as cool as Andromeda

[deric]

Looking at the galaxy in Andromeda with binoculars-sorry don't know the numbers, it might be M31but that's my favorite astronomy thing to do.  To me it's like listening to Led Zep I or II.  A mind expanding experience.  What's mind expanding about it is just realizing what it is and how far away it is.   I think about how far away the stars are but then there's this thing so far away I can't comprehend it and it's made of billions of stars and planets and other intelligent beings doing who knows what.  

And here we are specks upon specks in the incredibly large universe.   I was wondering if there is anything to observe that is as cool as M31?  Without a large telescope that is.  Please send your thoughts.   Thanks!

[Sirius Starwatcher]

Good morning deric welcome to the lounge. Like you just started with a pair of bins. grab a free app for your phone something like the planets and  a pocket star atlas  . Plenty to see out their with your bins.. Moon, Saturn, Mars and a whole lot more. Clouds Allowing of course

[Pete Presland]

Hi welcome to SGL from Pete in Bedfordshire

[michigander]

Welcome to SGL, Deric!

Dana

[purdo]

Hi Deric & Welcome to SGL.  If you look at the Observing forum there is a section on Binoculars.

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

Welcome Deric. M42, the Great Orion Nebula is great even in a small scope (in winter). M81 and M82 in Ursa Major are also very nice.

[swag72]

Hi and welcome to SGL - Sweeping the Milky Way with the binos is quite nice.

Look forward to seeing you around

[reddoss]

Welcome to SGL Deric. 

I agree with those above, a pair of binos (15 x 70's with a tripod are a good bet,) can reveal lots of astronomical goodies such as the double cluster.

[Floater]

Welcome. I find it ALL rather amazing ...

[laudropb]

Hello and welcome to the SGL

[bob-c]

welcome deric to sgl and this wonderfull hoby.

rob.

[HIP3802]

Hi, Deric, and a warm welcome to SGL!

[glowjet]

Hi Deric and welcome to SGL

[algol]

Sometimes I like to imagine someone on a planet in andromeda looking at the milky way through their scope

[JamesM]

Hi and welcome to the forum

Clear skies

James

[ToxoLight]

Hi Deric and welcome to the lounge, this site http://binocularsky.com/ might be of interest to you.

[gingergeek]

Hi there and welcome to SGL

[Siriusmeg]

Hello and welcome from me too - it's all pretty mind-blowing really     Try M13 globular cluster in Hercules - how many stars...

[Paul M]

Hi Deric and welcome!

There is no better way to discover the universe for yourself. A nice dark sky and a pair of bins.

No setting up, no heavy gear, affordable and the best view you'll ever see!

[Astronigel]

Hi Deric and welcome to SGL.

I think its thoughts similar to whgat you mention that brings many of us into astronomy, certainly the case for me. 

Peering through an eyepiece your mind can wander far. Puts day to day life into perspective also.

[Leoanrd]

Hi and welcome!

[Dave In Vermont]

Greetings & welcome!

I'm new here, too. Looks very good indeed.

Clear & Dark Skies,

Dave

[Charon]

Welcome aboard.

[Bizibilder]

Hello Deric and welcome to SGL!!

[C7tsj]

Welcome to SGL.

Mark