Binoc book

[matt]

OK, am about to invest in my first ever pair of binos:D

While I'll mainly be using these as an accompaniment to my telescope viewing, I would also like to use these in their own right on nights when I just want to go "cruising".

Can anyone recommend a good book (or 2) specifically aimed at bino viewing?

I'd prefer it if it/they are southern hemisphere ... and fairly recent, not too techie-focused and generally a good read;)

Not looking to get too bogged down in theory and science.

Many thanks

[jjjnettie]

The Astronomical Leagues Southern Sky Binocular List is a fantastic place to start. And it is FREE!!!http://www.seds.org/messier/xtra/similar/albi-s.html

Don't forget to utilise your local LIBRARY. You can try before you buy.

[matt]

Thanks 3js:)

[seeker372011]

The two books often recommended for bino observers are

Touring the Universe with Binoculars by Phil Harrington

and Binocular Astronomy by Crossen and Tirion
I own both
the latter is very Northern hemisphere centric but still arguably more useful;the former lists all binocular targets by constellation but does not include much in the way of star maps and finder charts.

another really good book-though completely written for the Northern Hemisphere-is turn left at Orion by Consolmagno and Davis-not written for Binocular astronomy but certainly most objects listed are in bino range
this may be available in your library , it is in mine, though I have subsequently purchased the book as I was borrowing it so often

Starry Night -the planetarium software-too has a list of binocular targets, have you checked? :)

[matt]

No I haven't checked. Didn't even know SN has this feature.

I have SN Enthusiast 5...

I'll go fire it up and check it out.

Thanks for the heads-up on those bino books too.

I'm actually pretty excited about getting out there with the knockies.