Astronomy Binocular Books Review

July 25, 2010 | Posted by Best Binocular Reviews

Book Review:Touring the Universe through Binoculars: A Complete Astronomer’s Guidebook

Many people new to astronomy and indeed to the world of optics are surprised to know that you don’t have to use a telescope to view distant objects in the night sky and often a pair of binoculars are not only suitable, but in some cases preferable. Binoculars should not just be considered as equipment for beginners in astronomy or for people on their way to their first “real” telescopes; “they are valuable observational tools in their own right.” according to the author.

Touring the Universe Through Binoculars proves just this by discussing the entire binocular universe and lists more than 1,100 sky objects from celestial pole to celestial pole. It takes you on a tour of the universe using nothing more than a pair of binoculars.

Even though it is over a decade old now, it is still one of, if not the most comprehensive book currently available on astronomy binoculars. The book starts with Earth’s nearest neighbor, the moon, and then goes on to explore each planet in the solar system, asteroids, meteors, comets and the sun. Following this you are taken away into deep space to explore celestial bodies including stars that are known and many sights less familiar. The final chapter includes a detailed atlas of deep-sky objects visible through binoculars. The appendices include guidance on how to buy, care for and maintain astronomical binoculars, tips and hints on using them, and detailed information on several home-made binocular mounts.

I would say though that if you are new to astronomy, you may find some of the discussion a little “heavy”, at least in the beginning. But if you keep at the hobby, you will certainly grow into the book and because of the flowing words from the author, that’s an enjoyable task.

Although there are more than 1000 objects that you can see with binoculars in the night sky listed in the book, maps are not included and so you will need an atlas as well. However, this book is still very useful with its tabulated data and constellation-based organisation. I have yet to find any other complete and well prepared list and data of objects visible with only binoculars.

Where to buy the book:

Touring the Universe through Binoculars on Amazon.com

Touring the Universe through Binoculars on Amazon.co.uk

Astronomy Binoculars
For more information take a look at my section on Choosing Binoculars for Astronomy

About the Author
Phil Harrington first became interested in astronomy when he was assigned to watch the total lunar eclipse in April 1968 as part of a school homework assignment.

Since then he has spent countless hours touring the universe through not only telescopes but binoculars as well. Phil is an adjunct professor at both Dowling College, Oakdale, NY, and Suffolk County Community College, Selden, New York, where he teaches courses in stellar and planetary astronomy. He is a founding member of the Westport (CT) Astronomical Society and is also one of the coordinators of the annual Astronomer’s Conjunction, held ever summer in Northfield, MA.

As well as Touring the Universe through Binoculars, Phil Harrington has written many other books including Astronomy for All Ages, Discovering the Universe through Activities for Children and Adults, Star Watch, The Amateur Astronomer’s Guide to Finding, Observing, and Learning about Over 125 Celestial Objects and many others.

He is a former staff member of New York City’s Hayden Planetarium and instructor at the Vanderbilt Planetarium in Centerport, New York and is also a contributing editor for Astronomy magazine, where he frequently reviews telescopes, binoculars, and other astronomical equipment.

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