Binocular Stargazing

by Michael D. Reynolds, Mike D. Reynolds, David H. Levy (Foreword)

A guide to viewing stars, the moon, planets, meteors, comets, and aurora through binoculars. Features a foreword by renowned astronomer and writer David Levy. Includes a complete guide to current binocular brands and models and explains what to look for in each season.

Genres: Astronomy

224 pages, Paperback

First published October 25, 2005

About the author

See also: Mike D. Reynolds

Michael David Reynolds was a Professor of Astronomy at Florida State College at Jacksonville in Jacksonville, Florida. He served as the director of Chabot Space and Science Center in Alameda County, California. Reynolds was best known for his work in science education, both in lecture halls and less formal settings. He also participated in astronomy and space exploration outreach.

Reviews

[John A. Sillasen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Outdated Links makes Price Too High

While the tables are valuable the resources are not. It would be a better Kindle value of you could save the feature tables for field use.
This book was published in 2005, while the objects in the sky haven't changed, making this still usable, the data is old, the media links are all obsolete and the descriptions of equipment are so old they look like equipment from the 20th century and not modern binoculars.
Recommendation, buy used and use the charts as the links are irrelevant, examples of which included Palm OS, AOL links and apps which no longer work. Every link I tried ended up with a 404 error.

Even the Kindle price should be reduced to below $10. If the tables could be exported or printed for field use this book would have a lot more value today, (2018).

[Aprilleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every astronomer should have a decent pair of binoculars, and Chapter 2 of this book should be required reading before you purchase your first pair. Many astronomy books aimed at newcomers to the hobby address using binoculars, but binocular-specific books will have the best coverage of the options available and what you should take into consideration. Other than the two chapters specific to the selection and use of binoculars, the contents of this book are pretty typical. If you don’t have a telescope you should definitely pick up this awesome little book because the coverage is perfect and it has some nice lists of objects to look for in each season. However, if you have both a binocular and a telescope, you’ll probably be better served by a less focused book.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ah! This book makes me want to stare at the sky allllll night long! Which probably isn't the best thing to be doing... hence the minused star....

[Roza Howton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice starter book for someone looking for night sky binocular star hopping! Hoping to do the Messier objects over the next few dark winter nights.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative, decent charts, etc, but not a very attractive looking book (for better or worse, that matters a lot to be). Good info on astronomical societies, etc.