In the previous posts, we’ve discussed the basics of visual astronomy and the potential of using binoculars to enhance your viewing experience. Need a refresher on either of these topics? Learn how to start navigating the night skies by clicking here, and how to set up a formidable binocular rig here. Now, finally, we can get onto the really interesting stuff – actually looking through your binos at some beautiful deep sky targets! In this post, I plan to take you through my top 5 favourite things to look at on a crisp, clear night, and the easiest ways to find them. I’d recommend getting a mobile stargazing app on your phone (such as Sky Guide) to help you find your targets when you’re outside at night!
Number 1: The Moon
While this seems like an obvious one, the incredible sight of the moon at higher magnifications shouldn’t be underestimated. The first time I saw it through binoculars, I was amazed at the amount of detail I could see. This was only improved when I mounted my binoculars to get a clearer view! On the left, you can see a picture I took with my phone through my 15x70s. I would recommend looking at it when it's only half illuminated, as you will be able to see the shadows cast by the craters of the moon, a very cool sight. I'd also recommend looking online for the moon's phases to catch it at the perfect time!
Number 2: The Great Orion Nebula
Constellation: Orion
Season: Winter
The Great Orion Nebula is the brightest nebula in the sky, and can even be seen with the naked eye if you know where to look and have dark enough skies! Though it won’t look quite the same through binoculars as in the picture above (a convenient plug of my astrophotography), you will still get a lovely view of the diffusing gasses surrounding the core of the nebula. To find it, you simply need to find the easily identifiable asterism ‘Orion’s Belt’ in the winter months, then point your binoculars downward to Orion’s scabbard. You should be able to see the nebula in this chain of stars! Don’t forget to use a mobile app if you’re struggling to locate anything. This relatively easy to find cloud of beautiful and bright gas 1,300 light years away easily makes it to the top spot of this list!
Number 3: The Andromeda Galaxy
Constellation: Andromeda
Season: Summer, Autumn
Coming at a close third on this list is the Andromeda galaxy. Similar to the Orion Nebula, this DSO (deep sky object) is also visible to the naked eye under the right conditions. However, something setting it apart from the Orion Nebula, and at the same time making the fact we can observe it with just our eyes so much more impressive, is its great distance of 2 million light years from earth. To find it, look for the Andromeda constellation, find the star Mirach (the bright star second from the left), then hop up two stars to find the galaxy! Through binoculars, you should be able to see it as a distinct smudge in the sky. For me, the understanding that the photons you’re seeing have been travelling for millions of years in itself is enough to make the process of finding this object worth it!
Number 4: The Pleaides
Constellation: Taurus
Season: Autumn, Winter
The Pleaides, otherwise known as ‘The Seven Sisters’, is the first star cluster to make it onto our list, and for a good reason. Easily the brightest open cluster of stars in the sky, and visible to the naked eye, this target should be an easy one to spot. Unfortunately, while you can’t quite capture the nebulosity through binoculars, this target really shines at some higher magnification, distinctly revealing its shape and brightness. I love looking at this target through my 15x70s, and am even more excited when I get a chance to image it with my camera and telephoto lens! To find it, you can either see it rising below the Perseus constellation, or find it by tracing upwards from the Taurus constellation. Enjoy!
Number 5: The Great Star Cluster in Hercules
Constellation: Hercules
Season: Spring, Summer
Unlike the Pleaides, the Great Hercules Cluster is known as a ‘globular’ star cluster, comprising of hundreds of thousands of stars. It looks great through a small scope or binoculars. To find it, look to the right side of the Hercules constellation. It can be found in between the top right and bottom right stars forming the body of Hercules.
Enjoy the Skies!
The best way to experience the night sky is to get out under it and explore it as much as possible. Learn to navigate by hopping between constellations and stars, learn the positions of the impressive deep sky objects such as the Andromeda Galaxy, and get a better feel for these DSOs with a pair of binoculars or small scope. I hope this post has helped give the night sky a bit more character for you, and has motivated you to start exploring the stars. Until the next post, clear skies!
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