Stargazing With Someone Else's Telescope!

SLOOH is a robotic observatory on the Canary Islands. Every Monday, whenever conditions permit viewing, you can participate in mulitple SLOOH "missions" over the course of an hour-long session.

What does SLOOH stand for? Apparently it's about putting the OOH into SLEW!

High atop Mount Teide, on Tenerife in the Canary Islands, the telescopes of SLOOH stand nestled among the facilities of a professional astronomical observatory. SLOOH is a subscription-based web site that streams live images of dozens of celestial objects viewed by its telescopes each clear night over the Internet.

SLOOH currently uses several 3-megapixel CCD cameras and four telescopes (in two domes):


a 14-inch diameter Schmidt Cassegrain Telescope (focal length 2160mm) high magnification scope and and Wide Field Lens System with a focal length of 135mm at f/5.6 in Dome 1
14-inch diameter Schmidt Cassegrain Telescope (SCT) with a focal length of 4,000 mm, and an 85-mm diameter APO refractor telescope with a focal length of 480 mm in Dome 2

The organization will soon be adding an additional 14-inch SCT with a focal length of 2,100 mm, as well as a 34-mm diameter refractor with a focal length of 135 mm. Members are allowed to control the scopes from their own computer. Bringing the rhythms and wonder of space exploration to people of all ages, SLOOH's telescopes are the centerpiece of live interactive missions to the wonders of the universe.

The site is good for someone who knows nothing about astronomy and for avid, enthusiastic hobbyists, for first-time observers of all ages and parents wanting to introduce their kids to the cosmos without buying, assembling, and learning to use telescopes. Would-be astronomers can gaze at live images of the night sky, but in the comfort of their homes. The preset missions are broadcast live, with only brief intermissions as the telescopes and CCD cameras are slewed from one celestial body to another.

The annual $49 basic membership package gives you unlimited access to group missions and the ability to log on any time you like during mission hours. This basic package also gives you 15 minutes per year of solo time in which you decide where to point the scopes. While the basic membership has some restrictions, an "all-you-can-eat" option is avaliable for $99 yearly.

To guarantee its visitors only the best experience, SLOOH tests the speed of your Internet connection and accepts only visitors with connection speeds of 40 kbps (40k) or greater.

SLOOH makes extensive use of the latest Macromedia Flash Player, a web-browser plug-in. Before you arrive at your interface, SLOOH checks to see if your browser has the latest Flash Player installed and directs you to download it if you do not.

While missions are running, SLOOH's operators often chat with visitors in the SLOOH Chat Room. You can join them if you have AOL's Instant Messenger (AIM) software installed. This is an optional feature only. For details, you need to click the Chat button on the mission interface.

If you arrive early, the mission will start automatically at the scheduled time. If you arrive while the mission is running, you will join it in progress.

SLOOH also run a Users Group on on Yahoo so you can check out what people have to say about it.

Version 2 of SLOOH went live on March 18th, 2006. A year in the making, this version has been inspired its users' commitment to live astronomy. In addition to existing features, SLOOH 2 offers some bold and novel new elements

that will attract an even greater membership from around the globe.

SLOOH 2.0 is designed to empower its users (from over 60 countries) to share their enthusiasm for

astronomy with the greater public. Foremost among the changes is the new Member Channel, which enables members to broadcast their solo missions to the rest of the viewing membership. A new desktop alert system will also be introduced, which will notify members when special missions are lined up with a live host who will narrate specifically about the celestial object in view.

When you consider the price of buying a telescope comparable in size to those used at SLOOH against the low fees they charge, it's really a no-brainer. And, while it may be cloudy outside, where you live, the skies in the Canaries are virtually guaranteed to be clear. SLOOH can give you your skywatching fix, wherever in the world you live.

Gary Nugent recommends you check out the SLOOH review at http://www.nightskyobserver.com/Articles/SLOOH.php where you can also see photos of the SLOOH interface, the observatory and some sample images taken by the SLOOH telescopes.

Gary Nugent has been involved with astronomy as a hobby, either running astronomy clubs, publishing magazines or writing astronomy software for over 30 years. He runs one of the best-known astronomy and space news websites - the Night Sky Observer [http://www.nightskyobserver.com] which has been online since 1997.

The Universe in the Palm of Your Hands - Stargazing With Binoculars

Do you like the idea of exploring the universe from your own backyard? The truth is that you don't need a telescope to get started! Lots of people find that simply buying some astronomy binoculars will help you get the view of the heavens that you are after. When you are looking for telescope binoculars and if you are in a place where you want to really figure out what your options are, you'll find that there are a number of different options available to you. Check out some of the specifications that you can use to ensure that your astronomy binoculars are precisely what you are interested in.

Magnification

When you are looking at the magnifying power, you will see it given as two numbers, maybe something like 6 x 30 or 7 x 35. The first number is how many times the object that you are looking at is going to be magnified, while the second number refers to the diameter of the objective lens in millimeters. What sort of magnification do you need when you are thinking about doing some star gazing? While a higher magnification will let you cut through light pollution more effectively, remember that ti will also narrow your field of vision, making it much harder to figure out "where you are." Higher magnification will also heighten the movement of the stars. If you are working with hand-held astronomy binoculars, a magnification of 10 is usually the highest level recommended.

Objective Lens Diameter

The second number refers to how wide the lens is. The wider the lens, the more powerful the telescope binoculars' ability to gather light. It gives weight and bulk to the objects that you are seeing, and you'll find that this adds a very real, very 3D effect to objects you are seeing. This measurement is also known as the aperture, and the larger the aperture, the brighter the image is, and the better the resolution is.

Roof vs Porro Prism

The prism is essentially a triangular piece of light-reflecting glass that has polished edges. It serves to fold the path of the light and it flips the image so you don't see it upside down. The traditional prism that you will have available to you is the porro prism, which is shaped like a Z. It's great for astronomy, and it will reflect the path of the light three times. A roof prism model, on the other hand, is more compact, the path of the light is longer as it will fold four times. Like a porro prism is good for astronomy, a roof prism is preferable for things on the ground.

BaK-4 vs BK-7 Phase Coating

You should also have a look at what is used to coat your astronomy binoculars' prism. BK-7 refers to a coating made of boro-silicate glass, while BAK-4 uses barium crown glass. The latter is usually preferred for the purposes of star gazing is it has a higher density and because it reduces the amount of light scattering. Using BAK-4 phase coating gives you a sharper picture.

Take some time to figure out what handheld astronomy binoculars are best for you!

For more information on handheld astronomy binoculars, please visit Telescope Binoculars.

Stargazing and Planetgazing With Binoculars

For the newcomer to stargazing or indeed planet gazing, a good pair of binoculars are a major step up from scanning the skies with the unaided eye.

You will be able to develop your astronomical ability by looking at stars, viewing planets and locating constellations before going to the relative expense of purchasing a telescope.

There are many benefits to using binoculars for stargazing.

* The cost, good binoculars can be a lot less expensive than a telescope

* They are much easier to handle and use for a less experienced skywatcher. They are smaller, lighter and don't require any setting up.

* Binoculars provide a much larger field of view than the vast majority of telescopes. This makes finding objects easier. This is one of the biggest challenges faced by the beginner.

* Locating constellations, and observing comets is much easier with binoculars, as you can scan a lot of the sky quickly.

* Binoculars have lots of other uses and so you will get value from your purchase.

As well as your binoculars you will also need an astronomy sky chart to help you find your way around the skies.

A red flashlight is also handy. This allows you to look at your charts or any books you may have with out ruining your night vision. If you can't purchase a red torch, just cover a normal white light torch with red cellophane.

If you have developed your sky watching skills with your unaided eyes, you will find it a lot easier to pick things out using binoculars. Planet gazing will be within reach with binoculars too.

A visit to your local library will be very beneficial. Try to find a book that will show what a certain planet or object will look through binoculars.

Also remember that when going out on a clear night for a spot of sky watching that the temperature can soon drop. So always wrap up warm.

If you have decided to use a large pair of binoculars, you may find a tripod with a binocular mount a great help.

It isn't much fun finding a planet or constellation and then having the views ruined by your trembling hands.

A notebook is another good thing to carry. You can the write down and make notes about the things you have seen.

As with all things, the internet is absolutely fantastic for finding information about astronomy, and a quick Google will yield enough results and reading material to feed your hungry brain for a long time.

But even if your interest in astronomy only runs to learning the names of the stars in the sky,

a nice, small and compact pair of binoculars make stargazing and planet viewing more interesting.

Take a look at my binocular discount centre below and happy viewing.

http://www.bestbinocularsprice.com

Stargazing Through an Online Telescope

In today's modern hi-tech world, we are able to converse with people half way around the world with a click of the computer mouse. The Internet has opened up a whole new world of information and communication. Well, the field of astronomy is no exception and has ushered in a new way of viewing the heavens - through an online telescope.

Online telescope viewing is relatively new, but can be a real benefit to those who do not own a telescope, or a telescope with photographic capabilities, and have a real interest in stargazing. Through the comforts of our own homes, we can now capture, view and study images that are obtained through observatories of celestial bodies throughout the cosmos. The Internet has provided us the opportunity to view new worlds beyond our own by accessing an online telescope.

How Does an Online Telescope Work?

The process of using an online telescope for viewing the stars and planets is relatively easy once you understand what information is required. You first will need to coordinate the viewing times and dates. Participating observatories will coordinate your request, generally initiated through an email from you, and schedule the event. You should receive an email back from the observatory confirming the subject sighting, date and time.

The online telescope camera will record the viewing of the requested location or object and post them at a particular website address. You will be notified via email of the location to view your pictures. Usually, you can just simply click on the imbedded link in the email and you will be sent to the viewing page for detailed photos provided by the camera of the online telescope.

Just having access to some of the top observatories' telescopes for your own personal stargazing needs is incredible. The only thing better than viewing the universe through the online telescope images would be to have your own live online telescope. Unfortunately, this option would cost millions of dollars and, for most of us, exceed our stargazing budgets.

Different Online Telescope Viewing Options

When you make your request to the observatory, you can ask that the online telescope be utilized in a few different ways:

Specify Certain Astronomical Coordinates

The first viewing method will be specific to certain coordinates. The coordinates may correspond to the position of a specific star, planet, solar system, etc. If you are confused about the specific coordinates to provide the online telescope observatory, catalogs are available of the celestial bodies and their respective locations.

Request a Specific Planet, Star, or System

Another method that might be slightly easier is to request a specific star or planet be photographed by the online telescope. The observatory can also provide a more general image of larger areas of space. In addition, the participating observatory may grant requests for the use of different colored filters for your images.

If you are an amateur astronomer and want to experience the power and quality of a multi-million dollar piece of astronomy equipment, go to the Internet and search for 'online telescope' or 'camera online telescope'. There you will find participating observatories that are willing to open up the universe to you through their telescope's exceptional images of the cosmos!

Bill Wilson is a researcher and writer for online publications. To learn more about online telescope viewing, visit http://www.a1-telescopes.com where you will find tips on how to use an online telescope service for your astronomy needs.

Professor Haro and His Passion For Stargazing

Indeed, the passion of a man can change the course of history in whatever field he is in. This is proven by the story of the renowned Mexican astrologist, Professor Guillermo Haro who have made great contributions in the development of astronomical research and studies in his country; and whose influence in the same field, continues to this very day.

Even if he studied and graduated in Philosophy, Guillermo Haro's interest was more inclined to that of stargazing. So after his Philosophy studies in the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), pursued his passion for astronomy and astrology. His love for the craft was intensified when he was hired as an assistant at the Observatory of Tonantzintla in 1943. It opened an opportunity for him to fulfill his passion for stargazing because of the available equipments he could use then.

He went to the United States in 1943 and worked as a scholar at the Harvard College Observatory until the end of the year 1944. After his training at the Harvard Observatory, he decided to return to Mexico in 1945. Due to his furthered knowledge and training in Astronomy and his good records, he was rehired at the Observatory of Tonantzinla. Armed with a 24-31 inch Schmidt camera, Haro made his most famous discovery (the same discovery made by George Herbig). The now known as Herbig-Haro objects was detected by Professor Haro during his stay at the said observatory. These objects are high density clouds which are actually non-stellar condensations near regions where a recent star formation happened. His other discoveries and studies include the detection of flare stars found in the region of the Orion nebula, studies on extremely red and extremely blue stars, and many other astronomical documents.

Because of his life's works, Professor Haro received numerous recognitions and was granted many awards during his lifetime. In his honor, an observatory found in Sonora Mexico is named after him.

Time Management Strategy - Stargazing Got You Procrastinating?

This time management strategy is for those of you who procrastinate because you're stargazers. As a stargazer you'd rather think about doing something than actually just doing it. The problem is that nothing ever happens until you take action, so the longer you stargaze about what could be the more you prolong not getting the possible.

There isn't anything wrong with stargazing, in fact it can help you to formulate great thoughts. A time management strategy that will allow you to have the joy of stargazing plus help you to get things done is to establish a clear objective. What is the ultimate result you want? The more clearly you know the desired output the easier it will be for you to move to action.

There's a time and place for everything. Do your stargazing or day dreaming during your leisure time rather than during your productive time. Use your leisure time to really gain in depth clarity about the exact output you want from completing a specific project or goal.

As with any time management strategy you need to set a deadline for action. Notice I didn't say a deadline for completion, but rather a deadline for action. Once you've gotten complete clarity on the output you'll want to break it down into all the necessary action steps. Then set your deadline for when you will start and commit to consistently working through each action item until the whole project is finished.

The fact that you are a stargazer makes you better prepared to think big picture than many others. You know from previous experience and time management strategies that the devil is in the details. That's why it's so important for you to get the full picture and then work out all the necessary details, so when it's time for action you'll be ready to steam roll right through each and every step.

Now you understand how this time management strategy will help you to turn what you may have thought was a weakness into a strength. One of the best and quickest ways to succeed at anything is to build on your strengths rather than focusing on your weaknesses. Allow yourself to think big with your stargazing and then bring your thoughts down into the details and you will enjoy both the pleasure of your dreaming and the satisfaction of getting things done.

Would you like to learn more about your time behaviors? Try this Time Management Analysis and find out where your opportunities for improvement are.

When you absolutely must have measurable results to consistently and predictably get where you want to go for Superior Success...visit CoachingMegaAgents to start on your journey for superior success.

Stargazing With a Laser Pointer

During a clear night sky, stargazing can be the best past time that we can do before we go to sleep. It can even be more fun if we are with our loved ones or our friends looking at the stars and watching them glitter. Watching meteorites during a meteor shower can also be exciting especially when we have prepared our wishes for the falling stars.

Stargazing has been a hobby to many especially to those who are fascinated with space and heavenly bodies. Just like the astronomers, we have the privilege to watch the world beyond us by looking at the night sky. Astronomers use powerful telescope to observe the night sky and we can also bring our own telescopes or binoculars to have a closer look at the heavenly bodies that we are observing.

To make the stargazing even more fun, we can plan for a stargazing party with friends or people that are close to us. We can bring in some snacks that we can nibble while doing the sky observation. Aside from that we can also use a powerful laser pointer to help us in pointing at the stars.

A laser pointer is so powerful that it can stretch up to 80 miles. This has become an ideal instrument not only for stargazers but also to the astronomers themselves. The green laser pointer is the most visible color among the available colors which include red, violet, blue, and yellow. At present, anyone can own these powerful laser pointers because they can be ordered online from trusted retailers. The green laser pointer has become the fastest selling model which leads to the growing number of manufacturers of this laser color. Before you purchase, you have to be more careful with the brand because you might not get the best. To get the best, you have to check on the feedback of the customers and see if they are impressed with what the product can truly offer.

Dolphen Raigen, an internet marketer and seo specialist. She loves to used laser pointer by Techlasers as her tool in presenting her projects. Those cool gadgets like green laser pointer can be found at Techlasers.com.

Ski in Colorado - Stargazing in the Rocky Mountains

If you Ski, Snowboard or just enjoy watching those that do, then booking a Colorado Ski Package is a perfect option for you. Colorado offers some of the best slopes and resorts in the US. Telluride, Aspen and Vail are the most recognizable names no matter where you go. These resorts have everything from Black Diamond to beginner slopes and offer some of the best accommodations available.

The views from the gondola are magnificent. The glow of lights shining off the fresh snow at night can transports you even further into the winter wonderland.

Booking a Colorado ski package isn't only great for the skiers and snowboarders but non-skiers have an abundance of activities to choose from too. For those who hope to someday see their favorite actor or actress, their dream could come true in any of these resort towns. Many Celebrities own homes in these towns and the best time for stargazing is when the slopes are at their best. Sleigh rides, ice skating and sledding can round out any family adventure. Shopping is another past time that is to be enjoyed. Chanel, Prada, and Gucci are available as well as the more affordable fashions that are the current trend.

Ski competitions take place throughout the winter on the Colorado slopes. The Winter X-games area a huge event that the avid skier doesn't want to miss. Just remember to book early to get the accommodations you desire.

Packages can include round trip airfare, condo, or hotel accommodations, lift tickets, and event tickets. Flights into the area are increased during the ski season to accommodate the ski resorts so getting there is not a problem.

The atmosphere at any of these Colorado ski resort towns is good for a family or for someone looking for a great vacation with a nightlife to go with it. Enjoy some of the best scenery as well as the best ski conditions anywhere.

Myloer is a hobby writer who usually updates his blogs every day and writes about all kinds of topics. His latest project is about Key West vacation-packages and you can also read his articles about Alaska vacation packages by following the links.

September Stargazing - The Archer the Scorpion the Serpent Bearer

September Skies offer some good opportunities for deep sky observing, especially here in the dry season skies of the NT in northern Australia. Wait till the skies are clear and moonless and you can seek out the same delights of the night sky.

Globular Clusters -

Prominent in the early evening in the southern sky (if you are in the Northern Hemisphere), and at or close to the zenith if you are in the far southern hemisphere, is the Constellation Sagittarius (The Archer), better know as "The Teapot". Once you have picked it out in the night sky you will see the familiar teapot shape easily and certainly much easier than you will see an Archer ! This constellation and the adjacent constellations of of Ophiuchus (the serpent bearer) and Scorpius (the Scorpion) are rich in deep sky delights, especially globular clusters. The most prominent of these being the Messier Cataloged M4, M28, M22 and M55 just to name a few of the brighter ones.

What's A Messier Catalog? -

Well it goes like this: Well known Comet hunter Charles Messier of 18th Century France, needed to catalog objects that could be confused with comets in the small telescopes of the day. So he identified the brightest 100 or so objects in the night sky (from Paris) these became M1 to M110, with the last few being added by his colleagues after is passing. So the upshot for us in the 21st century is that we now have a simple list of Galaxies, Nebulas, Star Clusters and more, that are quite delightful when viewed thought Amateur Telescopes using optics that good old Charles could only dream of in the 1700's. For those of us in the southern Hemisphere the catalog has some very obvious gaps, with many delights of deep space seen from here being bigger and brighter than 3/4 of the objects in the Messier list ! (They will be the subject of a future article)

Beyond Globular Clusters -

Of course the delights of deep space to be seen here are not limited to Globular Clusters though, with the Lagoon Nebula (M8), the Trifid Nebula (M20), the Eagle Nebula (M16) and the Sagittarius star cloud (M24) are surely in the top 20 of all deep sky objects.

So how do you find & see these these amazing deep space delights?

If you are just starting out in the richly rewarding pursuit of Astronomy & Space Science, or even if you have been at it for a while, why not visit http://www.nightskysecrets.com and download your free copy of my Audio "Master the hidden secrets of the night sky". In this Audio you will find the tools you need to allow you to find the deep sky wonders written about in this article.

Ian Maclean - Astronomy Author and Presenter
Homepage: nightskysecrets.com
Blogpage: http://www.askthescienceguru.com

An Introduction to Astronomy and Stargazing

Mankind has always been fascinated with the heavens since time immemorial. Stargazing was not just a pastime on lovely nights. People navigated the seas and crossed continents with stars as their guide. They even thought the constellations charted their fates. But that was before the giant leap from astrology to astronomy.

Astronomy literally means 'law of the stars,' from the Greek words 'astron' (star) and 'nomos' (law), but astronomers would rather accurately define it as the 'scientific study of celestial objects (such as stars, planets, comets, and galaxies) and phenomena that originate outside the Earth's atmosphere (such as the cosmic background radiation), and is concerned with the evolution, physics, chemistry, meteorology, and motion of celestial objects, as well as the formation and development of the universe.'

However long-winded Wikipedia's definition seems, don't let it tick you off. There's more to astronomy than theories, calculations, and tedious observations. One thing's certain though: astronomy is not for jocks.

Astronomy, one of the oldest sciences, was controversial in that it challenged long-held religious perceptions. Copernicus and Galileo Galilei paid dearly for holding on to their correct observations of the solar system - that the Earth revolved around the Sun, not the other way around, as the Catholic Church used to insist. Ancient civilizations recorded heavenly phenomena, albeit propped by superstitious underpinnings.

The invention of the telescope, however, provided the significant impetus for the transformation of celestial observations into a veritable science. 'Historically, astronomy has included disciplines as diverse as astrometry, celestial navigation, observational astronomy, the making of calendars, and even astrology,' Wiki says, 'but professional astronomy is nowadays often considered to be synonymous with astrophysics.'

Today, professional astronomy is focused on either observation or theory. Observational astronomy acquires and analyzes data using basic principles of physics, while theoretical astronomy is mainly concerned with analytical models to describe objects and phenomena in space. These two branches, of course, complement each other.

However, don't get the impression that you need a Ph.D. in astrophysics to get suitably curious with the fascinating display of stars on a clear moonless night. Amateur astronomers have made many important astronomical discoveries. In fact, astronomical societies encourage the involvement of amateur observers, the sky being too wide for just professional astronomers to cover.

So start stargazing and don't just memorize the constellations. You can buy or make your own amateur telescope and watch the sky. To paraphrase the late Carl Saga: in the vastness of the universe and the immensity of time, it is an honor to share a planet, an epoch and a 'hobby' with Galileo Galilei.

Be reacquainted with the stars and the galaxy. It's a great way to find a connection with the world. For more information you can check this site: http://www.euso-mission.org/

If you want to look at them closely and be inspired with its majesty, learn more about the night sky with telescopes on this site: http://www.euso-mission.org/What_is_a_telescope.html

Why a Telescope Mount is a Necessity for Stargazing

If you have ever tried looking through a telescope without a telescope mount to steady your equipment, you understand the difficulty of focusing on a set object in the night skies. Compound that problem with a heavenly body that is actually moving across the sky and you realize that it is almost impossible to track this object. There is no doubt, stability of your telescope is key to enjoyable stargazing.

Purpose of a Telescope Mount

A telescope mount provides a stable platform for your telescope, whether it is a refracting telescope, reflecting telescope, Dobsonian telescope, or catadiotric telescope. A telescope mount will ensure that your viewing of a celestial body is not interrupted by unexpected movement. It also determines how you will position your body relative to the telescope to view the night's sky, determining how comfortable you will be over any extended period of stargazing.

Types of Telescope Mounts

Altazimuth telescope mounts are generally used on a Dobsonian type telescope. These telescopes look like a large canister and are mounted on a chassis that provides limited mounting capabilities. With this type of mount, the telescope can be adjusted in up and down or left and right positions. This range of movement in a telescope mount is generally fine for the beginner and intermediate astronomer.

Equatorial mounts are more advanced and allow for greater movement to coincide with the movement of planet Earth. As good as this sounds, there is a level of skill required by the user. The user will need to understand the planet movement and be required to make minor adjustments to the telescope mount. This type of mount is usually reserved for higher quality telescopes, so it is really geared for the intermediate to advanced astronomer. However, with a little experience and practice, the mount could be used by most stargazers.

In this hi-tech era, computers have become an integral part of astronomy and are used to move and track heavenly bodies. Well, an advanced telescope mount, though expensive, is available that provides this kind of computer tracking and superior viewing options. This mount even facilitates the viewing through the computer monitor as well as the eyepiece, with a few clicks of your mouse moving the mount into position.

Choosing the Right Mount

In choosing the right mount, you must first determine what the intended use of the telescope is. Other considerations are the skill level and specific needs of the operator. Determining the type of terrain the mount will be used on will dictate the stability requirements. And, of course, your astronomy budget will play a major role in what type of telescope mount you will purchase.

Choose a mount that will allow for a comfortable body position for times of extended viewing. Nothing can ruin a stargazing experience faster than being required to contort your body in unnatural positions to get a satisfactory view of your desired object.

So, to choose the right telescope mount, take the time and effort to research the different brands of telescope mounts and the various quality levels available. Then, and only then, choose the one that best suits your needs and falls within your budget limits. It can make the difference between a comfortable, enjoyable stargazing experience and a cramped, short-lived outing.

Bill Wilson is a researcher and writer for online astronomy publications. If you would like to learn more about telescope mounts visit http://www.a1-telescopes.com where you will find tips on how to choose a telescope mount for easier and more rewarding stargazing.

Stargazing Best Part of Camping - Clear Sky, Campfire, Good Company Make Memorable Nights

One of our favorite things to do when camping is to gaze up at the night sky. This bit of stargazing is something most of us rarely have time to do in our busy lives, and the short trip from the driveway to the front door doesn't give much more than a glimpse of the stars above. It's only when were are outdoors, in a contemplative mood, that the stars seems so much closer.

One recent Sunday night, we decided to light a fire in our backyard and just enjoy the crisp fall evening. No, we weren't camping, but it was a much-too-perfect autumn night to sit indoors. With the temperature in the 50s, one hardly needed a jacket as the fire popped and sizzled, throwing off just the right amount of warmth. Overheard, the stars shone in a clear sky, dancing in the funnel of heat rising from the fire. I could pick out the Big Dipper overhead, and the three stars that form Orion's belt.

The warm house, the TV and computer -- not to mention dinner -- beckoned, but we were reluctant to leave the warmth of our fire ring on this beautiful fall evening. Our son poked at the fire with a stick and our teenage daughter had left her cell phone inside so that we had a nice family-style conversation. We didn't talk about anything in particular, but talk we did. I guess you could say it wasn't the subject that mattered, but the conversation.

We reminisced about some of the great nighttime skies we had seen. Most of us live surrounded by light pollution that doesn't really enable us to see the night sky. It's only when we're outdoors that we can really enjoy it. Once, camping at the beach, we had taken a midnight stroll and seen the Milky Way in the utter darkness at the edge of the sea. Another time, we stretched out by the campfire and watched a meteor shower. Nature's fireworks, a million miles away.

Finally, it was time for us to go in. The fire was down to red coals. But at least for a little while, we had chased away all those distractions and gotten to enjoy a true autumn sky together by the campfire.

Ian Fitzell is the editor of Camping Sky, a blog dedicated to upscale family camping. Visit http://campingsky.net

Choosing the Perfect Telescope Binoculars For Exceptional Stargazing

Astronomy or telescope binoculars are quite different than those used for, say bird watching. There is not a "best" pair of binoculars, such as those rated by reviewers, however it is very important that you choose the best pair of binoculars for your specific needs. Unlike telescopes, binoculars automatically provide you with right-side-up representations as well as providing you with a wider field of scrutiny. Of course portability of astronomy binoculars rather than a telescope makes them ideal for stargazing.

Aperture

When considering a pair of astronomy binoculars you should first understand aperture. Aperture deals with the sizes of the front part of the lens on the binoculars. The bigger the lens, the more light will be collected, and since many astronomical subjects are murky, increased light will allow you to see them much better.  You can tell what the aperture is when looking at binoculars since the numbers printed on the binoculars tell you exactly the aperture size.  Thus, when you see a pair of binoculars that proclaims that they are 7X50's means they have a 50mm size aperture.  25X100 size for handheld telescope binoculars would be more than ideal! Any binoculars larger than 25X100 will require a tripod, as they would be too cumbersome to be handheld. Aperture is also referred to as the objective lens diameter and is always the last number printed on the binoculars themselves.

Magnification

The first number printed on the binoculars tells you the magnification. For stargazing you should look for binoculars showing at least 7 times, but no more than 10 times, or again you'll need a tripod for ease of handling.

Exit Pupil

This refers to the width of the light beam that leaves or exits the eyepiece. Figuring this number is quite simple as you simply divide the aperture number by the magnification number.  Hence, a 10X50 pair of binoculars would have an exit pupil size of 5 mm.

Because the human eye's average pupil size at night, which is when you'll be using them, is over 7mm, in order for your telescope binoculars to be comfortable when using them you should look for at least a 7mm exit pupil.

Prisms

Binoculars use prisms inside them to make the objects being viewed right side up. There are two different kinds available-roof and Porro. Roof prisms are more compact and may exhibit dimmer images. They are also more expensive. Porro prisms, on the other hand, use differently shaped prisms, are lower priced, but tend to be heavier and bulkier. For telescope binoculars weight and bulk need to be traded off for brighter images.

Conclusion

This article should take much of the mystery out of buying astronomy binoculars. It is recommended that you purchase binoculars that you find comfortable to use for what you intend to use them for.

After you purchase your telescope binoculars enjoy not only the moon and its lunar mountains, but multiple stars, asteroids, comets, open star clusters, and wide binocular star fields.

For more information on astronomy and telescope binoculars, please feel free to visit Telescope Binoculars.