Binocular Astronomy Resource Page
Binocular Objects (MS Word)
SLAS's own Karen W. Pierce's compilation of some
of the best deep-sky binocular objects.
Chuck Hards' Binocular Review
Chuck Hards,
an outstanding local ATM, shares his experience with the popular Chinese OEM binoculars
sold under various brand names such as Galileo, Barska, Oberwerk, Bear, etc.
Todd Gross' Binocular Reviews
Excellent site, the famous Boston Weatherman and Astro-reviewer gives you some very
thorough personal evaluations of various binoculars. Site also includes very good
reviews on scopes, eyepieces, etc.
Monthly Sky Map and Guide
Free monthly map of the night sky, including observing tips, a glossary, a guide to
the planets and other noteworthy naked-eye, binocular and telescopic objects.
Online Handbook of Binocular Astronomy
Michael Poxon's UK site includes a good deal of useful information for binocular
observing.
The Astronomical League's Binocular Messier Certificate
How to earn a Binocular Messier Certificate from the Astronomical League.
Articles from Sky & Telescope Magazine
"How to choose, use, and get the most out of your instrument."
Astromart
Perhaps the best place on the 'net to find used equiptment.
bigbinoculars.com
Big online binocular dealer with a huge variety of binoculars and accessories.
Orion Telescopes and Binoculars
Site also has a good deal of useful information for beginners, including a monthly
star chart.
Sportsman's Guide Catalog
One source for the Chinese-made ("Galileo", "Barska", etc.) 15x70 binoculars
reviewed by Chuck. If they are not in stock,
you are likely to find other good deals here.
The Stars: A New Way To See Them
By H. A. Rey (of "Curious George" fame). Houghton Mifflin, ISBN: 0395081211, in print
(hardcover and paperback) since 1952. This is, by far, the very best book for learning
the constellations, IMHO. It is a wonderful and fun way for adults and children alike
to get familiar with the night sky, an important first-step in enjoying astronomy.
Binocular Astronomy
By Craig Crossen and Wil Tirion (Willman-Bell, Richmond, VA. 1992 8.5 x 11", hardbound,
224 pages). There seems to be some consensus in the Binocular Astronomy community that
if you buy only one book, this should be it.
Exploring the Night Sky With Binoculars
by David S. Chandler (paperback, 48 pages, ISBN: 0961320710). One reader comments:
"It's just a little thing, a half-size, soft-cover booklet, but it's packed with great
information and superb illustrations. IMHO, the best "first book" on binocular observing.
Inexpensive, too."
Touring The Universe Through Binoculars: A Complete Astronomer's Guidebook
by Philip S. Harrington (1990 John Wiley and Sons, paperback, 304 pages, ISBN: 0471513377).
Phil also writes a monthly
column for Astronomy Magazine
on binocular stargazing, and has a binocular
"pick of the month" on his website.
Star Ware: The Amateur Astronomer's Ultimate Guide to Choosing, Buying, and Using Telescopes
and Accessories
by Philip S. Harrington (John Wiley and Sons, paperback, 424 pages, ISBN: 0471418064). Chapter
8 of the 3rd edition (May 2002) includes plans for Glen Warchol's famous, inexpensive and
easy-to-make binocular mount using recycled aluminum crutches!
Exploring the Moon Through Binoculars and Small Telescopes
by Ernest H. Cherrington (Dover, paperback, 229 pages, ISBN: 0486244911).
Binocular Stargazing
by Michael D. Reynolds (Stackpole Books, Paperback, 213 Pages, Nov. 2005, ISBN: 0811731367).