Skywatcher Bins

[MJP]

I have found 17x50 Skywatcher Bins idea for the moon, star clusters etc but when I look at Jupiter the moons are clear but the planet is just a sparkle (like a star) and not a disk. Same applies looking at Venus.

Is there anything I can do to improve this.

Mike

[Alkaid]

Hiya,

You probably won't see the planets resolved as a disk using bins. Those bins have got reletively decent apeture (for binoculars), so you will see the planet and also pick up the light reflecting off the moons, but 17x mag is still too small for viewing a planet as a disk with any detail.

Your binoculars will be good for viewing open star clusters, bright nebula such as M42 and a few 'bright' galaxies such as M31. A dark sky site will help no end, plus a tripod for a steady view. They'll also show some nice detail on the moon.

Happy viewing!

BR - Steve

[kniclander]

Jupiter should certainly resolve as a disc in 17x50s as it does in 10 x50s. at that mag you would need to keep them very steady and focus very accurately - maybe if you put them on a tripod?