Newbi Question

[deapfreeze]

I am just getting into astronomy and don't have the money for a good telescope right now but I do have a pair of bino's 7x35 Bushnel. What should I be able to see? I live in South Western Ontario Canada in between Windsor and London. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font size="2" color="#0000ff"><em>William ( deapfreeze ) Hooper</em></font></p><p><font size="1">http://deapfreeze-amateur-astronomy.tk/</font></p><p> </p> </div>

 

[kyle_baron]

1. Lots and lots of craters on the moon.<br />2. Jupiter and it's 4 major moons.<br />3. Saturn's ring (notice I didn't say rings).<br />4. Large star clusters like the Pleiades.<br />5. Lots and lots of colorful double stars.<br />6. The Andromeda Galaxy (as a fuzzy patch). <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font size="4"><strong></strong></font></p> </div>

 

[docm]

That list sounds about right.<br /><br />I'm at almost the same latitude as you (25 miles outside Detroit) and yes, binoculars are great for viewing here abouts. I'd prefer something larger, but 7x35 is more than adequate.<br /><br />First get yourself a red flashlight (LED lights have a much longer battery life) and a field star chart. The red light will let you review the star chart without ruining your dark adaptation. IMO required for either 'scopes or binoculars.<br /><br />After that a blanket, neck pillow and a 6-pack of brewski's help considerably <img src="/images/icons/wink.gif" /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[deapfreeze]

Thanks for the replies and I will be sure to try and find all of those things. I also have been reading about Venus. I will try to take a look at it if the sky ever clears. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font size="2" color="#0000ff"><em>William ( deapfreeze ) Hooper</em></font></p><p><font size="1">http://deapfreeze-amateur-astronomy.tk/</font></p><p> </p> </div>

 

[doubletruncation]

I'd also suggest getting a tripod. It really helps to keep the binoculars stablized, especially for looking at things like Andromeda.<br /><br />One star cluster that's really fun to see in binoculars is the coathanger: http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap070112.html<br /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[heyscottie]

A few more specific things:<br /><br />1) The Beehive cluster -- this is great for binoculars; indeed it is generally too big to see in telescopes!<br />2) The Coathanger -- a curious grouping of stars that looks exactly like a coathanger. Also too big for most telescopic views, but perfect for binoculars<br />3) The double cluster in Perseus<br />4) M13, the great globular cluster, in Hercules<br />5) Some wider double stars, like Alcor-Mizar in Ursa Major

 

[kyle_baron]

These two lists should keep him busy for a while. <img src="/images/icons/wink.gif" /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font size="4"><strong></strong></font></p> </div>

 

[alokmohan]

There are naked eye stars.See them by naked eye.

 

[kyle_baron]

You're right, Alokmoham. Newbies need to look at the stars naked eye, 1st. This enables them to see the patterns and shapes of the constellations. Then they will be able to get the locations for new objects. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font size="4"><strong></strong></font></p> </div>

 

[MeteorWayne]

Great link, ce, thanx! <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>

 

[deapfreeze]

Thanks for the link and thanks everyone for all the info. I am going to try to look at Venus tonight if the sky stays clear. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font size="2" color="#0000ff"><em>William ( deapfreeze ) Hooper</em></font></p><p><font size="1">http://deapfreeze-amateur-astronomy.tk/</font></p><p> </p> </div>