from these experienced star watchers.
3) Get a center focusing wheel
Once you have identfied a star watching target, focusing your binoculars is the most important operation to getting the best view of your target. A center focusing wheel will give you the most control in getting the sharpest image for your observation.
4) Make sure both the eyepiece and lens optics are coated
Coatings for binoculars used to be a secret feature on selected binoculars. Now there are industry standards for optimal coating technologies, which greatly helps astronomy viewing. Make sure both your eyepiece and lenses are coated. The highest end coating is called fully multi coated, although lesser degrees of coatings are also available.
5) The wider the field of view, the greater the light
Astronomy binoculars seek to gain the most light possible from the dim stars and other heavenly objects. A wide field of view means that the lenses used are able to collect light from a larger portion of the sky. More light will help you get the most from your observations.
6) A tripod will keep the view steady
Photographers often use a tripod to steady their camera when taking photos of a fixed setting. Constellations of stars are also relatively fixed for the time duration of most astronomical viewing. Using a tripod will keep your view steady as you try to make out the various star patterns.
7) Inspect your binocular features before purchase
You will have done a lot of research to make sure that the model of binoculars you are selecting meets your requirements. Inspecting the features of your binoculars before purchase will ensure that you are satisfied with the selection, and minimize "buyers remorse". If the store has a no questions asked return policy, you should be ready to go!
I hope these tips will help you get the most out of your astronomy binoculars!
Andre Sylvester devotes his online resources to reviewing the best products and services available for the community of binocular users athttp://www.binoculars-for-you.com/. When you visit the site, you will find information to help you in selecting the binoculars that are right for you. To get more information on resources for binocular users, check out http://www.binoculars-for-you.com/

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