Binocular observing in Kent

[Cary Jacobs]

Hi!

The forecast is for clear skies across the board tonight here in Kent so I plan on making the most of it! I will be visiting a quiet beach along the North Kent coast where I've seen spectacular dark skies in the past but this time I'll be armed with my binoculars. 🕵️‍♀️

Is there anything you would recommend looking out for at this time of year?

 

Thanks,

Cary

[Davey-T]

34 minutes ago, Cary Jacobs said:

The forecast is for clear skies across the board tonight here in Kent

Let's hope so, the forecast was for clear skies all day but as soon as I set up for solar it's clouded over 😟

Dave

[Knighty2112]

M31 of course in Andromeda. Normally looks pretty good in binos. Also, try the clusters (M36, M37 & M38) in Auriga. If dark enough you should be able to nab these as small fuzzies.

Edited October 2, 2019 by Knighty2112

[ScouseSpaceCadet]

After 11pm. Looking east, C41 Hyades and M42 Pleiades open clusters would make nice easy bino targets. Keep going up from those to, M34 open cluster to NGC 752 Open cluster, the further up from there, M31 Andromeda galaxy.

 

[Ben the Ignorant]

4 hours ago, Cary Jacobs said:

Is there anything you would recommend looking out for at this time of year?

It's a very common question from beginners who probably don't know that many things can be observed with binoculars on any night. Too many to make a practical list in a post. We've been advising beginners to start with binocs instead of a telescope, but I'm starting to think a sky atlas should come first. Sky & Telescope's Pocket Sky Atlas is ideal, not too big, not overwhelming with too many entries, costs only 20€, and complete enough to be used at the telescope for several years after the binocular initiation.

https://www.teleskop-express.de/shop/product_info.php/language/en/info/p193_Kompakte-Version-des-Sky-Atlas-2000---bis-7-6mag.html

[Cary Jacobs]

Thanks for the info guys!

[mark81]

+1 for checking out Auriga - perfectly placed for binocular viewers

[ScouseSpaceCadet]

Dont forget to install Sky Safari on your phone. It's free and easy to use.

[BinocularSky]

18 hours ago, Ben the Ignorant said:

but I'm starting to think a sky atlas should come first.

With my binos, I tend to use Collins Gem Stars - Text by Ian Ridpath, charts by Wil Tirion, and it fits in a shirt pocket - what's not to like? 🙂