- Are there better times to view the sky at night, say 10pm or 5am?
If you are in an environment with light pollution, it usually comes down a bit after midnight as household lights and car lights reduce. But typically there is more dew formation as the night proceeds. Make up some dew guards for your field lenses - cut-off drink bottles, cardboard tubes, PVC pipes - you'll find something that fits. (Check this article -
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/63-321-0-0-1-0.html )
- Are there better times to view the sky in the year?
Not really, there is always something interesting, but certain constellations and the planets are better situated at certain times of the year. Also crisp clean nights can often be had in winter which might mean better seeing. Summer dust and smoke can be a nuisance. Also insects are fairly absent on a cold winter's night.
- Should I find the darkest place to view from?
Yes, unless you are looking at the Moon and planets and brighter star clusters.
- Should I leave my bino's outside for 30mins prior to obeserving?
No, but you will find some slight adjustment as they cool to ambient - I usually notice the focus point changing slightly.
- Any other tips would be great?
Don't try to observe objects when they are close to the horizon (try it with the Moon and Venus and see what happens). High in the sky can be very difficult on the neck unless you can arrange to view in a comfortable reclined position. Have the binoculars well held if you have your head under them - imagine what will happen if they slip and strike your eyes! Use the horizon as a marker. Work out where your object is in the sky, then drop a vertical line to the closest horizon and note a tree, post, fence etc. at that point. Then get that point in your field of view, then lift them straight up until you locate your object. If you cannot find your object, you probably haven't raised them high enough. Just about everyone finds themselves looking too low in the sky, even when they think they have lifted them high enough. Alternatively, lift your eyes and look directly along the top of the main hinge and try to point the binoculars at the object (or the area where it should be). Then carefully don't move them but move your head so you are looking through them again. Learn about "star-hopping" using charts.
Have fun!
