Binocular Astronomy

Jim Finn

Jim Finn / Introduction to Binoculars

Introduction
Binoculars are a useful middle step between the naked eye and a telescope. They provide a bigger better image than eyes They are usually more portable than a telescope 7x50 Binoculars on a clear moonless night can show you up to 150,000 stars. 50 times more than the naked eye

Jim Finn / Introduction to Binoculars

Introduction
Scientifically proven that the human brain finds it easier to process information from two eyes than one. The moon especially is a nice target with binoculars.

Jim Finn / Introduction to Binoculars

Types of binocular
There are many different types of telescope However there are only two types of binoculars
Porro Prisms Roof Prisms

Jim Finn / Introduction to Binoculars

Binocular types
For astronomy as much light as possible should reach the eyes. There are fewer lenses in the porro prism type. This is the preferred option for astronomy.
Jim Finn / Introduction to Binoculars

Telling the Difference

You can tell the difference by the shape of the body The Roof Prism is usually in line with the eyepiece lined up with the main or objective lens. The porro prism is the traditional bent shape.

Jim Finn / Introduction to Binoculars

Numbers
Binoculars are usually defined by a series of numbers. The most common astronomy binoculars are 10x50 The 10x is the magnification This is the maximum that you can comfortable hold steady in your hands and keep the image steady. Larger magnifications may mean using a tripod to hold the binoculars steady. 50 is a 50mm main/objective lens Like a telescope a larger objective lens means more light gathering power. A larger objective lens can make the binoculars heavier and difficult to hold for prolonged periods of time. Jim Finn / Introduction to Binoculars

Advantages over telescope

Gives a 3D image. The two views presented from slightly different viewpoints to each of the viewer's eyes merge to produce a single perceived view with a sensation of depth. it is more comfortable to use both eyes for viewing, without the need to close or obstruct one eye to avoid confusion. it is easier and more comfortable to steadily hand-hold and move a pair of binoculars than a single tubethe two hands and the head form a steady 3-point platform.

Jim Finn / Introduction to Binoculars

Viewing 1
Moon
The Moon shows at least as much detail in binoculars as Galileo saw with his primitive telescopes.

Jim Finn / Introduction to Binoculars

Viewing 2
Planets
Mercury can sometimes be located during twilight with the naked eye, but binoculars make it much easier to pick up. Venus will show its crescent phase in high-quality, firmly mounted binoculars. Mars just looks like a bright orange star. Jupiter not only can you see Jupiter but you can also see the 4 Galilean moons, Ganymede, Callisto, Europa and Io. Saturn can be seen however it is almost impossible to make out the rings other than through very powerful binoculars Uranus, Neptune, and the half dozen or so asteroids that reach 8th magnitude or brighter look like faint stars. Uranus and Neptune can be found in binoculars with the aid of the charts

Jim Finn / Introduction to Binoculars

Viewing 3 (Jupiter)
All four of Jupiter's Galilean satellites can be tracked with binoculars. Japanese astrophotographer Akira Fujii captured Jupiter and its moons (from left to right) Ganymede, Europa (being eclipsed), and Callisto.

Jim Finn / Introduction to Binoculars

Viewing 4 (Andromeda Galaxy M31)

If you expect to see the full extent of the galaxy, including the dust lanes as shown in photos in books, you'll undoubtedly write it off as a complete loss, just a fuzzy patch. What you will see is the bright nucleus,

Jim Finn / Introduction to Binoculars