Binocular observation

[jet486]

Just purchased an Orion 20x80 big eye binoculars and I was hoping if someone can suggest a good guide book for observing the southern skies (mostly from the backyard in Sydney ) and also an observation notebook where I can record the night's observations. Cheers.

[UK1 (Rob)]

Atlas of the Southern Night Sky
by...
Steve Massey
Steve Quirk

ABC book shop

I phoned an ABC bookshop they said 3-4 weeks
Phoned up ABC on-line at 3pm got book at 11 am next day they had an over night service ...from Sydney to Melbourne
but saw one in Collins book store.
Happy hunting
Rob

[dannat (Daniel)]

I would suggest looking uo the astronomical league website - they have a southern bino observing challenge - they sell observing notebook from their store also.
One of the users on this site Robh i think - has produced his own electronic guide to observing objects in the southern hemisphere - it is better than most books you could buy, i will try & find the original thread if i can

[Robh (Rob)]

Originally Posted by dannat

One of the users on this site Robh i think - has produced his own electronic guide to observing objects in the southern hemisphere - it is better than most books you could buy, i will try & find the original thread if i can

Daniel, thanks for the plug!
The objects and maps (Night-Sky Objects ...) can be found at
http://sites.google.com/site/southernastronomer/
There are many objects that can be seen with binoculars.

BinTel also has the book Heavens Above! A Binocular Guide to the Southern Skies by Robert Bee for $24.

Regards, Rob

[PCH (Paul)]

Yep, definitely recommend the Heavens Above book by Robert Bee. It is arranged very well and goes into great detail about what can be seen when and where. Top book Robert (in case you'e listening )

[erick (Eric)]

Robert Bee's great book is pitched at binoculars around the 8x to 12x. Your 20x80s will allow you to observe more, so I also recommend the Atlas of the Southern Night Sky as well as Robert's book.

[jet486]

Thanks everybody. I'll try and obtain these books as mentioned.