Stephen Saber has been an avid observational astronomer for many years.
A musician and songwriter by trade, his passion for the night sky has led him to star parties and celestial events in 30 states, Canada, Mexico, and the Carribean.
His astronomy articles have appeared in numerous regional and national publications. Saber is also the author of the Starhoppers Guide to the Herschel 400 and namesake of the Lunar phase phenomenon known as Saber's Beads.
His extensive Outreach efforts inspired the first permanent camp observatory built for the Boy Scouts of America.
Saber has received the Master Observer's award from the Astronomical League and is currently a member of the Quad Cities Popular Astronomy Club. His astro-column Left Ascension is a regular feature in the PAC newsletter.
*****
[all articles within are free use and may be reprinted with author/website acknowledgement]
[M1: The Crab Nebula courtesy of SEDS]
Running the M-Cubed is an advanced approach to the Messier Marathon requiring the observer to already be very familiar with each target's position.
Sharpshooting the Messiers for a few seasons before even hearing of the M-Cubed, my approach included committing the entire sequence to memory.
For easier memorization the 110 Messier objects are broken down into 10 groups, each corresponding to a specific area of the sky. Numeric patterns are added whenever possible while still following the basic search sequence.
I have used this technique to manually hunt and observe all 110 Messiers from Arizona, and 109 on three occasions from 41N latitude without the aid of starcharts or notes.
Begin by memorizing the first string of numbers while visualizing their positions. As you become comfortable with these, repeat the process for the subsequent groups.
Evening Rush
74, 77, 33, 31, 32, 110, 52, 103, 76, 34, 45
Southern Comfort
79, 42, 43, 78, 41, 50, 93, 46, 47, 48
Early Ecliptic
1, 35, 37, 36, 38, 44, 67, 95, 96, 105, 65, 66
The Big Bear
81, 82, 97, 108, 109, 40, 106, 94, 63, 51, 101, 102
Downtown Virgo
98, 99, 100, 85, 84, 86, 87, 88, 91, 90, 89
Virgo and the 'Burbs
58, 59, 60, 49, 61, 64, 53, 3, 104, 68, 83
Easy East
5, 13, 92, 57, 56, 39, 29, 27, 71
Got Globulars?
12, 10, 14, 107, 9, 4, 80, 62, 19
Cruising the Milky Way
11, 26, 16, 17, 18, 24, 25, 23, 21, 20, 8, 28, 22
Homestretch
6, 7, 69, 70, 54, 55, 75, 15, 2, 72, 73, 30
With repetition the individual strings will eventually link together as the
entire search sequence is committed to memory. (note: the strings' titles are by no means written in stone, and can be substituted for any phrase the observer finds mneumonically helpful.)
I encourage those interested in attempting this method to practice with mini-M-Cubes throughout the year, going over each leg in sections.
Many end up suprised by how many are already familiar outside of their chart and starhopping routine.
[Left Ascension, Feb '04]
*****
You've probably seen a very thin sliver of our moon after sunset or before sunrise. Imagine it thinner. And even thinner. Eventually all that's left is sunlight shining off the mountain peaks while leaving the valleys in darkness. This arched 'string-of-pearls' is known as Saber's Beads after a comment I made about the visual similarity to what is seen during a solar eclipse.
Just before (and after) the moon passes in front of the sun, light shines at us through the valleys but is blocked by the mountains- the mirrored effect of Saber's Beads. After reporting this resemblence, my esteemed stargazing colleagues honored me with its namesake.
While promoted as an outreach term, further scientific study may also provide new insights regarding local albedo values within the lunar libration zones.
*****
TARGETS NOT TO MISS
The search for thin crescents on either side of Luna's conjunction with Sol can be both a fun and rewarding challenge for amateur astronomers. Along with observing skill and planning, the serendipitous timing and sky conditions necessary are equal contributors to successful sighting of the first and last visible hints of our moon.
Adding to the hunt's intrigue, very young and old crescents- predominantly within 24 hours of New Moon- exhibit the phenomenon known as Saber's Beads.
This necklace of staggered brightness peaks along very thin crescents is reminiscent of the beautiful 'string-of-pearls' effect seen near 2nd and 3rd contacts during a total Solar eclipse.
While spotting stray beads at the tips of waxing and waning crescents is quite common, the entire limb desegmentation reveals itself much closer to New Moon.
As the eclipse counterpart is initiated by direct sunlight seen through our moon's valleys, Saber's Beads are detected by the early and last angular illumination of the mountainous regions.
Luna's rugged topography, distance, and constant libration will also vary the beads' appearance, which is further enhanced by associated low-altitude scintillation.
[adapted from Astronomy, September '06]
*****
SLIVER SPOTTING TIPS
Set up at a site with as much altitude as possible overlooking
an unobstructed horizon.
Optimal sky transparency allows the crescent to
be detected and tracked down to, or up from, the horizon.
Using a telescope or binoculars (mounted binos are recommended), fine tune the focus on Venus, Jupiter, or one of the brighter stars beforehand.
For dusk attempts, have Sol's setting azimuth on hand- making note after sunset of a random landmark at that position for reference- as well as Luna's altaz position at sunset thru moonset. Accordingly, for dawn attempts, have Luna's altaz info for moonrise thru sunrise.
Once the crescent is acquired in binoculars, walk the bino down to the horizon/random landmark in consecutive FOVs for the approximate naked-eye altaz.
A favorable elongation (aka 'moonlag') is important. In the 24 hours before or after New Moon, Luna's angular separation from Sol can vary by several degrees. With a favorable ecliptic, net elongations (as altitude) of 6° or more at sunset or moonrise offer the best window for detection. 10-12° is necessary to catch Saber's Beads in optimal/deep twilight.
Also, don't always count-out a shallow ecliptic. Occasionally our moon's extreme northern or southern declination will compensate for a less
than favorable ecliptic angle.
*****
SABER'S BEADS: 27 MAY 2006
For the record, here's the ELCD from that
magical night.
Angular Size/Distance: 31.5'/379892km
Declination: +27°03'
Libration in Latitude: -05°49'
Libration in Longitude: +04°14'
41.5n 90.5w
-24h waxing
moonset window: 01h10m
sunset/azimuth: 2026ut/300*
altaz at sunset: 9.8*/297*
moonset/azimuth: 2136ut/308*
elong/age at sunset: 11.6*/19h58m
By civil twilight (2100ut) the 0.9% phase of our infant crescent still stood at 4.5° altitude for a total elongation of 11.9°. This extended to 12.1° as the shimmering necklace dipped below 2° elevation over a rare, near-pristine horizon.
*****
BRACKETING THE SLIVERS
Another rare and challenging notch for ones Lunar bedpost is to catch the consecutive waning and waxing crescents within 24 hours on each side of New Moon.
Most recently, July 2008's Buck Moon offered such an opportunity as I was able to spot both the -16.5 hour illumination before sunrise on the 2nd and the +23.5 hour sliver just after sunset on the 3rd.
*****
Lunation 1058
New Moon 03 July 2008 0219ut
Angular Size/Distance
@-24hours 33.2'/360453km
@ 00hours 33.1'/361035km
@+24hours 32.9'/363326km
Declination
@-24hours +26°38'
@ 00hours +25°18'
@+24hours +22°08'
Conditions offering 6° or more of net elongation
as altitude are bolded.
60n160w
-24h waning
sunrise window: 01h25m
moonrise/azimuth: 1157ut/24*
altaz at sunrise: 4.3*/41*
sunrise/azimuth: 1322ut/35*
elong/age at moonrise: 9.2*/-14h22m
-24h waxing
moonset window: 37m
sunset/azimuth: 0806ut/324*
altaz at sunset: 1.5*/321*
moonset/azimuth: 0843ut/329*
elong/age at sunset: 4.4*/05h47m
20n160w
-24h waning
sunrise window: 29m
moonrise/azimuth: 1535ut/61*
altaz at sunrise: 4.6*/63*
sunrise/azimuth: 1604ut/65*
elong/age at moonrise: 7.2*/-10h44m
-24h waxing
moonset window: 10m
sunset/azimuth: 0524ut/295*
altaz at sunset: 1.3*/296*
moonset/azimuth: 0534ut/297*
elong/age at sunset: 3.5*/03h05m
50n120w
-24h waning
sunrise window: 01h01m
moonrise/azimuth: 1054ut/44*
altaz at sunrise: 6.2*/55*
sunrise/azimuth: 1155ut/51*
elong/age at moonrise: 9.8*/-15h25m
-24h waxing
moonset window: 19m
sunset/azimuth: 0413ut/308*
altaz at sunset: 1.4*/309*
moonset/azimuth: 0432ut/312*
elong/age at sunset: 3.3*/01h54m
30n120w
-24h waning
sunrise window: 42m
moonrise/azimuth: 1220ut/58*
altaz at sunrise: 6.4*/63*
sunrise/azimuth: 1302ut/62*
elong/age at moonrise: 9.0*/-13h59m
-24h waxing
moonset window: 07m
sunset/azimuth: 0306ut/297*
altaz at sunset: 0.5*/299*
moonset/azimuth: 0313ut/300*
elong/age at sunset: 3.1*/00h47m
50n90w
-24h waning
sunrise window: 01h07m
moonrise/azimuth: 0848ut/44*
altaz at sunrise: 7.0*/56*
sunrise/azimuth: 0955ut/51*
elong/age at moonrise: 11.0*/-17h31m
-24h waxing
moonset window: 54m
sunset/azimuth: 0213ut/308*
altaz at sunset: 6.2*/297*
moonset/azimuth: 0307ut/307*
elong/age at sunset: 14.0*/23h54m
30n90w
-24h waning
sunrise window: 48m
moonrise/azimuth: 1014ut/58*
altaz at sunrise: 7.4*/63*
sunrise/azimuth: 1102ut/62*
elong/age at moonrise: 10.2*/-16h05m
-24h waxing
moonset window: 55m
sunset/azimuth: 0106ut/297*
altaz at sunset: 9.4*/290*
moonset/azimuth: 0201ut/296*
elong/age at sunset: 13.3/22h47m
10n90w
-24h waning
sunrise window: 38m
moonrise/azimuth: 1105ut/62*
altaz at sunrise: 7.1*/63*
sunrise/azimuth: 1143ut/66*
elong/age at moonrise: 9.7*/-15h14m
-24h waxing
moonset window: 56m
sunset/azimuth: 0026ut/293*
altaz at sunset: 11.0*/291*
moonset/azimuth: 0120ut/293*
elong/age at sunset: 13.0*/22h07m
50n60w
-24h waning
sunrise window: 01h14m
moonrise/azimuth: 0641ut/44*
altaz at sunrise: 7.5*/57*
sunrise/azimuth: 0755ut/51*
elong/age at moonrise: 12.2*/-19h38m
-24h waxing
moonset window: 51m
sunset/azimuth: 0013ut/308*
altaz at sunset: 5.5*/298*
moonset/azimuth: 0104ut/307*
elong/age at sunset: 12.8*/21h54m
10n60w
-24h waning
sunrise window: 44m
moonrise/azimuth: 0859ut/62*
altaz at sunrise: 8.2*/63*
sunrise/azimuth: 0943ut/66*
elong/age at moonrise: 10.9*/-17h20m
-24h waxing
moonset window: 49m
sunset/azimuth: 2226ut/293*
altaz at sunset: 9.5*/292*
moonset/azimuth: 2315ut/293*
elong/age at sunset: 11.8*/20h07m
10s60w
-24h waning
sunrise window: 34m
moonrise/azimuth: 0943ut/62*
altaz at sunrise: 6.1*/60*
sunrise/azimuth: 1017ut/66*
elong/age at moonrise: 10.5*/-16h36m
-24h waxing
moonset window: 47m
sunset/azimuth: 2152ut/293*
altaz at sunset: 9.1*/296*
moonset/azimuth: 2239ut/293*
elong/age at sunset: 11.5*/19h33m
30s60w
-24h waning
sunrise window: 23m
moonrise/azimuth: 1033ut/58*
altaz at sunrise: 3.1*/55*
sunrise/azimuth: 1056ut/64*
elong/age at moonrise: 10.0*/-15h46m
-24h waxing
moonset window: 43m
sunset/azimuth: 2113ut/296*
altaz at sunset: 6.5*/303*
moonset/azimuth: 2156ut/297*
elong/age at sunset: 11.2*/18h54m
50n00e
-24h waning
sunrise window: 01h26m
moonrise/azimuth: 0229ut/44*
altaz at sunrise: 9.2*/59*
sunrise/azimuth: 0355ut/51*
elong/age at moonrise: 14.6*/-23h50m
-24h waxing
moonset window: 46m
sunset/azimuth: 2013ut/308*
altaz at sunset: 5.5*/300*
moonset/azimuth: 2059ut/308*
elong/age at sunset: 10.6*/17h54m
30n00e
-24h waning
sunrise window: 01h05m
moonrise/azimuth: 0357ut/57*
altaz at sunrise: 10.6*/65*
sunrise/azimuth: 0502ut/62*
elong/age at moonrise: 13.7*/-22h22m
-24h waxing
moonset window: 43m
sunset/azimuth: 1906ut/297*
altaz at sunset: 7.1*/293*
moonset/azimuth: 1949ut/298*
elong/age at sunset: 10.0*/16h47m
10n00e
-24h waning
sunrise window: 55m
moonrise/azimuth: 0448ut/62*
altaz at sunrise: 10.4*/63*
sunrise/azimuth: 0543ut/66*
elong/age at moonrise: 13.2*/-21h31m
-24h waxing
moonset window: 40m
sunset/azimuth: 1826ut/293*
altaz at sunset: 7.4*/293*
moonset/azimuth: 1906ut/294*
elong/age at sunset: 9.6*/16h07m
50n30e
-24h waning
sunrise window: 14m
moonrise/azimuth: 0141ut/46*
altaz at sunrise: 1.0*/49*
sunrise/azimuth: 0155ut/51*
elong/age at moonrise: 3.2*/-00h38m
-24h waxing
moonset window: 43m
sunset/azimuth: 1813ut/308*
altaz at sunset: 4.4*/301*
moonset/azimuth: 1856ut/309*
elong/age at sunset: 9.5*/15h54m
30n30e
(-25h waning)
sunrise window: 01h11m
moonrise/azimuth: 0151ut/57*
altaz at sunrise: 12.0*/65*
sunrise/azimuth: 0302ut/62*
elong/age at moonrise: 14.9*/-24h28m
-24h waxing
moonset window: 39m
sunset/azimuth: 1706ut/297*
altaz at sunset: 6.2*/294*
moonset/azimuth: 1745ut/298*
elong/age at sunset: 8.9*/14h47m
10n30e
-24h waning
sunrise window: 01h00m
moonrise/azimuth: 0242ut/62*
altaz at sunrise: 11.4*/64*
sunrise/azimuth: 0342ut/66*
elong/age at moonrise: 14.4*/-23h37m
-24h waxing
moonset window: 35m
sunset/azimuth: 1626ut/293*
altaz at sunset: 6.4*/293*
moonset/azimuth: 1701ut/294*
elong/age at sunset: 8.6*/14h07m
10s30e
-24h waning
sunrise window: 51m
moonrise/azimuth: 0326ut/62*
altaz at sunrise: 9.3*/59*
sunrise/azimuth: 0417ut/66*
elong/age at moonrise: 14.0*/-22h53m
-24h waxing
moonset window: 31m
sunset/azimuth: 1552ut/293*
altaz at sunset: 5.5*/296*
moonset/azimuth: 1623ut/294*
elong/age at sunset: 8.3*/13h43m
30s30e
-24h waning
sunrise window: 39m
moonrise/azimuth: 0417ut/58*
altaz at sunrise: 5.4*/53*
sunrise/azimuth: 0456ut/63*
elong/age at moonrise: 13.5*/-22h02m
-24h waxing
moonset window: 25m
sunset/azimuth: 1513ut/296*
altaz at sunset: 3.4*/301*
moonset/azimuth: 1738ut/298*
elong/age at sunset: 7.9*/12h54m
50n60e
-24h waning
sunrise window: 21m
moonrise/azimuth: 0034ut/46*
altaz at sunrise: 1.5*/50*
sunrise/azimuth: 0055ut/51*
elong/age at moonrise: 3.6*/-02h45m
-24h waxing
moonset window: 40m
sunset/azimuth: 1613ut/308*
altaz at sunset: 4.1*/302*
moonset/azimuth: 1653ut/309*
elong/age at sunset: 8.4*/13h54m
30n60e
-24h waning
sunrise window: 07m
moonrise/azimuth: 0156ut/59*
altaz at sunrise: 0.5*/60*
sunrise/azimuth: 0203ut/62*
elong/age at moonrise: 3.3*/-01h23m
-24h waxing
moonset window: 34m
sunset/azimuth: 1506ut/297*
altaz at sunset: 5.3*/294*
moonset/azimuth: 1540ut/298*
elong/age at sunset: 7.8*/12h47m
50n90e
-24h waning
sunrise window: 25m
moonrise/azimuth: 2127ut/46*
altaz at sunrise: 2.3*/51*
sunrise/azimuth: 2155ut/51*
elong/age at moonrise: 4.4*/-04h52m
-24h waxing
moonset window: 36m
sunset/azimuth: 1413ut/308*
altaz at sunset: 3.4*/303*
moonset/azimuth: 1449ut/310*
elong/age at sunset: 7.4*/11h54m
30n90e
-24h waning
sunrise window: 12m
moonrise/azimuth: 2250ut/59*
altaz at sunrise: 1.3*/60*
sunrise/azimuth: 2302ut/62*
elong/age at moonrise: 3.9*/-03h29m
-24h waxing
moonset window: 30m
sunset/azimuth: 1306ut/297*
altaz at sunset: 4.4*/295*
moonset/azimuth: 1336*/299*
elong/age at sunset: 6.8*/10h47m
10n90e
-24h waning
sunrise window: 05m
moonrise/azimuth: 2338ut/63*
altaz at sunrise: 0.3*/63*
sunrise/azimuth: 2343ut/66*
elong/age at moonrise: 3.6*/-02h41m
-24h waxing
moonset window: 25m
sunset/azimuth: 1226ut/293*
altaz at sunset: 4.3*/294*
moonset/azimuth: 1251ut/295*
elong/age at sunset: 6.5*/10h07m
50n120e
-24h waning
sunrise window: 35m
moonrise/azimuth: 1920ut/45*
altaz at sunrise: 3.1*/52*
sunrise/azimuth: 1955ut/51*
elong/age at moonrise: 5.4*/-06h59m
-24h waxing
moonset window: 33m
sunset/azimuth: 1213ut/308*
altaz at sunset: 3.2*/305*
moonset/azimuth: 1246ut/311*
elong/age at sunset: 6.3*/09h54m
30n120e
-24h waning
sunrise window: 18m
moonrise/azimuth: 2044ut/59*
altaz at sunrise: 2.3*/61*
sunrise/azimuth: 2102ut/62*
elong/age at moonrise: 4.7*/-05h35m
-24h waxing
moonset window: 25m
sunset/azimuth: 1106ut/297*
altaz at sunset: 3.5*/296*
moonset/azimuth: 1131ut/299*
elong/age at sunset: 5.8*/08h47m
10n120e
-24h waning
sunrise window: 10m
moonrise/azimuth: 2133ut/63*
altaz at sunrise: 1.3*/63*
sunrise/azimuth: 2143ut/66*
elong/age at moonrise: 4.4*/-04h46m
-24h waxing
moonset window: 20m
sunset/azimuth: 1026ut/293*
altaz at sunset: 3.3*/295*
moonset/azimuth: 1046ut/295*
elong/age at sunset: 5.5*/08h07m
10s120e
-24h waning
sunrise window: 02m
moonrise/azimuth: 2215ut/63*
altaz at sunrise: 0.1*/63*
sunrise/azimuth: 2217ut/67*
elong/age at moonrise: 4.1*/-04h04m
-24h waxing
moonset window: 14m
sunset/azimuth: 0952ut/293*
altaz at sunset: 2.2*/296*
moonset/azimuth: 1006ut/295*
elong/age at sunset: 5.2*/07h33m
30s120e
-24h waning
sunrise window: -08m
moonrise/azimuth: 2304ut/59*
altaz at sunrise: -0.6*/60*
sunrise/azimuth: 2256ut/64*
elong/age at moonrise: 3.8*/-03h15m
-24h waxing
moonset window: 07m
sunset/azimuth: 0913ut/296*
altaz at sunset: 0.4*/300*
moonset/azimuth: 0920ut/299*
elong/age at sunset: 4.9*/06h54m
10s150e
-24h waning
sunrise window: 07m
moonrise/azimuth: 2010ut/63*
altaz at sunrise: 0.6*/62*
sunrise/azimuth: 2017ut*67*
elong/age at moonrise: 5.0*/-06h09m
-24h waxing
moonset window: 09m
sunset/azimuth: 0752ut/293*
altaz at sunset: 1.2*/296*
moonset/azimuth: 0801ut/296*
elong/age at sunset: 4.3*/05h33m
30s150e
-24h waning
sunrise window: -03m
moonrise/azimuth: 2059ut/59*
altaz at sunrise: -0.3*/59*
sunrise/azimuth: 2056ut/64*
elong/age at moonrise: 4.6*/-05h20m
-24h waxing
moonset window: 01m
sunset/azimuth: 0713ut/296*
altaz at sunset: 0.1*/300*
moonset/azimuth: 0714ut/300*
elong/age at sunset: 4.1*/04h54m
raw data generated with WinEphem
*check local listings*
[M27: The Dumbell Nebula courtesy of SEDS]
This collection of DSOs and doublestars unifies the Astronomical League's Messier, Bino Deepsky, Caldwell (the 70 most northern), and Double Star targets as well as the RASC's 110 Finest NGC Objects. Three doubles I couldn't live without are also included.
Designed with those tackling the Observe Programs in mind, the overlapping entries have been omitted- leaving a treasure chest of 409 gems for northern observers.
Grouped by constellation, the basic data and corresponding Pocket Sky Atlas chart follow each entry.
ANDROMEDA type/mag/radec/psa
M31 GX 3.5 0043+4119 03
M32 GX 8.2 0043+4055 03
M110 GX 8.0 0041+4144 03
NGC752 OC 5.7 0158+3743 02
NGC891 GX 10.0 0223+4223 02
NGC7662 PN 9.0 2326+4236 03
gammaAnd DS 2.3 0204+4222 02
AQUARIUS
M2 GC 6.5 2134-0047 77
M72 GC 9.4 2054-1230 77
M73 AS 9.0 2059-1236 77
NGC7009 PN 8.0 2105-1120 77
NGC7293 PN 7.5 2230-2046 76
zetaAqr DS 4.3 2229-0001 77
94 Aqr DS 5.3 2319-1328 76
AQUILA
NGC6709 OC 6.7 1852+1022 65
NGC6781 PN 12.0 1919+0634 65
57 Aql DS 5.8 1955-0814 66
ARIES
NGC772 GX 10.3 0200+1903 04
gammaAri DS 4.8 0154+1918 04
lambdaAri DS 4.9 0158+2336 04
AURIGA
M36 OC 6.0 0537+3408 12
M37 OC 5.6 0553+3233 12
M38 OC 6.4 0529+3550 12
NGC1893 OC 7.5 0523+3324 12
NGC1907 OC 8.2 0529+3519 12
NGC1931 CN 11.3 0532+3415 12
NGC2281 OC 5.4 0650+4103 23
IC405 EN -- 0517+3416 12
thetaAur DS 2.7 0600+3713 12
BOOTES
NGC5248 GX 10.2 1338+0851 44
NGC5466 GC 9.1 1406+2830 44
deltaBoo DS 3.5 1516+3319 42
iotaBoo DS 4.9 1416+5122 42
kappaBoo DS 4.6 1414+5147 42
epsilonBoo DS 2.5 1445+2704 44
muBoo DS 4.3 1525+3723 42
piBoo DS 4.9 1441+1625 44
xiBoo DS 4.7 1451+1906 44
CAMELOPARDALIS
NGC1501 PN 13.0 0408+6056 13
NGC2403 GX 8.4 0738+6535 21
NGC2655 GX 10.1 0857+7811 21
IC342 GX 9.1 0348+6807 11
Stock23 OC 6.5 0316+6002 11
Kemble1 OC 4.0 0358+6306 11
1 Cam DS 5.7 0432+5355 12
32 Cam DS 5.3 1249+8325 21
CANCER
M44 OC 3.1 0841+1957 24
M67 OC 6.9 0851+1147 24
NGC2775 GX 10.3 0911+0700 24
iotaCnc DS 4.2 0847+2846 24
zetaCnc DS 5.5 0812+1739 24
CANES VENATICI
M3 GC 6.3 1343+2821 44
M51 GX 8.4 1330+4710 43
M63 GX 8.6 1316+4159 43
M94 GX 8.2 1251+4104 43
M106 GX 8.3 1219+4715 43
NGC4111 GX 10.8 1208+4301 43
NGC4214 GX 9.7 1216+3617 43
NGC4244 GX 10.2 1218+3746 43
NGC4449 GX 9.4 1229+4403 43
NGC4490 GX 9.8 1231+4135 43
NGC4631 GX 9.3 1242+3229 43
NGC4656/7 GX 10.4 1244+3207 43
NGC5005 GX 9.8 1311+3700 43
NGC5033 GX 10.1 1314+3633 43
alphaCVn DS 2.9 1256+3819 43
CANIS MAJOR
M41 OC 4.5 0646-2045 27
NGC2359 EN 11.0 0719-1313 27
NGC2360 OC 7.2 0718-1538 27
NGC2362 OC 4.1 0719-2457 27
epsilonCMa DS 1.5 0659-2858 27
h3945 DS 5.0 0717-2318 27
CAPRICORNUS
M30 GC 7.5 2141-2309 77
alphaCap DS 3.6 2018-1233 66
betaCap DS 3.4 2021-1447 66
CASSIOPEIA
M52 OC 6.9 2325+6138 03
M103 OC 7.4 0134+6044 03
NGC129 OC 6.5 0030+6017 03
NGC147 GX 9.3 0034+4833 03
NGC185 GX 9.2 0039+4823 03
NGC281 EN 7.0 0053+5640 03
NGC457 OC 6.4 0120+5823 03
NGC559 OC 9.5 0130+6320 01
NGC663 OC 7.1 0147+6117 01
NGC7635 EN -- 2321+6115 71
NGC7789 OC 6.7 2357+5647 03
IC289 PN 13.1 0311+6121 02
Cr463 OC 5.7 0148+7157 01
Stock2 OC 4.4 0215+5916 01
Mark6 OC 7.1 0230+6039 01
Mel15 OC 6.5 0233+6127 01
Tr3 OC 7.0 0312+6315 01
etaCas DS 3.4 0049+5749 03
iotaCas DS 4.0 0229+6724 01
sigmaCas DS 5.0 2359+5545 03
CEPHEUS
NGC40 PN 11.0 0013+7235 71
NGC188 OC 8.1 0045+8523 71
NGC6939 OC 7.8 2032+6040 61
NGC6946 GX 8.9 2035+6011 61
NGC7023 CN 7.0 2101+6812 71
NGC7129 RN 12.0 2141+6608 71
NGC7160 OC 6.1 2154+6238 71
NGC7235 OC 7.7 2213+5719 71
Sh2-155 DN -- 2257+6237 71
betaCep DS 3.2 2129+7034 71
deltaCep DS 3.9 2229+5825 71
xiCep DS 4.4 2204+6438 71
Struve 2816 DS 5.6 2139+5729 73
CETUS
M77 GX 8.8 0243+0001 04
NGC246 PN 8.0 0047-1150 07
NGC247 GX 8.9 0047-2043 07
NGC936 GX 10.1 0228-0107 04
IC1613 GX 9.3 0105+0207 05
gammaCet DS 3.5 0243+0314 04
COMA BERENICES
M53 GC 7.7 1313+1807 45
M64 GX 8.5 1257+2138 45
M85 GX 9.2 1226+1808 C
M88 GX 9.5 1232+1422 C
M91 GX 10.2 1236+1427 C
M98 GX 10.1 1214+1451 C
M99 GX 9.8 1219+1422 C
M100 GX 9.4 1223+1546 C
NGC4274 GX 10.4 1220+2934 45
NGC4414 GX 10.3 1227+3110 45
NGC4494 GX 9.9 1232+2544 45
NGC4559 GX 9.9 1236+2755 45
NGC4565 GX 9.6 1237+2556 45
NGC4725 GX 9.2 1251+2527 45
NGC4889 GX 11.4 1300+2755 45
Mel 111 OC 1.8 1225+2600 45
24 Com DS 5.2 1235+1823 45
CORONA AUSTRALIS
NGC6729 EN 9.7 1902-3657 69
CORONA BOREALIS
zetaCrB DS 5.1 1539+3638 53
sigmaCrB DS 5.6 1615+3352 53
CORVUS
NGC4038 GX 10.7 1202-1855 47
NGC4039 GX 13.0 1202-1856 47
NGC4361 PN 10.0 1225-1851 47
deltaCrv DS 3.0 1230-1631 47
CYGNUS
M29 OC 6.6 2024+3834 62
M39 OC 4.6 2132+4828 62
NGC6819 OC 7.3 1942+4012 62
NGC6826 PN 10.0 1945+5032 62
NGC6888 EN 7.5 2012+3822 62
NGC6910 OC 7.4 2023+4049 62
NGC6960 SN -- 2046+3045 62
NGC6992/5 SN -- 2057+3145 62
NGC7000 EN 6.0 2059+4422 62
NGC7027 PN 10.0 2107+4216 62
NGC7063 OC 7.0 2125+3632 62
IC5146 CN 10.0 2154+4718 73
betaCyg DS 3.1 1931+2758 62
31 Cyg DS 3.8 2014+4644 62
61 Cyg DS 5.2 2107+3845 62
DELPHINUS
NGC6934 GC 8.7 2034+0724 64
NGC7006 GC 10.6 2102+1611 64
gammaDel DS 4.5 2047+1607 64
DRACO
M102 GX 10.0 1507+5544 42
NGC4236 GX 9.7 1217+6928 41
NGC5907 GX 10.4 1516+5619 42
NGC6503 GX 10.2 1749+7009 61
NGC6543 PN 8.8 1759+6638 51
muDra DS 5.7 1705+5428 52
nuDra DS 4.9 1732+5511 52
psiDra DS 4.9 1742+7209 51
16/17 Dra DS 5.4 1636+5255 52
40/41 Dra DS 5.7 1800+8000 51
ERIDANIS
NGC1232 GX 9.9 0310-2035 17
NGC1535 PN 10.4 0414-1244 17
32 Eri DS 4.8 0354-0257 17
55 Eri DS 6.7 0444-0848 16
FORNAX
NGC1097 GX 9.2 0246-3017 06
GEMINI
M35 OC 5.1 0609+2420 25
NGC2158 OC 8.6 0608+2406 25
NGC2371/2 PN 11.0 0726+2929 25
NGC2392 PN 9.9 0729+2055 25
alphaGem DS 1.9 0735+3153 25
deltaGem DS 3.5 0720+2159 25
HERCULES
M13 GC 5.9 1642+3627 52
M92 GC 6.5 1717+4307 52
NGC6210 PN 9.0 1645+2348 54
alphaHer DS 3.5 1715+1423 52
deltaHer DS 3.1 1715+2450 54
kappaHer DS 5.3 1608+1703 55
rhoHer DS 4.6 1724+3709 52
95 Her DS 5.0 1802+2136 54
HYDRA
M48 OC 5.8 0814-0549 26
M68 GC 8.2 1240-2648 47
M83 GX 7.6 1337-2954 47
NGC3242 PN 8.6 1025-1838 37
NGC5694 GC 10.2 1440-2632 46
N Hya DS 5.8 1132-2916 36
LACERTA
NGC7209 OC 7.7 2205+4630 73
NGC7243 OC 6.4 2215+4953 73
8 Lac DS 5.7 2236+3938 72
LEO
M65 GX 9.3 1119+1302 34
M66 GX 9.0 1121+1256 34
M95 GX 9.7 1044+1139 34
M96 GX 9.2 1047+1146 34
M105 GX 9.3 1048+1232 34
NGC2903 GX 8.9 0933+2128 35
NGC3384 GX 10.0 1049+1235 34
NGC3521 GX 8.9 1106-0005 34
NGC3607 GX 10.0 1117+1800 34
NGC3626 GX 10.9 1121+1818 34
NGC3628 GX 9.5 1121+1333 34
alphaLeo DS 1.4 1008+1158 35
gammaLeo DS 2.2 1020+1951 35
54 Leo DS 4.5 1056+2445 34
LEO MINOR
NGC3003 GX 11.7 0949+3323 33
NGC3344 GX 10.0 1044+2452 35
NGC3432 GX 11.3 1023+3634 33
LEPUS
M79 GC 8.0 0525-2433 16
HR1944 DS 6.4 0539-1751 16
gammaLep DS 3.8 0545-2227 16
LIBRA
NGC5897 GC 8.6 1518-2103 57
alphaLib DS 2.8 1451-1602 57
LYNX
NGC2419 GC 10.4 0739+3852 23
NGC2683 GX 9.7 0853+3323 22
12 Lyn DS 5.4 0646+5927 23
19 Lyn DS 5.6 0723+5517 23
38 Lyn DS 3.9 0919+3648 22
LYRA
M56 GC 8.3 1917+3012 63
M57 PN 9.0 1854+3303 63
betaLyr DS 3.4 1850+3322 63
zetaLyr DS 4.3 1845+3736 63
epsilonLyr DS 5.0 1844+3940 63
Struve 2404 DS 6.9 1851+1059 63
O.Struve 525 DS 6.0 1855+3358 63
MONOCEROS
M50 OC 5.9 0704-0821 27
NGC2232 OC 3.9 0627-0445 27
NGC2244 OC 4.8 0633+0452 25
NGC2251 OC 7.3 0635+0822 25
NGC2261 EN 10.0 0639+0844 25
NGC2264 CN 3.9 0642+0952 25
NGC2237+ EN -- 0631+0503 25
NGC2301 OC 6.0 0652+0027 25
NGC2343 OC 6.7 0709-1040 27
NGC2506 OC 7.6 0801-1048 26
betaMon DS 4.7 0629-0702 27
epsilonMon DS 4.5 0624+0436 25
OPHIUCHUS
M9 GC 7.9 1720-1831 56
M10 GC 6.6 1658-0126 56
M12 GC 6.6 1648-0158 56
M14 GC 7.6 1738-0315 56
M19 GC 7.2 1703-2617 56
M62 GC 6.6 1702-3008 56
M107 GC 8.1 1633-1304 56
NGC6369 PN 13.0 1730-2346 56
NGC6572 PN 9.0 1812+0651 65
NGC6633 OC 4.6 1828+0634 65
IC4665 OC 4.2 1746+0543 54
omicronOph DS 5.4 1718-2417 56
36 Oph DS 5.1 1715-2636 56
70 Oph DS 4.2 1806+0230 65
ORION
M42 EN 3.9 0536-0527 16
M43 EN 9.0 0536-0516 16
M78 RN 8.0 0547+0003 16
NGC1662 OC 6.4 0449+1057 14
NGC1788 RN -- 0507-0320 16
NGC1973+ EN -- 0535-0444 B
NGC1981 OC 4.6 0536-0426 16
NGC2022 PN 12.0 0543+0905 14
NGC2024 EN -- 0542-0151 14
NGC2169 OC 5.9 0609+1357 14
NGC2194 OC 8.5 0614+1248 14
betaOri DS 0.1 0515-0812 16
deltaOri DS 2.2 0532-0018 16
theta1 Ori DS 5.4 0536-0523 B
theta2 Ori DS 5.2 0536-0525 B
iotaOri DS 2.8 0535-0555 B
lambdaOri DS 3.6 0535+0956 14
sigmaOri DS 4.0 0539-0236 16
zetaOri DS 1.9 0541-0157 16
Struve 747 DS 4.8 0535-0600 B
PEGASUS
M15 GC 6.4 2130+1212 75
NGC7331 GX 9.5 2237+3427 72
NGC7479 GX 11.0 2305+1222 74
NGC7814 GX 10.5 0004+1612 74
epsilonPeg DS 2.4 2144+0952 75
PERSEUS
M34 OC 5.2 0243+4249 13
M76 PN 12.0 0143+5136 13
NGC869 OC 4.0 0220+5711 13
NGC884 OC 4.0 0223+5709 13
NGC1023 GX 9.5 0241+3906 13
NGC1275 GX 11.6 0320+4133 13
NGC1342 OC 6.7 0332+3722 13
NGC1491 EN -- 0404+5120 13
NGC1528 OC 6.4 0416+5115 13
NGC1582 OC 7.0 0433+4352 12
Tr2 OC 5.9 0237+5559 13
Mel20 OC 1.2 0322+4900 13
etaPer DS 3.8 0251+5554 13
Struve 331 DS 5.3 0301+5221 13
PISCES
M74 GX 9.2 0137+1549 04
alphaPsc DS 4.2 0202+0246 04
zetaPsc DS 5.6 0113+0735 05
psi1 Psc DS 5.6 0106+2128 05
65 Psc DS 6.3 0050+2743 05
PUPPIS
M46 OC 6.1 0742-1450 27
M47 OC 4.4 0737-1431 27
M93 OC 6.2 0745-2353 26
NGC2440 PN 11.0 0742-1814 26
NGC2477 OC 5.8 0753-3834 28
NGC2527 OC 6.5 0806-2811 28
NGC2539 OC 6.5 0811-1251 26
NGC2571 OC 7.0 0819-2946 28
kappaPup DS 4.5 0739-2648 27
SAGITTA
M71 GC 8.3 1954+1848 64
SAGITTARIUS
M8 CN 5.8 1804-2423 67
M17 EN 6.0 1821-1611 67
M18 OC 6.9 1820-1708 67
M20 EN 6.3 1803-2302 67
M21 OC 5.9 1805-2635 67
M22 GC 5.1 1837-2354 67
M23 OC 5.5 1757-1901 67
M24 SC 4.6 1817-1850 67
M25 OC 4.6 1832-1915 67
M28 GC 6.9 1825-2452 67
M54 GC 7.7 1856-3028 67
M55 GC 7.0 1940-3057 66
M69 GC 7.7 1832-3221 67
M70 GC 8.1 1844-3217 67
M75 GC 8.6 2007-2154 66
NGC6445 PN 13.0 1750-2001 67
NGC6520 OC 8.0 1804-2754 67
NGC6716 OC 6.9 1855-1952 67
NGC6818 PN 10.0 1944-1408 66
NGC6822 GX 9.0 1945-1447 66
SCORPIUS
M4 GC 5.9 1624-2633 56
M6 OC 4.2 1741-3213 58
M7 OC 3.3 1754-3449 58
M80 GC 7.2 1617-2300 56
NGC6124 OC 5.8 1626-4041 58
NGC6302 PN 13.0 1714-3707 58
betaSco DS 2.6 1605-1948 56
nuSco DS 4.3 1612-1928 56
xiSco DS 4.8 1604-1122 56
Struve 1999 DS 7.4 1604-1127 56
SCULPTOR
NGC55 GX 8.0 0015-3908 78
NGC253 GX 7.1 0048-2514 07
NGC300 GX 9.0 0055-3738 09
SCUTUM
M11 OC 5.8 1852-0615 67
M26 OC 8.0 1846-0923 67
NGC6712 GC 8.2 1854-0841 67
SERPENS CAPUT
M5 GC 5.8 1519+0203 55
deltaSer DS 4.2 1535+1032 55
SERPENS CAUDA
M16 CN 6.0 1819-1347 67
IC4756 OC 4.6 1839+0527 65
thetaSer DS 4.5 1856+0412 65
SEXTANS
NGC3115 GX 9.2 1006-0745 37
TAURUS
M1 SN 8.4 0535+2201 14
M45 OC 1.2 0047+2407 15
NGC1514 PN 10.0 0410+3048 15
NGC1647 OC 6.4 OC 0446+1905 15
NGC1746 OC 6.0 0504+2350 14
NGC1807 OC 7.0 0511+1633 14
NGC1817 OC 7.7 0513+1643 14
Mel25 OC 1.0 0427+1600 15
chiTau DS 5.5 0423+2538 15
118 Tau DS 5.8 0529+2509 14
TRIANGULUM
M33 GX 5.7 0134+3041 02
iotaTri DS 5.3 0212+3018 02
URSA MAJOR
M40 DS 9.0 1222+5805 32
M81 GX 6.9 0956+6902 31
M82 GX 8.4 0956+6939 31
M97 PN 11.2 1115+548 32
M101 GX 7.7 1403+5419 42
M108 GX 10.1 1112+5537 32
M109 GX 9.8 1158+5320 32
NGC2841 GX 9.3 0923+5056 33
NGC3079 GX 10.6 1003+5539 33
NGC3184 GX 9.8 1019+4123 33
NGC3877 GX 12.0 1147+4727 32
NGC3941 GX 11.0 1153+3656 32
NGC4026 GX 12.0 1200+5055 32
NGC4088 GX 10.5 1206+5030 32
NGC4157 GX 12.0 1212+5026 32
NGC4605 GX 11.0 1240+6134 32
zetaUMa DS 2.3 1324+5456 32
URSA MINOR
alphaUMi DS 2.0 0232+8916 01
VIRGO
M49 GX 8.4 1230+0757 C
M58 GX 9.8 1238+1146 C
M59 GX 9.8 1242+1136 C
M60 GX 8.8 1244+1130 C
M61 GX 9.7 1222+0425 45
M84 GX 9.3 1226+1250 C
M86 GX 9.2 1227+1254 C
M87 GX 8.6 1231+1221 C
M89 GX 9.8 1236+1230 C
M90 GX 9.5 1237+1307 C
M104 GX 8.3 1240-1140 47
NGC4216 GX 10.0 1216+1306 C
NGC4388 GX 11.1 1226+1237 C
NGC4438 GX 10.1 1228+1258 C
NGC4517 GX 10.5 1233+0004 45
NGC4526 GX 9.6 1234+0739 C
NGC4535 GX 9.8 1235+0809 C
NGC4567/8 GX 11.3 1237+1112 C
NGC4697 GX 9.3 1249-0551 47
NGC4699 GX 9.6 1249-0843 47
NGC4762 GX 10.2 1253+1111 C
NGC5746 GX 10.6 1445+0155 44
gammaVir DS 3.5 1242-0127 45
VULPECULA
M27 PN 8.1 2000+2244 64
NGC6802 OC 8.8 1931+2017 64
NGC6823 CN 7.1 1943+2319 64
NGC6882/5 OC 6.0 2012+2630 64
NGC6940 OC 6.3 2035+2820 64
Cr 399 OC 3.6 1925+2011 64
*****
Ready to tackle the Herschel 400?
Veteran starhopper and Astronomical League Master Observer Stephen Saber offers tips and stress-free instructions for hunting these enticing but sometimes elusive celestial treasures.
This guide also contains search sequences, starcharts, object types, magnitudes, coordinates, and equatorial directions from selected guide stars for all 400 astronomical targets.
Log entries and observation notes can also be recorded, and are indexed for quick reference.
Great for individual or club projects.
220 pages, spiral bound.
$25.00 includes shipping.
(Discounts for orders of 10 or more.)
Orders and Inquiries:
saberscorpx@qconline.com
*****
Review by Ed Flaspoehler, American Association of Amateur Astronomers www.astromax.org
I just received in the mail a copy of Stephen Saber's manual, the Starhoppers Guide to the Herschel 400. Since I am currently working on the Herschel project myself, I was very interested to see how it could help in my search.
First, let's make it clear that this book is not just a replacement for the AL's Observe: The Herschel Objects. In that book, there are descriptions of the 400 objects in order by NGC number, which are divided into four groups for each season of the year. But that is all. Unlike even the AL's Messier manual, there are just a few pages of generic forms in the back, and not even enough to complete the project. I had to photocopy forms as needed.
Saber's book, however, is both a guide and an observing log. Here, the list is sequenced within each constellation. Then, for each object, there is the NGC number, object type and magnitude, coordinates, page number in both Uranometria and Sky Atlas 2000, and a place to make observing notes.
Saber has also added an additional feature. There is a brief and specific notation on how to starhop to the object you are looking for. Each page of the Guide is face-to-face with a map of the constellation in which you are working. On the maps are designated start-off points from which to star hop, and instructions on which direction and how far to go to find your object. Since this is how I usually go about finding an object I am sure it will work. It should be noted that the NGC objects themselves are not notated on the maps. For that information you may wish to refer to your own chart, such as Sky Atlas 2000, Uranometria, etc.
I currently have numerous loose-leaf pages of observing logs. The only way I can keep track of how many and which objects I have observed is to make a check mark in the AL's Herschel book. I also have another list in constellation order, so I end up making multiple notations for each object. A real chore.
Saber's book will make this job alot easier. And if it makes your time in the field better spent, then it is surely worth the price.
*****
I really like how the Starhoppers Guide to the Herschel 400 is laid out- in a great linear order, no nonsense, and the star charts are perfect. Simple enough to not seem cluttered, and I still have room for some pencil marks here and there. It is really quite easy to use.
Saber's Guide helps teach what the Herschel Program is supposed to instill, starhopping to find challenge objects, and has even helped me refine my skills. I have a feeling that I am going to give this book a lot of use and recommend it to those who are starting or working on the Herschel 400.
-Brian Carter (Atlanta Astronomy Club)
*****
Saber guides us through the Herschel 400 objects with ease and precision. Uncluttered charts and flowing starhops will certainly save any observer alot of time and frustration at the scope. In addition, the indexed target and log entries will always serve as a quick reference to the Herschels and my observations. Highly recommended.
-Bob Bryant (MAL/Astronomical League)
*****
'Observatory Dedicated to Boy Scouts of America'
(June 1998)
For the past three years, amateur astronomers Stephen Saber and Gene Evans have been showing the wonders of the night sky to visitors at the Loud Thunder Illowa Scout Camp and Forest Preserve in Illinois City, IL.
June and July alone see more than 2,000 Scouts from across the nation (and overseas) pass through the camp, and each are given the opportunity to view the Moon, planets, and distant galaxies through telescopes and binoculars.
The response was so well received that the HON corporation in Muscatine, Iowa funded the construction of a permanent astronomical observatory at the camp, the first specifically dedicated for use by the Boy Scouts of America.
In keeping with the forest preserve's Native American roots, the observatory was named Akotah Kanikamocik Acahkosak (The Place of Singing Stars).
Operated and maintained by Saber and Evans, the 18-foot automated dome houses a 14-inch Schmitt-Cassegrain telescope, and is available for all visiting Scout troops and their families.
[Despite my efforts and research to poetically name the observatory, it wasn't too suprising that the visiting Scouts almost immediately dubbed it the 'Thunderdome' (and I, accordingly, became 'Mad Max'). -Saber]
*****
Starparties are more than just our chance to combine forces collecting photons, converse with friends, and show-off our new astro toys. Veterans also have the chance to flex their expertise as celestial tour guides for the visiting public.
And after offering thousands of visitors their first up-close glimpses of the heavens, I'd like to share some of my personal favorite laymans' reactions at the eyepiece.
HELIOPHOBIA: It was a beautiful day for Solar observing among the Red Rocks of Arizona. I had a long line forming behind my mounted and filtered 80mm giant binos. But a middle-aged woman 'on deck' was becoming increasingly reluctant despite the safety reassurances from me and those of her family that had already taken a peek. Without warning, her panic attack erupted with accompanying hysterical ranting about a possible intimate view of our star 'invading her spirit' and 'stealing her soul'. She ran from the line and spent the next 10 minutes waiting for the rest of her family crouched in fear and peering from behind a nearby building.
HAVE YOU HUGGED AN ASTROLOGER TODAY?: Mighty Jove never fails to make an impression with newbies. After taking a long look with praise and awe at Jupiter, an excited woman began gushing me with thanks and multiple bearhugs. Turns out she was an avid astrologer who had never had the chance to see her favorite planet 'live' among her birthsign's stars. She was so appreciative that I didn't have the heart to explain that Jupiter was nowhere near the constellation she had hoped.
LUNAR VERTIGO: A young lady in line for her first telescopic view of our moon got a bit more than she expected. That night, for kicks, I was employing the porthole effects of a 16mm Nagler. After about ten mesmerized seconds she managed a quiet and appreciative "Whoa". At almost the same time her knees slowly buckled. She fell onto my accessories table while still clutching the now teetering scope's diagonal. Fortunately my reflexes and moral priorities were on keel that night as I grabbed both the woman's arm and my tripod almost simultaneously, narrowly avoiding certain disaster. (Those Naglers should really come with a physiological warning!)
A SATURNIAN COMA: Saturn looked great that night. I was even envious that this massive group of Cub Scouts was going to enjoy such an incredibly crisp view of our ringed planet at only their first opportunity. In fact, an eager Scout about fifth in line was so literally floored by his view that he fell backwards into the grass and laid quietly mumbling "Oh God, Oh God, Oh God..." while blankly staring at the heavens for at least the next ten minutes. Not only was it amusing, but he made a great shill for those now anxiously waiting in my line.
IT TAKES A STEADY HAND: Back in the day, I used to whip out my red laser pointer at Outreach events to secretly coincide with Mir passes and Iridium flares.
Inevitably, one of the first questions asked was how far the beam would reach, to which I'd respond, "Pretty far. In fact, there are plenty of satellites above us in orbit (casually scanning the skies with the pointer), and sometimes you can catch them (aiming more intently now) at just the right angle and..."
(-7 mag Iridium flare erupts amidst gasps and cheers of amazement).
[Note: Due to recent public GLP misuse and to promote responsible laser use, I no longer perform this 'magic' light show.
But it was quite a crowd pleaser!]
GEE! NO, G.E.!: I overheard the story of
a Boy Scout camp offering the Astronomy merit badge to any hardy souls who could stay up late enough for the entire viewing session. The instructor had trained his scope on a bright planet (presumably Venus) just cresting the ridge across a valley. After the group had a look, he moved on to other objects for a few hours. Toward the end of the session, he returned to the planet they'd viewed earlier. Oddly enough, the luminous object appeared no higher in the sky than it had hours earlier. And on closer inspection, he noticed that it was in fact slightly below the ridge line on the far side of the valley. At that point the instructor realized he'd been training the scope on a street light.
At the end of that week of camp, the staff presented him with a plaque bearing a light bulb to commemorate the discovery of his new planet dubbed 'G.E.' (for General Electric).
WE DON'T NEED NO STEENKING EYEPIECES: Some folks just can't wait to get their first intimate views of the night sky. In a recent story of enthusiasm meeting confusion, I hadn't even mounted my giant binos before an excited elderly gentleman first in line eagerly attempted a peek at the Pleiades thru my tripod boom arm's stock.
He was so thoroughly chastized for this faux pas by his overbearing wife that I sympathetically passed on chiding him with "So, how was the view?"
MOON, SCHMOON: As part of a local elementary school's science fair, I was invited to bring my 8" SCT to share views of our moon and available planets.
Unfortunately, it decided to rain that evening.
Switching to Plan B, I set-up in the gymnasium and taped a blown-up 18" photo of our gibbous moon (laminated and cut round for just such an occasion) high above the bleachers at the opposite end of the gym.
Although the angle of my diagonal merely misled most folks as to location of the substitute-moon, one suspicious 3rd grader wasn't buying any part of this astronomical charade stating, "How can that be the Moon? I was just outside and couldn't see it at all through the clouds!"
He did not, however, seem to have a problem believing my scope was capable of first penetrating the building's ceiling.
FROM THE PUBLIC SOLAR COMPLAINTS DEPT.
"If it's so dangerous to look at the eclipse, then why are they having
one at all?"
"Why do we have Daylight Savings Time? That extra hour of sunlight is
killing my grass."
"Me and my class cannot make it to the Solar Eclipse on Wednesday.
Can you reschedule it?"
EYE OF THE BEHOLDER: A line of elementary school students, along with some of the faculty, were taking turns at my scope viewing the available sunspots. After taking a peek, one exceptional 2nd grader began calmly explaining this Solar phenomenon to his nearby classmates. He recited perfectly facts concerning umbras and penumbras, surface temperature differences, approximate sizes of sunspots, as well as Sol's diameter and rotational period.
This was in some contrast to the next sunspot observer, the school's principal, who excitedly spun toward me from the eyepiece and simply exclaimed, "Wow! They look like ants!"
VICTORY SPIKE FOR VENUS: I was asked to host a daytime observing session at a nearby youth summer camp. Luckily, conditions were wonderful and the cloudless sky was about as blue as it gets in the Midwest. Hundreds of people had the opportunity to view Sol and Luna.
After lunch, Venus had also climbed high enough in the sky to make it an unscheduled but viable target. Among the first batch of afternoon campers, it was this group's adult counselor that was most excited that another planet might actually be observable during daylight hours. Upon seeing the admittedly pretty but featureless crescent of our sister planet for the first time, she began a touchdown-worthy dance around my scope. The 90 lb. woman's tirade included ecstatic screams and culminated with her falling to her knees and repeatedly pounding tiny fists into the ground.
(And to think I was just gonna stick to sunspots and craters!)
Of course, extreme reactions from views of our celestial treasures are always entertaining. But vicariously seeing the wonders above through a first-timers eyes should also always remind us- lest we take them for granted- of how beautiful, intriguing, and awe-inspiring the Cosmos and its aesthetics truly are.
Stephen Saber has received the Master Observer's award from the Astronomical League and is author of the 'Starhoppers Guide to the Herschel 400'.
He curses the clouds from his home in Rock Island, Illinois.
*****
Did you know that depriving large-aperture scopes of their full
deepsky potential is the #2 cause of cloudy nights?
Probably not. I just made it up.
Anyway, this should help take most of the gruntwork out of
preparing for the Astronomical League's ultimate fuzzy hunt.
Your Lightbucket is still hungry.
Feed it Herschel IIs.
TARGET DISTRIBUTION AND MIDNIGHT CULMINATION
DATES FOR THE H II CONSTELLATIONS
CMA (4 targets) JAN 2
GEM (3) JAN 5
MON (13) JAN 5
PUP (5) JAN 8
LYN (4) JAN 19
SEX (1) FEB 22
LMI (4) FEB 23
LEO (20) MAR 1
UMA (39) MAR 11
CRT (9) MAR 12
HYA (13) MAR 15
CRV (2) MAR 28
COM (19) APR 2
CVN (16) APR 7
VIR (62) APR 11
BOO (12) MAY 2
LIB (9) MAY 9
DRA (11) MAY 24
SER (3) JUN 6
HER (7) JUN 13
SGR (4) JUL 7
AQL (3) JUL 16
VUL (2) JUL 25
CYG (11) JUL 30
CAP (1) AUG 8
AQR (6) AUG 25
LAC (1) AUG 28
PEG (13) SEP 1
SCL (2) SEP 26
PSC (15) SEP 27
CEP (7) SEP 29
AND (4) OCT 9
CAS (2) OCT 9
CET (15) OCT 15
TRI (5) OCT 23
ARI (3) OCT 30
PER (13) NOV 7
ERI (17) NOV 10
TAU (3) NOV 30
ORI (8) DEC 11
LEP (3) DEC 14
AUR (3) DEC 21
CAM (3) DEC 23
NGC SEARCH SEQUENCES BY CONSTELLATION
CANIS MAJOR
2283 2367 2359 2374
GEMINI
2274 2331 2339
MONOCEROS
2170 2182 2252 2236 2254 2261 2245 2259
2269 2302 2309 2316 2346
PUPPIS
2396 2414 2432 2467 2525
LYNX
2415 2493 2500 2541
SEXTANS
3156
LEO MINOR
3254 3430 3424 3158
LEO
3107 3177 3162 3301 3274 3338 3596 3605
3599 3507 3681 3659 3067 3646 3689 3524
3547 3666 3705 3611
URSA MAJOR
2639 2756 2880 2805 3065 3516 3073 3225
3359 3668 3622 3642 3669 3683 3756 3319
3583 4271 4290 4605 4096 4144 4047 4100
4157 4013 3652 4062 5447 5462 5485 5443
5585 5204 5308 5430 5481 5480 5448
CRATER
3513 3511 3693 3732 3672 3636 3637 3892
3887
HYDRA
2610 2781 2855 2889 2784 2765 2986 3078
3145 3585 4105 5061 5078
CORVUS
4024 4039
COMA BERENICES
4237 4152 4212 4189 4298 4302 4312 4379
4340 4336 4571 4185 4169 4136 4310 4359
5056 5012 5053
CANES VENATICI
4248 4220 4217 4369 4244 4138 4395 4914
4956 5023 5103 5440 5444 5445 5371 5383
VIRGO
4045 4073 4168 4267 4299 4294 4313 4124
4233 4224 4235 4241 4260 4264 4270 4339
4343 4608 4647 4639 4519 4612 4586 4880
5020 5129 4691 4904 4999 4487 4941 4915
4981 4928 4939 4742 5077 4984 4902 5044
5037 5018 5084 5068 5087 5134 5493 5426
5506 5507 5560 5638 5668 5750 5775 5806
5813 5831 5838 5850 5854 5864
BOOTES
5520 5660 5687 5582 5533 5529 5590 5899
5523 5548 5490 5600
LIBRA
5812 5861 5878 5756 5728 5791 5605 5595
5597
DRACO
3682 4133 4236 4250 4256 4291 4319 5879
5985 6015 6340
SERPENS
5970 6070 6604
HERCULES
6106 6181 6166 6058 6155 6239 6548
SAGITTARIUS
6507 6526 6596 6717
AQUILA
6814 6772 6804
VULPECULA
6793 6800
CYGNUS
6894 6857 6888 6960 6992 6824 6991 6997
7031 7067 7082
CAPRICORNUS
6907
AQUARIUS
7184 7218 7171 7377 7392 7600
LACERTA
7245
PEGASUS
7156 7042 7177 7465 7463 7332 7457 7619
7626 7623 7742 7814 23
SCULPTOR
7507 24
PISCES
7541 7562 7785 7832 125 198 315 410
499 514 660 665 706 741 718
CEPHEUS
7023 7129 7139 7354 7419 7762 1184
ANDROMEDA
7640 206 214 513
CASSIOPEIA
7635 896
CETUS
175 217 151 337 357 636 428 991 1045
1035 1032 1073 1087 1090 1070
TRIANGULUM
672 604 890 925 1060
ARIES
821 1156 1012
PERSEUS
1058 1003 1207 1175 1193 1161 1169 1348
1491 1579 1582 1605 1624
ERIDANIS
1187 1114 1172 1199 1209 1162 1325 1332
1353 1400 1421 1507 1600 1618 1637 1700
1779
TAURUS
1514 1750 1587
ORION
1762 1662 1663 1977 1990 2023 2071 2112
LEPUS
1832 2139 2196
AURIGA
1883 1778 2192
CAMELOPARDALIS
2253 2347 2366
*****
[muLupus courtesy of DSS]
No, it's not an Astronomical League Observe Program. But the southern sky certainly has its share of beautiful and interesting doubles, and I wanted to be ready for them on my next trip below the equator.
Here's a list of 110 gems for residents and northern visitors, including the SkyAtlas2000 charts where each can be found.
Special thanks to the folks at IIS for their valuable contributions.
beta1Tuc SA 24
00 32 -62 57 mag 4.5, 5.0 @ 27.1"
COO3 SA 24
00 45 -62 30 mag 6.5, 8.5 @ 2.4"
lambdaTuc SA 24
00 52 -69 30 mag 6.6, 8.0 @ 21.0"
betaPhe SA 18
01 06 -46 42 mag 4.0, 4.0 @ 1.4"
zetaPhe SA 24
01 08 -55 15 mag 4.0, 7.0, 8.0 @
0.8", 6.4"
kappaTuc SA 24
01 16 -68 52 mag 5.1, 7.3 @ 5.2"
DUN5 SA 24
01 40 -56 11 mag 5,8, 5.9 @ 10.5"
epsilonScl SA 18
01 46 -25 02 mag 5.5, 8.3 @ 4.7"
HJ3497 SA 24
02 20 -55 56 mag 5.5, 9.5 @ 34.2"
omegaFor SA 18
02 34 -28 13 mag 5.0, 7.7 @ 10.9"
DUN7 SA 24
02 40 -59 33 mag 7.0, 7.0 @ 36.7"
thetaEri SA 18
02 58 -40 18 mag 3.4, 4.5 @ 8.3"
HJ3568 SA 24
03 07 -78 59 mag 5.5, 8.0 @ 15.4"
alphaFor SA 18
03 12 -29 00 mag 4.0, 7.0 @ 1.9"
zetaRet SA 24
03 18 -62 30 mag 5.2, 5.5 @ 130"
DUN16 SA 18
03 49 -37 37 mag 4.9, 5.4 @ 8.0"
thetaRet SA 24
04 18 -63 15 mag 6.2, 8.2 @ 4.0"
RMK4 SA 24
04 24 -57 04 mag 7.1, 7.5 @ 5.7"
iotaPic SA 24
04 51 -53 27 mag 5.6, 6.4 @ 12.5"
gammaCae SA 19
05 04 -35 28 mag 4.5, 8.0 @ 2.9"
thetaPic SA 24
05 25 -52 19 mag 7.0, 7.0 @ 38.0"
betaLep SA 19
05 28 -20 45 mag 3.0, 7.5 @ 2.3"
DUN26 SA 24
06 12 -65 31 mag 7.0, 8.5 @ 20.9"
HJ3869 SA 19
06 33 -32 01 mag 5.7, 7.7 @ 24.9"
HJ3891 SA 19
06 46 -30 57 mag 6.1, 8.4 @ 4.9"
epsilonCMa SA 19
06 59 -28 58 mag 1.5, 8.0 @ 7.5"
gammaVol SA 25
07 09 -70 29 mag 3.9, 5.8 @ 13.6"
HJ3945 SA 19
07 17 -23 18 mag 4.8, 6.8 @ 26.8"
sigmaPup SA 19
07 29 -43 18 mag 3.3, 9.4 @ 22.3"
HJ3997 SA 24
07 35 -74 16 mag 7.0, 7.0 @ 2.0"
zetaVol SA 25
07 42 -72 36 mag 3.9, 9.7 @ 16.7"
epsilonVol SA 25
08 08 -68 36 mag 4.5, 8.0 @ 6.1"
gammaVel SA 20
08 09 -47 20 mag 2.3, 4.4, 8.5, 9.4
@ 41.2", 62.3", 94.0"
RMK8 SA 25
08 15 -62 54 mag 5.3, 7.6 @ 3.6"
DUN70 SA 20
08 30 -44 43 mag 5.0, 6.5 @ 5.0"
deltaVel SA 25
08 45 -54 41 mag 2.1, 5.1, 10.5 @
2.6", 69.5"
DUN74 SA 25
08 57 -59 13 mag 4.9, 6.6 @ 40"
kappaPyx SA 20
09 08 -25 52 mag 4.6, 10.0 @ 2.1"
zetaAnt SA 20
09 31 -31 53 mag 6.3, 7.2 @ 8.0"
DUN82 SA 25
09 33 -86 00 mag 7.4, 8.0 @ 15.6"
upsilonCar SA 25
09 47 -65 03 mag 3.1, 6.1 @ 5.0"
DUN81 SA 20
09 54 -45 17 mag 5.7, 7.9 @ 5.4"
deltaAnt SA 20
10 30 -30 36 mag 5.7, 9.5 @ 11.0"
DUN95 SA 25
10 39 -55 36 mag 4.5, 6.5 @ 51.8"
HR4179 SA 25
10 39 -58 49 mag 6.2, 8.0 @ 26.3"
DUN94 SA 25
10 39 -59 11 mag 4.8, 8.2 @ 14.5"
muVel SA 20
10 47 -49 25 mag 2.9, 6.6 @ 2.6"
HJ4383 SA 25
10 54 -70 42 mag 6.5, 7.0 @ 1.5"
HJ4432 SA 25
11 23 -64 27 mag 5.5, 7.5 @ 2.5"
BSO6 SA 20
11 29 -42 40 mag 5.1, 7.4 @ 13.1"
HJ4455 SA 20
11 37 -33 34 mag 6.0, 8.1 @ 3.3"
DUN114 SA 20
11 40 -38 06 mag 6.5, 8.0 @ 17.0"
HR4628 SA 21
12 10 -34 42 mag 6.3, 8.3 @ 3.2"
DCen SA 21
12 14 -45 43 mag 5.5, 6.6 @ 2.9"
alphaCru SA 25
12 27 -63 05 mag 1.5, 1.8, 4.8 @
4.4", 90.0"
gammaCru SA 25
12 32 -57 06 mag 1.8, 6.5 @ 125"
betaMus SA 25
12 46 -68 06 mag 3.7, 4.0 @ 1.4"
betaCru SA 25
12 48 -59 43 mag 1.3, 7.2 @ 373"
muCru SA 25
12 55 -57 11 mag 3.9, 5.0 @ 34.8"
xiCen SA 21
13 07 -49 54 mag 4.4, 9.5 @ 25.1"
thetaMus SA 25
13 08 -65 18 mag 5.5, 8.0 @ 5.3"
JCen Sa 25
13 23 -60 59 mag 4.5, 6.2 @ 61.7"
OCen SA 25
13 42 -54 53 mag 5.5, 7.0 @ 5.3"
3Cen SA 21
13 52 -32 59 mag 4.5, 6.0 @ 7.9"
NCen SA 25
13 52 -52 48 mag 5.5, 7.5 @ 18.0"
4Cen SA 21
13 53 -31 55 mag 4.8, 8.5 @ 14.8"
COO167 SA 25
14 15 -61 42 mag 6.5, 8.5 @ 2.8"
alphaCen SA 25
14 40 -60 50 mag 0.0, 1.5 @ 8.3"
alphaCir SA 25
14 43 -64 57 mag 3.4, 8.8 @ 15.7"
HR5520 SA 25
14 53 -73 11 mag 5.9, 7.6 @ 2.2"
piLup SA 21
15 05 -47 03 mag 4.6, 4.7 @ 1.7"
kappaLup SA 21
15 12 -48 44 mag 4.1, 6.0 @ 26.1"
muLup SA 25
15 19 -47 52 mag 5.0, 5.5, 7.0 @
1.0", 22.7"
gammaCir SA 25
15 23 -59 19 mag 5.0, 5.0 @ 0.9"
zetaCrB SA 21
15 39 -36 38 mag 5.1, 6.0 @ 6.3"
RMK20 SA 25
15 48 -65 26 mag 6.5, 6.5 @ 1.9"
2Sco SA 21
15 54 -25 19 mag 4.7, 7.4 @ 2.3"
xiLup SA 21
15 57 -33 57 mag 5.5, 5.5 @ 10.4"
etaLup SA 22
16 00 -38 24 mag 3.5, 7.5 @ 15.2"
deltaAps SA 26
16 20 -78 41 mag 5.0, 5.0 @ 103"
sigmaSco SA 22
16 21 -25 35 mag 2.9, 8.7 @ 20.0"
epsilonNor SA 22
16 27 -47 33 mag 4.5, 7.5 @ 22.0"
alphaSco SA 22
16 29 -26 26 mag 1.0, 5.4 @ 2.9"
RAra SA 26
16 40 -56 59 mag 6.0, 8.5 @ 3.6"
36Oph SA 22
17 15 -26 33 mag 5.5, 5.5 @ 4.4"
44Ara SA 22
17 19 -46 39 mag 5.5, 8.5 @ 9.2"
gammaAra SA 26
17 25 -56 22 mag 3.5, 10.5 @ 17.9"
HJ4978 SA 26
17 50 -53 37 mag 6.0, 9.0 @ 12.3"
HJ5014 SA 22
18 07 -43 25 mag 5.7, 5.7 @ 0.9"
etaSgr SA 22
18 18 -36 44 mag 3.2, 7.8 @ 3.6"
xiPav SA 26
18 23 -61 29 mag 4.3, 8.6 @ 3.3"
kappaCrA SA 22
18 33 -38 43 mag 6.0, 6.5 @ 21.4"
gammaCrA SA 22
19 06 -37 04 mag 4.8, 5.1 @ 1.3"
betaSgr SA 22
19 23 -44 27 mag 4.3, 7.4 @ 28.3"
52Sgr SA 22
19 37 -24 52 mag 4.7, 9.2 @ 2.6"
DUN227 SA 26
19 53 -54 58 mag 6.0, 6.5 @ 22.9"
kappaSgr SA 23
20 24 -42 25 mag 6.0, 6.9 @ 0.8"
muOct SA 26
20 42 -75 21 mag 7.1, 7.6 @ 17.4"
alphaMic SA 23
20 50 -33 46 mag 5.0, 10.0 @ 20.5"
RMK26 SA 26
20 52 -62 25 mag 6.6, 6.6 @ 2.5"
thetaInd SA 26
21 20 -53 26 mag 4.7, 7.2 @ 6.3"
HR8202 SA 23
21 27 -42 33 mag 5.6, 8.2 @ 2.9"
lambdaOct SA 26
21 51 -82 43 mag 5.5, 7.8 @ 2.8"
etaPsA SA 23
22 01 -28 27 mag 5.5, 6.5 @ 1.6"
deltaTuc SA 26
22 27 -64 58 mag 4.8, 9.3 @ 6.9"
betaPsA SA 23
22 32 -32 21 mag 4.5, 7.5 @ 30.4"
gammaPsA SA 23
22 53 -32 52 mag 4.6, 8.1 @ 4.2"
deltaPsA SA 23
22 56 -32 32 mag 4.3, 9.3 @ 4.9"
DUN246 SA 26
23 07 -50 41 mag 6.1, 6.8 @ 8.7"
thetaPhe SA 23
23 40 -46 38 mag 6.6, 7.2 @ 3.9"
*****
Jack and Jill went up to our moon to fetch a pail of water.
(After breaking his crown and her tumbling after they both got really weird.)
Jill set off to search the far side, while Jack was to take the pail and scout the near side.
Quite suddenly, Jack ran into Luna's only other inhabitant, the Mutant Beaver.
Formerly representing the constellation Beavius (now occupied by the Pleiades), the Mutant Beaver had been forever banished to our moon by Cepheus for gnawing on Perseus' ankle during his fight with Cetus to save the lovely Andromeda.
Finally having someone to talk to, the Mutant Beaver refuses to let Jack pass until he's heard every silly astronomy joke he's been making up during his exile.
Jack, to this day, endures the Mutant Beaver's ramblings.
Jill was last reported near the crater H.G. Wells.
Stephen Saber is an Astronomical League Master Observer and author of the 'Starhoppers Guide to the Herschel 400'.
He curses the clouds from his home in Rock Island, Illinois.
Watch for the children's book Saber's Fractured Astro Mythology coming soon.
*****
How many are already cringing at the mere mention of the word astrologer?
It's almost a gag reflex for some of us. But then, amateur astronomers are practically bred to criticize all things astrologic, and to discourage others from following that blasphemous starpath.
I've certainly done more than my fair share of astrology-bashing (Saber's Fractured Horoscopes is probably still floating around the internet somewhere).
So while it is certainly not my intention to leave readers with a grudging admiration of astrology and its practitioners, I would like to share some accumulated- albeit hard to swallow- perspectives regarding them.
Astrologers used to have one of the best gigs in town. Before telescopes came along, they were considered experts in philosophy, theology, and psychology, as well as masters of the stars. But the problem with being held in such high regard was that they eventually became the scapegoats for the kings' and emperors' bad decisions. This usually meant death or exile, causing many to shy away from professional astrology as a career goal. Still, there seemed to be marked personality characteristics common to different individuals whether it had to do with the stars or not. People continued to explore this, although they would never again bet their lives on it.
Meanwhile, in attempts to explain or disprove the correlation between heavenly bodies and Earthly existence, critical stargazers were noticing discrepancies in the movement of Sol and Luna among the other points of light in the sky. Made aware of these compounding eccentricities, even kings realized that the sky's motion was no longer a viable way to plan their day- much less start a war or run an empire.
Galileo may have turned the world on its ear with his Jovian observations, but he also made it chic to discover new facts about the stars and their motions. And although astrologers had already named most of the constellations and bright stars, the newly motivated astronomers continued using the already familiar terms. Ironically, this shared terminology is pretty much the reason many grit their teeth at astrology. And except for the shared terminology modern astrology and astronomy are totally different animals. They just happened to have been born in the same celestial jungle.
Astrology's relation to the physical universe is purely symbolic. Horoscopes and starsigns, for example, don't allow for precession. I used to joke that the Head Astrologers were simply lazy, and content to wait 13,000 years for the silly ecliptic to realign itself. In actuality, they simply don't care. It's not even fundamental to their pursuit. Horoscopes themselves, like fortune cookies, almost always give vague but sensible, positive advice. Accuracy is only rated by how well it helps one get through their life.
Also, there is no bad publicity. Without astrology and daily horoscopes in thousands of newspapers, how much media attention would the constellations and star-stuff get? Not much except for the occasional Pluto Status Update and some new planet pics every couple of years. Maybe we should instead be thanking astrologers for their misguided but prolific advertising.
While I admire the passionate and thorough spanking Phil Platt (of Bad Astronomy) gives astrology, I've nevertheless conceded two practical- if peripheral- benefits of horoscopes; It's often a daily reminder of- and many people's first exposure to- astronomical terms. And the 12 classic zodiac constellations are usually at least listed in proper order. Good reinforcement for learning ones way around the ecliptic.
Realizing or wanting to realize these astronomy-based benefits is another matter.
As a veteran starparty host, I've also found that astrology fans are some of the most appreciative guests at ones scope, assuming they're not scoffed at once they reveal their own stellar connection.
Lastly, any animosity toward astrology, or anything so harmless in life, only takes up that many more brain cells that could be used to enjoy ones own pursuits and passions. Especially the stars.
And if I've offended anyone over the course of this article I apologize. Unfortunately it's in my nature. I am, after all, a Scorpio.
Stephen Saber does not practice astrology, but defends its existence.
He curses the clouds from his home in Rock Island, Illinois.
*****
This beautiful parade of 7th and 8th magnitude stars wind south and east from etaTau in the Pleiades.
I imagine this stellar chain as the flowing locks of Lady Alcyone.
Best enjoyed thru binoculars and widefield scopes, the asterism is centered at RA 03 47.5 DEC 23 45.
[image courtesy of DSS]
*****
For some reason I can visualize a 45 light-minute trip to Jupiter better than the equivalent 5.4 Astronomical Units (810,000,000 km/502,200,000 miles) involved.
It's also an interesting temporal perspective to pass along to the public. When asked "How far is it to Saturn?" at Outreach events, the segue "It's about an hour and a half away" always piques more than sufficient curiosity.
Following are some of the lightspeed distances from Earth to our neighbors during 2008. (Pluto started the year some 10 light-minutes farther than Neptune and put another 1.4 minutes between them by December.)
*****
*****
Stargazing can be enjoyed using any binocular.
It can be enjoyed even more with binoculars when fully dark-adapted and viewing from a moonless site far from any city lights.
The following is a collection of my thoughts on choosing and using binoculars for stargazing, some reviews, and 200 doublestars to enjoy.
First, an important warning:
DO NOT EVER LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN, EITHER WITH YOUR UNAIDED EYE OR THROUGH A TELESCOPE OR BINOCULARS, UNTIL YOU ARE THOROUGHLY FAMILIAR WITH THE SAFE METHODS OF OBSERVING THE SUN. DO NOT EVER LEAVE A TELESCOPE OR BINOCULAR UNATTENDED SO THAT A CHILD COULD POINT IT AT THE SUN. PERMANENT EYE DAMAGE OR BLINDNESS COULD RESULT.
*****
[note: this blog is under construction]
Among other factors, choosing binoculars is about trade offs between magnification, aperture, weight, field of view, eye relief, exit pupil, coatings, and price.
Personal preferences are as individual as our eyesight. Go with the binos that satisfy the most important of your own preferences in these areas.
Choosing a size is literally a matter of desired perspective. Various powers and fields shed new light and aesthetics to our celestial treasures. Different instruments for different moods.
Several years ago I had the opportunity to view the night sky thru 2.5x opera glasses. IIRC, the FOV was 20-25°. Felt more like bionic-vision than bino-vision. Quite an interesting experience.
10x50s are a recommended first binocular for stargazing. It is the highest magnification that most can hold relatively steady without a tripod while still providing a comfortably large field of view and exit pupil.
If buying for a child I would suggest a smaller, lighter 8x40 to get them started.
I've had a good track record and would recommend ordering from major online dealers such as Orion, Garrett, and Oberwerks, but buying locally or driving to avoid shipping mishaps is always preferable. Good communication and a solid return policy are marks of a reputable online dealer.
Outdoors and hunting supply stores have been known to carry a decent variety of quality instruments. As with scopes, starparties are also a great place to try out and ask about a variety of binoculars. The local astroclub may even have some renters to audition.
SPEAKING OF AUDITIONING BINOCULARS:
SHAKE IT
Make sure nothing is loose or bouncing around inside.
LOOK AT IT
Make sure there are no scratches or cracks on the glass or body.
At arm's length, look for round, unobstructed circles of light thru the barrels and eyepieces.
Quality BAK4 glass is recommended.
Is there a center-focus adjustment?
Are they tripod-adaptable?
MESS WITH IT
Make sure the caps are tight. Make sure the main hinge, focuser, and other adjustments all move smoothly, securely, and with no play.
NOW, LOOK THRU IT
If there's a right diopter dial, close your right eye. Use the center-focus dial for your left eye. Now close your left eye. Use the diopter to focus the right eye.
Can you move the hinge to create a nice, circular image?
Can you see in the entire field comfortably?
Does the image bulge-out or bend-in excessively at the edges? A flat, focused image across most of the field is best.
Is there excessive false color in the field of view.
For handheld use, will you be able to hold the image fairly steady for minutes at a time?
Are the barrels properly aligned? Slowly alternate closing and opening each eye. The image should merge smoothly.
ASK ABOUT IT
Make sure there is a satisfactory guarantee and return policy.
Any binocular that passes these tests to your approval should provide an enjoyable ride under the stars.
*****
CONGRATS ON THE NEW GLASS
Okay, Saber. I'm dark-adapted in the middle of a moonless cornfield away from city lights with my new 10x50. Now what?
Fortunately you read this ahead of time and brought a red flashlight, S&T's Pocket Sky Atlas or a planisphere, Harrington's Touring the Universe through Binoculars or printouts from the AL bino target lists linked above, a blanket or recliner, bug spray or extra clothes, and maybe a notepad and pen.
Or forget all that and just randomly cruise the night sky at your leisure.
There is no wrong way to enjoy the stars.
Note: It's always a good idea to bring something else along that's unique to stargazing.
I once had a lengthy encounter (more lengthy than usual anyway) with the Illinois State Police while getting 'back to basics' in the boonies armed with only an 8x40. On this occasion, without even a star atlas or red flashlight to lend credibility, they had a very hard time believing I was simply stargazing. That I look more like a convict than a cosmologist didn't help matters.
But they eventually decided there were no houses close enough for me to be planning any pillaging or plundering, and left me to my claimed business with the stars.
*****
BEFORE WE GO ON
Receiving any collimated, mechanically-sound binocular with sufficient eye relief/ipd/diopter adjustment while showing minimal false color and pinpoint stars across 75% of the field rates as a very good purchase.
There's no shame in returning an instrument that doesn't meet these basic requirements.
Even though some companies inspect and pack their products better than others, we always roll the dice when mail ordering precision optics.
Fortunately the odds are on our side. I would ballpark it at 2-5 returns per hundred orders.
I should also mention that the world of binoculars, in actual use, is far from an exact science (although some test and compare at great lengths as if it were). Specification and mechanical variances are common, even among the same models. Bino experiences and assessments also vary with the individual and visual acuity.
In short, try not to let the quest for a perfect binocular take precedence over your enjoyment of the night sky.
Keep this in mind as we dig a little deeper.
*****
MAGNIFICATION/SIZE/FIELD
With binoculars, magnification has a much higher performance emphasis than aperture. The preferred AVI (Adler Visibility Index: Mag X Sq. Root of Aperture) yields the following values:
7x35 40
8x40 50
7x50 50
10x50 70
10x70 85
12x50 85
15x70 125
15x80 135
20x70 165
20x80 180
25x80 225
25x100 250
30x80 270
30x100 300
From this basic list of sizes we see that while a darker sky can easily compensate for 10-20mm of aperture, it barely competes with an instrument offering a 5x larger image scale.
More magnification = More stars, less field, less steady for handheld use.
Less magnification = Fewer stars, more field, more steady for handheld use.
Darker sky = Many more stars. This is also important to remember as we cannot take advantage of any binocular's full aperture until our pupils dark adapt and open to at least match the bino's exit pupil.
*****
BANGIN' OFF A THE BRICKS
A brick wall can tell us alot about our binoculars.
Preferably mounted and from at least the minimum focus distance, a bino's magnification and degree of major aberrations can all be quickly field tested against this common building pattern.
Magnification
To determine an instrument's actual magnification, look through the left ocular with your right eye (or vice versa) while keeping both eyes open. The magnified view will be superimposed with the unaided view. Count the number of 1x bricks that traverse a single magnified brick. +/-0.5- 1.0x variances are not uncommon.
Aberrations
Softness over entire field. None of the image will not come to a crisp focus (Spherical).
Horizontal lines will appear in focus and vertical lines out of focus, or vice versa (Astigmatism).
Periphery of field will appear in focus and center of field out of focus, or vice versa (Curvature).
More noticable under the stars, the images show comet-like extensions increasing toward the periphery (Coma).
Straight lines bend in toward the center of the image (positive/pincushion) or away from the center of the image (negative/barrel).
Note: Minimal positive distortion at the edges is
a good thing, and usually intentionally introduced. It helps sharpen up the inner field.
Images are blurred with false color at the fringes. In general, the higher the magnification, the more noticable the chromatic aberration (Chromatic).
Any excessive daytime aberration will also take its toll on the even more stringent proving grounds of the night sky.
*****
Eye relief and comfort at the eyepieces have always been the first dealmaker/breaker considerations with all of my bino purchases.
I've auditioned several binos that, while wonderful in all other aspects, only offer an inaccessible 6-9mms of ER.
Extraneous eye relief, OTOH, is a comparatively much easier issue to deal with. While eye placement can be more critical, extending the eyeguards or cups is usually all that is required.
Most would agree that extra ER is preferable to
not having enough.
Without eyeglasses a minimum useable eye relief (ER minus lens recess) of 10mm is recommended.
Those who wear glasses often require at least 16-18mm to take in the entire field.
There are a few more caring dealers that go so
far as to relate the actual useable eye relief.
Otherwise, the following rules of thumb tend to apply;
No ER spec mentioned: Embarrassingly and/or painfully short.
ER mentioned: Subtract 2-6mm for recess.
'Long eye relief' mentioned but not qualified: Roll the dice.
*****
Few binoculars are completely unaffected by false color on Luna and the brighter celestial targets. Outside of using expensive apo glass, chromatic aberration in binoculars tends to come with the fast F/R territory. Increased magnification generally amplifies any apparent CA.
Full multi-coatings (FMC) decrease internal reflections and increase night sky contrast. IME, this contrast also increases CA on the bright stuff.
Standard fully-coated (FC) binos often show less false color at the expense of increased internal reflections.
As there are maybe a handful of celestial sources out of billions that might create offensive CA, most will opt for the reduced reflections and better contrast provided with FMC or MC (multi-coated) models.
*****
While a binocular's exit pupil is not unimportant, it is often overrated. Darker skies, higher magnification, and superior AR coatings can all more than compensate for any loss of image brightness due to a smaller exit pupil.
Larger exit pupils often have the advantage of more forgiving eye placement, but sufficient eye relief again plays an important role in the amount of vignette and attaining optimal eye position.
Smaller ExPs also stop down eye pupil aberrations which commonly increase toward the periphery.
City vs Rural
Binos gulp in lots of skyglow along with the stars from the city which wreaks havoc on our pupils' dilation and dark adaptation. Smaller exit pupils will stop down the magnified peripheral skyglow which at least gives our cones a better signal to noise ratio for detecting detail, but any build up of rhodopsin is still largely prohibited. After scanning the bright city skies most have lowered their binocular to find a naked eye circular field of bleached rhodopsin waiting for them (or in one eye after viewing at the scope). Closing our eyes to get a semblance of decent DA back is futile as any rhodopsin build up will scatter soon after we raise the bino to start another round. That we're not also fighting our own physiology is why dark skies provide us with a dramatic increase in detection above what might be academically expected.
3-5mm exit pupils are fine from any LVM. Try 5mms and up from very dark sites for better performance. Even if the nok's ExP exceeds our own under rural skies, the unused incoming 'good' light is at least not detrimental- and even allows more room to maneuver behind the eyepieces.
*****
One should expect a mechanically sound and collimated mail order binocular whether they've paid 500 dollars or 50 dollars.
Unless you're an accomplished tinkerer, attempting a DIY prism alignment via the tiny adjustment screws also runs the risk of voiding any warranty by accidentally scratching or otherwise damaging the instrument. There's also the possibility that the prisms are fine, but the barrels are poorly aligned.
Mail order and precision optics will never mix, but my advice is to return the binocular when possible and ask for overnight shipping on a properly inspected model.
*****
I'm not a big tripod fan, but it is a neccessary evil for getting the steadiest views and detail from any binocular. Mounted binos also allow increased resolution and detection of targets as much as 2 magnitudes fainter than those seen in freehand views.
For handhand use one can create a human tripod by resting both elbows on a support (car, railing, etc.). Some find more braced stability when using heavier instruments. Observing prone or in a recliner is often recommended. Holding big binos closer to the objectives can also provide more comfortable ergonomics.
*****
why binoculars...
It's the grab n' go freedom and wide fields.
It's the increase in depth perception and signal strength (on-axis and peripheral).
It's the effortless navigation, straight thru viewing, and more natural extension of our own eyes.
My first serious glass was a giant binocular.
One would still be hard pressed to find me basking under the stars without 80mm guns at my side.
dealing with dew...
Storing binoculars in a secure garage or vehicle has been my best dew prevention. The less change in temperature they have to endure, the better.
Or simply buy more binos.
Maybe tool around with a different power/fov while the other bino defrosts.
saturn thru binos...
I've seen the ring gaps thru 11s and 15s at favorable inclinations. Not what I'd call a crisp image, though. At 25x I start looking (in vain) for Cassini's. Oohs and ahhs from the public thru 30s, plus Saturn's four brightest moons on a good night.
'ruby' coatings...
Not recommended under the stars and not to be confused with anti-reflective (AR) coatings. This gimmick reduces daytime glare by filtering the red spectrum- which only provides darker, dull images at night.
why dangle...
WA (wide angle) models are always desirable, provided the extra field is free from excessive aberration.
on zoom binos...
Not recommended for those primarily interested viewing the night sky.
Fixed-power binoculars (up to ~20x) offer up to a 50% wider view than zoom binoculars set to the same magnification.
Decreased optical precision due to the difficulty of keeping the zoom elements of each eyepiece in perfect syncronization, and difficulty to handhold at higher magnification are other disadvantages.
jove thru binos...
I've detected the two main bands at 15x.
Much more obvious at 20x.
At 25x, color and band asymmetries are often detected.
At 30x I have detected the SEB break occupied by the GRS (no detail).
if vs cf...
Individual focus designs do not use a focuser bridge and are ideally less prone to defocus when we press against them. IFs also provide better waterproofing. A personal preference to stargazers aimed at infinity, but not a popular choice for various and repetitive distance refocusing during daytime use. A majority find center focus/diopter
focusing to be adequate and most convenient.
hi-mags for steadier views...
Freehanding the stars with 20x (or higher) binoculars takes practice and patience to keep the views even marginally worthwhile. In the end, alot depends on how much stability we're willing to sacrifice.
The point is that we can and do get better at it as the thousands of coordinating neurons and fast twitch muscles involved adapt.
In addition, the more intense eye/brain/reflex 'training' at higher magnifications can also pay off when gearing down to freehand views at lower power (IS binos excluded).
One of many reinforcing experiences with this happened just a few nights ago. After about an hour of casually picking off Messiers with a 20x80 I went back to my vehicle to warm up and wait for the sky to turn. A Marathon-virgin 11x56 was in arm's reach and I decided to revisit my accumulated treasures with the more modest but eager glass.
Excellent wider field views aside, the relative image steadiness now rated just this side of mounted (caffeine and below zero wind chill notwithstanding). The increased handheld stability was notably more than just that which would be academically expected. Whether this effect is initially only perceived or enhanced by experience and adapted skill, it seems IME an exercise worthy of merit for increasing stability with more commonly handheld magnifications. (Even 15x views become easier to steady after roadtripping with 25-30x noks for awhile.)
A loose analogy to this hi-mag training might be taking practice swings on deck with a ring-weighted baseball bat.
Spend 20 minutes or so with a hi-mag nok in a/your favored braced position on a big, busy target (Luna and Pleiades work well) before dropping down in power. The actual physical/coordinative gains are cumulative, but even the expected stability difference can be
enhanced out of the gate.
Another good reason to buy that first giant binocular as well.
*as always ymmv*
for those unaware...
There's more to binocular alignment than prism
screws. The machining and matching grooves of the barrels must also be precise (and the objective itself for that matter). The angle tolerance of the barrels can be even more strict than those of the
prisms.
I cite a recent example of a friend, fed up from tinkering with his bino's prism screws, who gave me his non-refundable 20x80 stating, ''If you can fix em, you can have em".
The dizzying view was indeed so far out of alignment that it soon proved to be beyond the screws' adjustment capabilities.
I had another of my 80mm noks nearby and swapped barrels with the troublemaker. The image merged perfectly.
Only one of the barrels was bad. The donor 80mm, however, was throwing a fit over its painful, unexpected handicap.
My solution?
Spinning both 70mm barrels from one of my more expendable 15x instruments onto the former 20x troublemaker. Again, the image merged perfectly, and I have a light-weight hybrid 20x70 for my
efforts.
Of note, the three binos mentioned are all different brands yet compatible at the hip. Also, there are limits to barrel-swapping on a number of fronts
(which I plan on exploring) that in this case were not exceeded.
The moral of the story is simply that binocular misalignment is not *always* in the prisms.
Another good justification for keeping a well-stocked arsenal of binoculars, too.
the c word revisited...
If cranking the prism screws more than half a rotation either way doesn't solve an alignment problem, I'd start looking somewhere else.
I've mentioned that miscollimation wasn't always
in the prisms, but possibly due to misaligned barrels as well.
Recently I found another related potential culprit in the crossbracing assembly of applicable models (ironically the feature intended to reinforce proper collimation).
A simple thing really. It's the brace's bolt connecting the objectives. If it's loose or not tightened at the barrels' optimal distance the binocular loses collimation.
In my case it was a fairly easy fix.
When the bolt is loose/loosened it allows some play between the fat ends. Gently pushing them in or out while viewing will show whether the objectives (hopefully only laterally) need to be locked closer or farther apart. Note: check that the connector at
the bar's other end is also secure.
FWIW, this 80mm nok, purchased from one of the big 3 for $189, attained conditional alignment with the barrels locked 30mm apart. It's a good bet that the bargain priced counterparts are at least as susceptible.
I'm not advocating this repair approach.
In fact, I recommend sending such an instrument back and asking for a properly inspected model to be mailed asap with free overnight shipping.
But in this case it was a quick fix, the bino remains aligned, the song remains the same, and we have another fun insight into the wonderful world of miscollimation.
one person's miscollimation is another's elation...
I remember one starparty visitor who brought his own 7x50 binocular which he insisted was easily revealing the four separate main component stars of Orion's Trapezium (a feat requiring the visual acuity of the Bionic Woman).
A suspicion was confirmed as I looked through the horribly misaligned barrels. Everything had separate components.
The kaleidescopic view made me nauseous, but the excited man was perfectly content to continue with his 'bonus' abundance of stars.
quickie field conversions...
ft/1000yds:
example: 262 = 5.0° TFOV
(ft divided by 52.5)
m/1000m:
example: 88 = 5.0° TFOV
(m divided by 17.5)
*****
SELECTED BINOCULAR REVIEWS
Garrett Optical 20x80 UL
The Zach Attack 20x80 UL exudes both quality and elegance. One would also be hard pressed to find better packaging for their mail orders. High marks for smooth, secure mechanics and excellent field sharpness. Unbridled from its pedestal, these 80mm stallions also make for a sweet ride during casual freehand excursions.
[My fetish for freehanding big glass often gets the better of me. Mounting (or using image-stabilized) binoculars is always recommended for the steadiest image, especially at higher magnifications]
I did find two notable spec discrepancies that may or may not be specimen specific; The listed TFOV (3.2 deg) and ER (16mm) respectively measured closer to 3.0 deg and 14mm.
Neither variances were dealbreakers for me.
Fast shipping and GO's personal service accentuated this satisfying $179 transaction.
Oberwerk 20x80 Standard (vs GO 20x80UL)
Dead heat with the GO 20x80UL for performance, mechanics, FOV/ER (both still shy of spec), and
coatings. I found this interesting as the two *look* very different. At 15"/38cm, the Obie is some 3" longer with a leaner appearance. The increased length changes the ergonomics noticably but not detrimentally. After adjusting my hand placement along the barrels I find the two equally comfortable for handheld use.
Also despite the longer focal length, both binoculars show comparable field sharpness (85-90%) and daytime/lunar chromatic aberration (not fatal, but present).
Both models are highly recommended.
*****
Orion 30x80 MegaView
Out of the box, as expected, the 30s are physically very similar to Orion's 16x80 with a couple of exceptions. The slightly heavier weight (just under 6 lbs.) is a product of the center rod bracing the bino lengthwise, along with the adjustable captive weight-balancing pedestal that couples directly to a tripod. Another elegant and functional addition are the extendable thick rubber dewshields at the end of each barrel. Even when retracted they make for excellent bumpers to protect the objectives while bringing the total outside barrel diameters to 92mms. Deploying the dewshields also takes the full height of the formidable and solidly constructed instrument to 14 inches. The trademark leather-textured surface of the main body compliments an efficient and attractive all black design.
The supplied hard case is nice, but the MegaView and I would feel more secure with a thick, foam-lined aluminum case to protect its crucial collimation during transport.
While the snug fit of all four eyecaps was a plus, I wouldn't trust the suprisingly thin neckstrap provided with supporting the bino's substantial bulk. (These token neckstraps are thrown in for completeness' sake. Very few people would enjoy being repeatedly jabbed in the chest with that pedestal.)
The fully-multicoated instrument reflects deep blues and greens at the business ends and
yields the perfect circles of an unobstructed light path at the lenses. The hinge, center-focus, and diopter all adjusted smoothly, securely, and with no play. I've actually come to expect this from Orion. I now own four of their binos and, if not top-of-the-line optically, their consistant mechanical quality has been very commendable. The good-sized 20mm eyepiece lenses also sport 14mms of eye relief. This is close to ideal for me, although probably a bit short for eyeglass wearers to take in the entire field.
I'm a nitpicker for collimation, and 30x binos leave little room for error, especially after a
3-day FedEx journey. So I was immensely relieved to receive these MegaViews in fine alignment. Aberration tests did reveal slight but noticable pincushioning across an otherwise very sharp (to about 80%) field. There was an expected and substantial amount of false color on high-contrast daytime objects and our moon attributed to the high magnification (for 5 bills it'd be nice if they'd spring for some apo lenses), but it was no more offensive than the inherent chromatic aberration found in some comparably fast 80mm short-tube scopes at lower powers. And for me the CA took a backseat to the increased resolution, wealth of additional stars, and depth of detail seen on Luna under the night sky.
The 50% jump in magnification from 20 to 30x seems even more significant than that noticed between 10 and 15x power binoculars. Catching our moon at the right illumination, Clavius' arched quintet of inner craters are obvious and distinct. Orion's Trapezium splits cleanly and effortlessly into its 4 major components and, while Cassini's seems just out of reach, a well-resolved Saturn presents a crisp disc and ring system. Jupiter's main belts are prominent and on the verge of showing structure. Despite their relatively small 2.7mm exit pupil and Luna's gibbous interference, the MegaViews still gathered a respectable conglomeration of stars while previewing the Double Cluster, Pleiades, M46/47, the Auriga clusters, and M35. I eagerly anticipate watching them gobble up these treasures and more under a dark sky and plan on letting them run wild thru a moonless Messier Marathon this spring. Upon receiving their Solar filters, I'm also looking forward to my enhanced views of our sun's daily activity.
While the 30x80s are advertised as having a 2.3 degree field, I could almost- but not quite- squeeze Orion's belt stars within the fieldstop yielding a more accurate and happily accepted 2.5 degree field. This yields an AFOV of 75° and is indeed one of the widest views I've experienced. The porthole effect reminds me of Naglervision (albeit without the superior field edge sharpness).
A tripod is, of course, required for unwavering views with this instrument. Any generic but heavy-duty model should work fine. My ProMaster 6600 bought at a local camera store provides more than sufficient support.
First Impressions verdict: Four out of five stars. While pricey, they are only $20 more than the 15x80MVs, solidly built, mechanically excellent, and ready to mount without an adapter. The beneficial and protective extendable dewshields are a welcome feature. It loses points for heavy CA on Luna, Jupiter and the brightest stars. But aside from the lack of color correction on those targets, the 30x80 MegaViews give rewarding and impressive binocular views of our moon, brighter planets, and the many Messier-class nightsky treasures.
*****
Minolta 8x40 Activa WP
Cruising the net for a quality complementary wide field instrument led me to this $110 gem from the Minds of Minolta.
With BAK4 prisms and longer eye relief, the fully multicoated and weatherproof Activa series is an impressive upgrade from their venerable Deluxe (Classic) line of binoculars.
Out of the box, the all black rubber-armored Minolta is a class act, including a very nice soft-lined case and deluxe neckstrap.
Weighing in at a well-balanced 27oz., it first reminded me of a less bulky and more ergonomic version of the Orion UltraView.
The Activa's hinge, focus, and diopter adjustment (which lightly clicks into place at small increments) is smooth and secure. The caps also all fit securely. A single cover takes the place of dual lens caps.
In lieu of roll-back eyeguards, the Activa is equipped with soft rubber twist-lock eyecups to customize eye relief. Rather than spiraling freely, the eyecups again securely click into place over four incremental positions. Very handy.
I'm not a big fan of optics being shipped in a thin layer of styrofoam peanuts, but the Activa and its collimation managed to survive the UPS journey unscathed.
The very bright and vivid daytime, stellar, and Lunar images show negligable false color across nearly the entire 8.2° (spec and measured) field of view. Only the slightest pincushioning was detected over an otherwise very sharp (to 85%) field.
Noticable prism interference at the exit pupils is limited to a slight diagonal flattening at 1 o'clock (L) and 11 o'clock (R).
While the eye relief is long (spec states 18.5mm), the moderate lens recess tweaks the usable ER closer to 16mm. Wearing thin sunglasses I could still comfortably take in the entire field stop with the twist-locks fully retracted.
A generous 22mm lens diameter, interpupilary range of 58-72mm, and plenty of room to gaze around the field contributes to the comfortable eygernomics. In addition, I find the 65° apparent FOV very acceptable and immune to any tunnelvision.
Those in the market for a full featured, well-constructed, and sharp looking binocular under $150 will not be disappointed.
UNDER THE STARS
I spent an enjoyable 2 1/2 hours breaking in the 8x40 under mag 5 skies, running the latter third of the marathon Messiers and brighter NGCs.
Early impressive observations of note included the Coma cluster, Messiers 3, 5, 13, 12, 10, 4, ic4665, ngc6633, and doublestars alphaLib, epsilonLyr, nuDra, and omicronCyg.
A very pleasing tour through the Summer Triangle was highlighted by Cr399, M27, and hints of the North American and Veil nebulae. A slow, climactic cruise down the Sagittarius Arm's main drag followed through Messiers 11, 26, 16, 17, 18, 24, 23, 25, 21, 20, 8, 7, and 6. All were easily identified, resolved to various degrees, and found flowing over the expanse of about 3 binocular fields.
The Messier cottonball globulars 22, 55, 15, and 2 also stood out beyond simple detection. Uranus and Neptune were also spotted about a degree from, respectively, 4th magnitude suns lambdaAqr and iotaCap. The gas giants soon ushered in our waning crescent moon in close conjunction with Mars.
A handful of satellites and a couple of stray meteors also joined this session's festivities.
After a northeast sweep thru the rising stars of Cassiopeia and a low, early season preview of M31, the Minolta and I called it a night.
Generously rating the transparency 8/10, the Messier globs and OCs were all at least obvious while the dimmer galaxies and nebulae hid behind the early summer haze. As anticipated, the aesthetic context of a 8+° field and effortless starhopping was a fair compromise for the sacrificed brightness and resolution of my larger instruments.
As a former obsessed fuzzy hunter and long-time big bino enthusiast, this 8x session made me realize how little time I spend seeing more of the celestial forest through the trees. Always refreshing to throw a different perspective into the mix.
I would also recommend an 8x40 as an excellent first binocular for beginners learning their way around the night sky.
To sum it up: A small price for alot of field and alot of fun.
*****
Barska X-Trail 30x80
A Big Brown Truck arrived with my new toy earlier this week.
Coddled in bubble-wrap within its hard-case, the 30x Barska survived the trip without a scratch and in fine collimation...
I could stop there as, for $139, my expectations had already been met.
But as the audition progressed, I became increasingly pleased with the performance of these bargain Giants.
So here we go.
Vital Stats
Max Dimensions: 13" x 9"
Weight: 4.3 lbs.
Min Focus: 49 ft.
All black, streamlined, soft and smooth rubber housing.
Extremely ergonomic and well-balanced.
Aroma: Confidential (Sorry, Kenny.)
Lifetime Limited Warranty
Mechanics: Hinge, focus, and diopter motion secure with no play. Caps all secure. Easy-to-adjust pedestal stays secure along center bar.
BAK4 Prisms (round exit pupils, no light path interference).
Coatings: MC. Despite various specs and speculation, the objectives do indeed present healthy bluish-green reflections thru its black-baffled barrels. Lens and prism paler blue reflections, however, indicate single-coatings on some surfaces.
Optics (daytime): Very bright images. Moderate pincushioning. Very well color-corrected. Minimal off-focus purple fringing.
Eygernomics
FOV: 2.1° (spec) 2.2° (measured)
AFOV: 63° (per spec) 66° (adj)
F/FSR (Field to Field-Stop Ratio): Average. No tunnelvision, but not a spacewalk either. Field-stop is well-defined.
Eye Relief: 10mm (spec) 9mm (useable. recess is slightly less than 2mm, and I'm feeling generous)
Lens diameter: 20mm
Exit Pupil: 2.7mm
IPD: 58-72mm
Comfort: Very good. Long, soft roll-back rubber eye cups.
Vignette: Minimal. Eye positioning is more forgiving than expected.
My favored useable eye relief is in the 12-14mm range, so the Barska is tighter than I prefer (any less would be painfully tight). Not recommended for eyeglass wearers, I would estimate at least a 75% loss of field.
Under The Stars
Pinpoint star images out to 80% of field.
Minimal violet fringing on Jupiter and Vega (substantially less CA than my $500 MegaView).
Main Jovian bands are distinct, showing both color and hints of texture.
Negligable false color at Luna's limb; our waning gibbous moon is splendidly detailed.
Versus Orion 30x80MegaView
For another $350, the MV provides 4mm more eye relief and a significantly larger AFOV (fieldstop is nearly peripheral). These are two important qualities for me and worth the extra cost. YMMV.
The MV also provides an additional .3° TFOV, and includes extendable dewshields.
Except for the above, the sleek and lightweight Barska 30s not only challenge the heavier MV's optics, mechanics, and quality build, but do so with better color correction (the trade-off, as expected, is increased internal reflections around the bright stuff).
Handheld Use
I spent ten straight minutes standing and another 30 on my back enjoying a relaxed freehand crawl across the available constellations. Very liberating. At just over 4 lbs, they simply do not feel like Giants.
Bino Forum edicts require me to reiterate that a tripod or IS is always recommended for more serious bino-target study.
Following that, the Barska's mounting requirements are minimal; any tripod rated for even 5 lbs will suffice.
Summary
Aside from an incurable giant bino fetish, I also wanted to occasionally share 30x binocular views with the public without putting my more valuable MV in harm's way. The Barska X-Trail 30x80 will serve this purpose with flying colors. More bang for 139 bucks than I expected.
If the MegaView drives like a Cadillac, then the Barska handles more like a sports car.
Recommended with the caveat of potentially restrictive eye relief.
*****
Glass At A Glance: Oberwerk 11x56
$99 from bigbinoculars.com
instrument arrived promptly, well-packaged,
mechanically sound, and in fine collimation
bak4/ fmc/no light path interference
height 7.75x8.0"/19.7x20.3cm
weight 36oz/965grams
ipd 56-72mm/ lens diameter 20mm
center focus/diopter
exit pupil 5.1mm
eye relief 17mm useable
min focus ~10m
soft rollback eyeguards
tfov 6.1° (spec 6.0)
field sharp to 90%
coma free field 5.5°
nominal positive distortion
afov (spec) 66°
afov (subj) v good. not a spacewalk but no
tunnelvision. fieldstop is well-defined
false color: present but minimal
ergonomics: no complaints; it's 11x at just
over two lbs. easily handheld for casual obs.
perhaps a bit large for children.
as fortune would have it, the image scale and
tfov fall about halfway between my 8s and 15s.
purchase motivations:
compulsive interest
additional outreach noks to pass around
it was kevin's turn to get my money
tip of the day:
this bino only rates a soft case. in these cases
i habitually cut and pop enough of the bubblewrap
to surround the bino lengthwise before sliding it
in the case for storage and transport
bottom line:
five star transaction and instrument
highly recommended
*as always, ymmv*
*****
Barska 15x70 X-Trail: Big Bang For The Buck
I really didn't need another binocular.
I have plenty of binoculars, actually.
Among them is a perfectly wonderful 30x80 Barska X-Trail.
But I was ready to take one for the Forum team after reading a few recent Barska horror stories, and was fully prepared to pull a broken string of parts out of the box when my 15x70XT arrived.
I found the Barska 15s on sale at Amazon for $49 and haphazardly pulled the trigger. If this negligent, impulsive purchase wouldn't get me a lemon then nothing would. *professional stuntman. do not try this at home*
Three days later a big brown truck delivered another perfectly wonderful specimen.
Well-packaged, collimated, and mechanically sound. Includes soft case, neckstrap, table tripod, adapter, and cleaning cloth.
Looks great next to its 30x big brother, too.
Vital Stats
Max Dimensions: 11" x 8.5"
Weight: 2.8 lbs
Min Focus: ~50 ft
Design: All black, streamlined, soft and smooth rubber housing.
Ergonomic and well-balanced for its size. No center pedestal. Center focus.
Prisms: BAK4 (round exit pupils, no light path interference).
Coatings: Fully coated/light blue reflections at both ends
Optics (daytime): Very bright images. Very good color-correction across a flat, relatively wide FOV. Minimal pincushioning; it could actually use a little more. There's a subtle field softness compared to my instruments with higher positive distortion.
Eygernomics (measured)
FOV: 4.4°
AFOV: 66°
F/FSR (Field to Field-Stop Ratio): Very Good. No tunnelvision, but not a spacewalk either. Field-stop is well-defined.
Lens diameter: 20mm
Exit Pupil: 4.7mm
IPD: 56-72mm
Comfort: Very Good. Long, soft roll-back rubber eye cups.
Eye Relief: 18.5mm (useable).
Vignette: Minimal. However, without eyeglasses the eyeguards must be extended to achieve the proper viewing distance. I always leave the eyeguards extended anyway and take this in stride, but it may be more important to others.
Under The Stars
Pinpoint star images out to 85% of field.
Negligable false color at Luna's limb. Our waning gibbous moon is splendidly detailed and star colors are vivid. The Pleiades, Double Cluster, and Orion Nebula are beautifully framed.
Versus 15x63 Orion MG
I'm not quite comparing apples to apples here.
Both have comparably long eye relief and pleasing eygernomics.
Both also provide comparable brightness; the Barska's extra aperture
helps compensate for the Orion's better coatings/contrast (the XT's exit pupil is also a half-millimeter larger).