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Home / Lifestyle / Technology & Gadgets
Technology & Gadgets

Going Stargazing? Bring These Accessories Along

By Patricia Doherty on September 12, 2017

Vintage binoculars that are as much a collector's item as they are high-powered, and more must-haves for anyone with an eye on the sky.

© Allexxandar

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Last month’s solar eclipse was the most observed and photographed in history, with millions across the United States seeing either a partial or total eclipse. A CNN poll predicted that over half of Americans would be watching, and NASA reported that their live-stream had over 4.4 million viewers.

The experience has undoubtedly inspired new interest in our solar system, with astronomy clubs and stargazing events available in every community. Astronomy travel, through specialized agencies, is increasing in popularity as well. 

The International Dark Sky Association has designated over 50 locations in the United States and abroad as Dark Sky Parks, where limited light pollution creates ideal stargazing conditions. Nine of these are located in Utah and five are in Arizona.

Amateur stargazers are advised to begin with quality binoculars, which allow freedom of movement and wide field of view.  Many who enjoy this introduction to the stars will want to move on to more complex and powerful equipment. Some may even become enamored with optical devices, so we have included a rare collector’s item to excite one of those special buyers.

With many options on the market and accessories designed to make watching the sky more comfortable, convenient, and rewarding, we have listed a few ideas to get you started.

 
Courtesy World's Best

Imperial Japanese Navy Giant Binoculars, Circa 1935

This gorgeous piece was restored to gleaming perfection, still providing clear, bright images through its high-power, wide-angle lenses. Rare and unique, it’s a coveted collector’s item and an example of technological achievement dating back nearly a century. One who appreciates fine optics, inventiveness, and history will take great pleasure in owning these binoculars, available exclusively from World's Best.  

From $40,000; worldsbest.com.

Courtesy Telescope

"Discover the Stars: Beginner’s Astronomy Guidebook" by Richard Berry

Written by the former editor of Astronomy magazine, the book includes details on each month’s entire visible sky with text pointing out that month’s sky attractions and constellation mythology. The second section highlights unusual stars, clusters, nebulas, and galaxies. A great guidebook for beginning stargazers, it includes information on selecting and using a telescope.

$16; telescope.com.

 

Courtesy Oberwerk

Farvision 20 x 50S Image-Stabilized Binocular

Portable and lightweight, this powerful binocular offers mechanical image stabilization, a necessity for hand-held viewing. Said to be the finest image-stabilized binocular on the market, it’s perfect for astronomy and long-distance observation.

$2995; oberwerk.com.

Courtesy Celestron

Celestron CPC 1100 XLT Go To Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope

An advanced and specialized design, Cassegrain telescopes use elements of refractors and reflectors to bend and reflect light. Computerized Go To pointing technology and Sky Align makes it easy to set up and orient the telescope to see over 40,000 celestial objects. 

$2999; celestron.com.

 

Courtesy Telescope

Orion SteadyPix EZ Smartphone Telescope Photo Adapter

Of course, stargazers will want to share their experiences on Instagram, post on their website, or document their finds in albums. This Smartphone Telescope Photo Adapter makes it easy to snap a photo of the view through the telescope’s eyepiece. The adapter holds the phone securely for sharp, focused snapshots.

$90; telescope.com.

Courtesy Pearson

"Astronomy: A Beginner’s Guide to the Universe" by Eric Chaisson and Steve McMillan

The authors emphasize the size and scale of the universe, the process of science, and the evolution of the cosmos. The 8th edition includes new discoveries from the latest space missions. Illustrations and diagrams help explain their concepts.

$143; amazon.com.

Courtesy Company Seven

Company Seven StarBound Astronomy Viewing Chair

With a padded seat and easy height adjustment, an observer can be in a comfortable, steady position for a variety of telescope eyepiece heights. The chair folds into a compact, flat profile, making it convenient to transport and store. The black steel frame and padded seat are sturdy and durable. 

$160; amazon.com.

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