On the northern horizon the comet E2 Lovejoy is zooming through Aquila. Its current magnitude is about 7.6. You can easily see it with your 10x50 binoculars. There should be a fuzzy dot close to Lovejoy comet, though it moves from night to night significantly. By the end of this week Lovejoy will reach its peak in brightness, so these days are the best time to look at the comet with your astronomical binoculars.

Although the moon is located about 380,000 kilometers from Earth, it always drew people’s attention. It has been an object of emotional sentiment since ancient times. And yet many mysteries about the moon's history remain unsolved. Searching for answers, this summer Japan will launch moon observation satellites.
A pair of binoculars comes in handy if you want to see craters and other surface details on the moon on a clear night sky. Even 8x binoculars with lenses about 20 millimeters in diameter used for spectator sports and other occasions can serve this purpose. An interesting fact is that such binoculars are equivalent in performance to the telescope Galileo used 400 years ago, so you can fully enjoy watching the moon with them.
The moon revolves around Earth about once every 28 days. So, the next question that comes up is when is a good time to observe the moon? Well, to be honest with you, the moon looks different depending on the time.
When you find the moon and bring the binoculars to your eyes, adjust the focus as needed. To prevent you binoculars from shaking, make sure to hold them with both hands, and press the eyepieces lightly against the eyes without bringing your elbows up too much.
And you will discover views that you've never seen in your life and that differ from looking at pictures.

Happy Earth day to everyone (better late than never)! Get out of your homes, take your binoculars, digital camera binoculars, telescopes, spotting scopes, or whatever you have, and enjoy the beauty of this world!
It seems that celebrating nature is Michigan's official public policy. Recently somebody in the Legislature introduced a bill to raise fees for hunting and fishing licenses. It turns out that The Department of Natural Resources needs the money, so hunters and anglers have become the only people willing to supply it. A decade ago, the DNR needed the money, so the taxpayers provided a quarter of the money for them. At this time, general fund spending on the DNR is down to about 8%.
Elected representatives failing to meet their own obligations are asking hunters and anglers to take up the slack, not to violate the letter of the law.

In order to enjoy bird watching you need to be interested in it on the first place, and also have a birding binocular, but the second most important thing is that you need to know certain things, which will make your hobby more fun and easy. If you know some of them, good for you, but if not, then simply read it, and try to follow them if you like any of them.
So, the first thing is about your binoculars. If you're wearing glasses, then turn the eyecups down, and if you don't wear glasses turn your eyecups to the up position. And if you're sharing binoculars with your family or friends, you also need to make sure that each person, in turn, adjusts the eyecups.
Secondly, you need to be very careful with your eyes if you wear glasses. The distance behind the eyepiece where you can see the whole field of view is called binocular's eye relief. S, everyone who wears glasses needs to look for binoculars tha have an eye relief of at least 15 or 16 mm.
Thirdly, if you wear glasses, you need to keep them on when using binoculars, do that even if you wear bifocals or progressive lenses. By the way, if don't wear your glasses, you won't be able to find birds.
Also when buying binoculars you'll see two numbers on them, the first number indicates the power of the binocular. Meaning, it tells you how many times the object you see in reality will be magnified in your binoculars. As for the second number, it refers to the measurement in millimeters, of the diameter of the objective lens at the far end of your binocular. In general, it means how much light this binocular will let in.
Knowing all this will be enough for some time if you're just starting your watch, but later on you'll need to read more and more every time. But I'm sure that that'll be fun for you!
Good luck in your watch!

If you extremely love birding, then a reliable pair of birding binoculars will become a valuable accessory to help you focus on tons of interesting local and varied visiting birds which you can observe during the changing seasons.

Nowadays bird watching is a very popular hobby. When you think about it, you can also find it very beneficial, because it combines the advantages of light outdoor exercise with the miracle of discovering a wide range of colorful and intriguing friends. And the most exciting thing is that you'll always have new sightings and studies to make, because the bird population tends to change with the weather.

If you enjoy hiking or country walks, take your binoculars with you all the time, because you never know what you see on your way. Your local conservation center may also help you by offering the opportunity to participate in group outings and watch the behavior of birds. Having your own set of binoculars suitable for bird watching is a must for every birdwatcher.

For making your birdwatching hobby relaxing and diverting take your friends and family out with you!

I've been studying American history, so decided to share with you my thoughts and findings. I learned that on January 24th of 1882 an American solar astronomer Harold Babcock was born. Due to my interest in astronomy and my love to sky gazing, I read it more carefully than all the rest. So, in 1961 Babcock proposed that the sunspot cycle was the result of the Sun's differential rotation and magnetic field. So, after these words, I decided to look outside of the window, but didn't see the sun, because it was behind the clouds.
Then I looked at it now when I was writing to you, so there some tips how you should look at the sun. Well, first of all, the best way to do it, is through the special filter, if you of course have binoculars, but anyway, there is also a so called "projection method" that you can use.
The sun, stars, planets, and of course, constellations are gorgeous, and you'll be surprised how easily you fall in love with them. The only thing is that you'll need either astronomical binoculars, observation binoculars, telescope, or even a spotting scope.
Before buying binoculars and spending money, I think that you should read about it, and start enjoying sky without them. And then you'll see if you like it or not.
Good luck, and clear skies to you!

For all those living in southwest Georgia and northeast Florida this evening might become a very special one. Because around 8:56 pm of their local time, they'll be able to see the Iota Cancri star blink out due to Xanthe asteroid passing in front of it.
This event is called an occultation. Asteroid's orbit passes right in front of a star, and the star appears to wink out or drop in brightness. Because asteroids are small, a specific occultation can only be seen along a narrow corridor.
Iota Cancri is a visible star, shining at magnitude of 4.2, so it means that it'll be easy visible from dark skies without even your observation binoculars. But if you live in a big city, you'll definitely need a pair of binoculars in order to see it more clearly.

Anyways, I hope you'll enjoy it tonight. Good luck!

Well, to tell you the truth, I don't know where it comes from, but I LOVE watching eagles in flight, they are so beautiful, and sometimes I even envy them thinking why people don't fly...

In order to better see them, you need to get a good clarity with the help of your birding binoculars. You'll need to go for at least 7x35 magnification, and you also need to be prepared to spend a good portion of money for the good pair of binoculars. That'll be only one part in order to reach your goal.
When you go to watch eagles or any other birds never wear white or bright colors, because it drives the birds off.
When you are in the process of looking for birds with your binocular, rise it to your eyes without moving your head.
When the trees leaf out, the only way to locate birds sometimes would be by their sounds.

So, there many tricks that you'll acquire when you start observing birds. This is one of the best hobbies that helps you relax and unites you with nature.

Good luck on your watch!

So, if you're a beginning birdwatcher, or simply enjoy this hobby, then you'll definitely be looking for the best instrument to look for different species around. From my own experience standard binoculars will work fine, but they don't offer the best results, such as picture quality and needed magnification. So, my advice to you is to think about digital camera binoculars.
Now you may ask what digital camera binoculars are. Well, you know that with time and modern technologies our world is changing, so what we used for birding about 5 or more years ago, and called binoculars, now is called digital camera binoculars. Of course it differs from the regular binoculars, mainly in that you not only can take digital pictures, but also capture video.
But as there are so many different types of binoculars for birding you also need to know how to choose a binocular for birding. You think it's not easy, but when you start learning, you'll see that everything is not that difficult. Read several articles and books about binoculars and birding before you decide what you really need. And when you decide - you're ready to go into your first birding trip! Good luck!

Have you ever wondered about the life in other galaxies that are million light years away from you? Have ever tried done cosmic exploration? Did you enjoy it?
Today I just want to talk to you about the joy of astronomy that comes when you start finding your way around the night starry sky. I remember myself when I first started this hobby (as I thought at first, which actually now is an essential part of my life). My interest started at school, when I was taking astronomy class. I had to read a lot, browsed the astronomy books for beginners, looked there for stars, the Moon, and other planets and constellations. After that when I played outside I started paying attention to what is really going on in the sky. I remember that I'd choose several stars and stare at them for hours hoping that either their location or something else will change. My parents notice all this, and decided to give me binoculars as a present. I don't even remember if I was happy, more likely not. But by the time I discovered the real power of this mysterious binocular tool, I was the happiest child in the whole world.

Later on I read that binoculars can be of different types: astronomical binoculars, observation binoculars, birding binoculars, marine binoculars, military binoculars, hunting binoculars, and much more depending on the application. I still haven't tried all of them, and perhaps there won't be any need for that, but I know for sure that this hobby have changed my life, understanding, perception and even some of my values. And I'm happy about it!

If you enjoy observing the night sky with your binoculars or maybe you even like to take pictures or make small videos with your digital camera binoculars, then this whole week is the best time for you to go out at night.

If after sunset you look west then your gaze will be immediately drawn to the brilliant Venus. But if you look at the sky when the twilight deepens, then you'll be surprised and amazed with a view of a softly glowing group of stars located above Venus. This group is known as the Pleiades. It is a featured player in a timeless story of danger and deliverance. Take a look into Greek mythology, and find the goddesses, called Seven Sisters. You'll be dazzled with what you find out.

When you look at the Pleiades without your astronomical binoculars, you'll most likely see only the brightest six stars of the cluster. Binoculars will help you reveal many more stars. In long exposure images, the Pleiades can be seen in all their glory - dozens of stars encased in the fluorescing gas from which they were formed.

Any night of this week, close to the Pleiades, you'll also easily find the Hunter-Orion (if you read the story of Pleiades from the Greek mythology, you already know who that is). If you're viewing the Pleiades with your binoculars, be sure to turn them toward the three stars that comprise the "Orion's belt". This enormous gas cloud shows up quite nicely in binoculars, and sometimes can be glimpsed naked-eye on dark, moonless nights.

Today one of my best friends came from a trip to France, I was so excited to see her, and to be honest with you I was even more excited to se her pictures of a country of my dream. So, we decided to meet for lunch and she promised to tell me her impressions.
Bu can you imagine my disappointment that when we met, she didn't have any pictures with her. But that's not all, she didn't take any picture at all. She said that she remembers everything, and that she doesn't need photos.
I don't know your reaction, but I was shocked, because pictures of places where I've been are very important for me. Even when I go for a hike, or on a small trip in mountains, so somewhere else, I take digital camera binoculars with me.
Of course, when it wasn't so easy to buy, and not everyone could afford having camera binoculars, I didn't have one. At that time I simply used binoculars and digital camera as two separate tools. To be honest with you, I don't care if getting ready for a trip I forget a toothbrush, or even something from cosmetics, I can live without it, but forgetting my binoculars brings a whole new meaning to regret. For me it's like forgetting my passport when traveling overseas...

So, suddenly you decided that you want to observe the whole universe, all the stars, planets, comets, and constellation... But there is one thing - you definitely can't afford a telescope. Well, don't panic, believe me that you'll be very satisfied with either astronomical binoculars or observation binoculars. And the night sky you'll be able to see will be wonderful.
Unlike telescopes, binoculars are much cheaper, easy to use and carry, and can be perfectly handy for an amateur astronomer. And you'll be amazed with the detailed views of the night treasures.
The easiest way to start your night journey is the moon, but there are also so many other objects you can start with. In a while if you want to improve the quality of your observations, you'll need a tripod-stand for it.

The most important thing is to enjoy and experiment with your binoculars and make new turns on during your night sky journey! Good luck!

This may sound funny, but according to my experience in a situation when you are going to a concert of your favourite singer or some other very important for you event, and you can't afford good seats, digital camera binoculars will be very handy. It will not only help you bring object closer, but many of the digital camera binoculars will let you take not only digital pictures, but also capture video, that you'll be able to share with your friends and family.
It was just a thought, so try yourself and tell me what you think!

Today I'll tell you about one out of 12 zodiacal constellations called Virgo. As you can guess, Virgo is a mythological name. Ancient civilizations had their ideas about who Virgo was, and these versions range from Isis, the Egyptian mother of goddess, to Ishtar of the Sumerian-Chaldean civilizations, to Ceres, the goddess of agriculture of the Greeks and Romans. Almost always she was presented as a maiden.
Virgo constellation is very spread out, and so difficult to locate. Most often it is depicted as rectangle with its brightest star - Spica - at the lower right corner. At early times Spica represented some harvest agricultural product. Virgo is a very interesting and fascinating constellation, but the major attraction for astronomers is the Virgo super cluster of galaxies. And many of these galaxies can be easily seen with your astronomical binoculars. But remember that in order to find them in your observation binoculars, look for the fuzzy, small clumps of light. And believe me that it'll be worth it to spend some time with your binoculars searching the sky, because most likely you'll see more than just one constellation with many double stars there too!

Have fun and clear skies to you!

At this time of year planets like Venus, Saturn and Jupiter are taking turn dominating on the April sky. But the celestial zoo with bears, lions, and even a dragon sprawling across the northern sky, is definitely coming back.
You'll easily and unmistakably find Venus above the northwestern horizon at dusk. Take out your astronomical binoculars, and you'll get the most beautiful sight as it passes south.
You can also take you time to admire the beautiful rings of Saturn. But after that you'll be able to enjoy several nebula along the line between the star Regulus at the bottom of the Sickle, and the triangle of stars that form the Lion's tail.
If you're an early star gazer then on April 28th you'll be fascinated to see Mars and Uranus very close together with your binoculars on the clear eastern horizon.
Good luck to all of you and clear skies!

It's very difficult when you come to the point of buying your own binoculars. I remember how I felt when I was at that dilemma, so today I've decided to help you out with some advices.
First of all, when you look at the price and it varies a lot, it means that good binoculars simply cost more to manufacture than less expensive ones. If the binocular glass and coatings are heavier, alignments are more precise, all of this will contribute to a higher cost of your binoculars. Simply to say, you get what you pay for!
While researching the binoculars market, I've found a very interesting article about How to buy binoculars guide. This is a wonderful guide that will tell you about different types of binoculars, such as marine binoculars, observation binoculars, astronomical binoculars, and many others, there you'll also find out what all the numbers in binoculars mean, and many other interesting facts.
So, good luck in making your decision!

Most of the people who love watching the night sky or enjoy bird watching use either astronomical binoculars or birding binoculars. You might be using some other kind of binoculars, but do you really know what binoculars are?
Well, binoculars are a combination of lenses and prisms. Lenses gather the light and focus the image, and prisms on the other hand, fold the light rays back and forth.
The first number in the binoculars description describes you the magnification amount that this particular device has. And the second number reveals you the diameter of the objective lens in millimeters.
When buying binoculars also remember that each of your eyes has its own focus point. It means that glasses will have a separate focus for both the right and the left lenses. So, less expensive glasses will only have a single focus.

Good luck in your search! And clear skies to you!

Today I wanted to give you some ideas for the best gifts for your friends. You can hardly find a better gift that a digital camera binoculars. I understand that every person loves observing the dark sky or watching birds on the trees, but I'm sure that everyone loves photography. So, it means that with digital camera binoculars you can make everyone happy. These instruments are wonderful for people who are interested in taking long-distance pictures, like birdwatchers or wildlife enthusiasts. Here are the the three binocular/camera combos:
1) Celestron VistaPix 8x32 3.0 MegaPixel Digital Camera Binoculars w/LCD Screen SD Slot
This unit consists of a high quality integrated binocular and a state-of-the-art digital camera in one compact, easy-to-use unit. It also has a high level of megapixels for a binocular camera – 3.0 MP and a snazzy design.
2) Meade 8x42 CaptureView w/LCD Screen 3.0 MP & SD/MMC Slot Digital Binoculars
This one has one less megapixel than the binocular/camera above, but it has a large 42mm multi-coated objective lenses deliver super bright images even in low light. Its 1.5" diagonal color LCD of this flips up for composing or reviewing images and video instantly!
3) Bushnell InstantReplay 3.2 MP Digital Binocular 8x32 LCD
This is the only digital binocular camera that takes pictures through the actual binocular lens, and it means you capture exactly what you see with the same magnification! This kit is ideal for the sports enthusiast as well as the bird or wildlife watcher. When you see something you like, just press the capture button and the binoculars automatically save the last 30 seconds.

I hope this will be very helpful to at least one of you! Good luck!