![]() ![]() My own personal preference, are 7 x 35 "wide-angle" binoculars that provide a much larger field of view (11-degrees) as opposed to most other units. The 7 refers to the magnification, while the 50 refers to the diameter of the two objective lenses measured in millimeters. Most observers prefer the so-called 7 x 50 "night glasses." Beginners usually are pleasantly surprised the first time they sweep the night sky with binoculars and advanced amateurs and professionals alike regard binoculars as standard viewing equipment.īinoculars come in a variety of sizes. And quality binoculars can far outrank a poor quality small telescope and is an instrument that should last you a lifetime. A pair of 7-power binoculars is lightweight and portable. Some might think that binoculars are a bit of a come down from a telescope, but the fact of the matter is, that for certain aspects of sky watching they are the best instrument of all to use. "First, spend some quality time under the stars and then, when you think you're ready, go out and purchase a pair of good binoculars." ![]() I wish I had a nickel for every time somebody came up to me and said they've just gotten interested in astronomy and right off the bat wanted to purchase a telescope. I'm about to make a suggestion that few prospective telescope buyers – especially those neophytes of astronomy – do not want to hear: Seriously consider the merits of binoculars before moving up to a telescope. Yet, while it is true that many have been "hooked" for life by viewing the wonders of the sky through their first scope, it is also true that many others have had their initial enthusiasm for astronomy severely dampened by their first telescope – especially if the pleasure-to-frustration ratio becomes too low. Of the planets, there are many things you can easily see with a modest 40-power: the changing phases of Mercury and Venus (yes, much like our moon these planets go through phases) Mars' distinct pumpkin-hued disk the four moons that orbit Jupiter's banded globe Saturn's rings and bright moon Titan and the starlike points of light that are Uranus and Neptune.īy stepping up to higher magnifications, so long as you buy high-quality optics (not the sort of thing you'll find at a department store) you'll be able to glimpse the polar caps and dark markings of Mars, Jupiter's enigmatic red spot, Cassini's division in Saturn's rings and even the tiny bluish-green disk of Uranus.Īnd if you observe from a location far from bright city lights, you'll be able to see double stars, star clusters, nebulae and the Great Andromeda Galaxy that lies 2.2 million light-years beyond our own Milky Way. You'll be surprised how quickly it moves clear out of view from a fixed-position telescope. By letting the moon slowly drift across your line of sight, you can imagine being an astronaut peeking out at a desolate world through the porthole of a spaceship. ![]() With higher powers, the moon completely fills the eyepiece field. Because it's the largest and brightest object in the nighttime sky, the moon is a natural target for small telescopes.Įven 30-power – which can be found in a relatively small and inexpensive setup – will show a breathtaking panorama of smooth dark regions and rugged highlands pockmarked by hundreds of craters. Let's begin with our nearest neighbor in space, the moon. But a good small telescope can reveal a surprisingly rich and varied array of celestial wonders.
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