Mike D. Reynolds - Binocular Stargazing

Acknowledgments

Simply put, I love binocular astronomy. I have a number of telescopes (as my bride will correctly tell you, a few too many), yet I always carry a pair of binoculars with me regardless of my observing plans. But this was not always the case. Years ago, my then new wife, Debbie, and I would take our telescope out observing, and soon she began insisting on my bringing binoculars. I had a pair of old 7 35s I had been using since I was a kid, which are now more than forty years old. Shed use the 7 35s and Id use the telescope. It seemed as though I would go over and use the binoculars when she discovered some jewel in the sky more often than shed come over to the telescope.

The reason was simple: The low magnification, wide field of view, and ability to use both eyes allowed me to exploreto take inthe heavens on a different and, in some ways, more compelling level. Throughout my days as an educator and museum professional, people often asked me which telescope they should buy. My answer always surprised them.

So I guess this book has a long history, since I first lifted those inexpensive 7 35s skyward more than forty years ago. Binocular Stargazing is built on that history, as well as the assistance of a number of people. Peter Abrahams, fellow Antique Telescope Society member, has done a significant amount of historical binocular research that he was gracious in sharing with me. Dave Branchett, Phil Budine, and Gonzalo Vargas shared not only their binocular drawings, but also their enthusiasm, their drawing techniques, and some of their favorite objects. Likewise, one of my college students, Amber Hamilton, is a gifted artist and allowed me to use a couple of her sketches.

Even though they prepared what one would call technical sketches and diagrams, Ted Cox, David Frantz, and Rob Little contributed their incredible skills creating specific graphics for this book. Id ask, Can you illustrate this concept? and it would appearbetter than I had imagined! Wayne Green, one of my astro friends from junior high days, did an excellent job of illustrating binocular mounts with the help of a star trail, his wife, Christine, and a little computer assistance. Other photo contributions came from Dr. Wolfgang Wimmer of Carl Zeiss and Craig Weather-wax of Oceanside Photo and Telescope.

You will note my references to a couple of observing programs. My sincere thanks to Mike Benson, who chairs a number of the Astronomical Leagues Observing Clubs for his encouragement and support, as well as Elizabeth Waagen of the American Association of Variable Star Observers for graphics and program advice. I was also fortunate to have available the Washington Double Star Catalog, which is maintained at the United States Naval Observatory.

Some are talented with pen or pencil, others with photographic emulsion. The astronomical photos you see by Jerry Armstrong, Conrad Jung, Carter Roberts, and Vic Winter are simply some of the very best. I told someone that Vic simply drips with photographic talent, and I think you will agree.

I am also fortunate that I had a team of talented people who read the manuscript and provided solid input, on both the astronomy and the readability of the text. My most sincere thanks to Roger Curry, Dr. Rusty Harvin (another astro friend from elementary school days), Mike Ramirez, Mike Benson, and Pete Reynolds for their manuscript review and comments. My sister Susan LaForty worked hard trying to keep me grammatically correct. Any errors are my own and not due to anyone else.

David Levy is an amazing guy. I enjoy the opportunities to observe with David, who, like me, is enthusiastically rediscovering the sky with each look. I am humbled that he would write the Foreword for Binocular Stargazing.

Mark Allison and the entire Stackpole Books publishing team have again been a real pleasure to work with. They are supportive and committed to putting out a publication that readers will enjoy and find useful. I would especially like to thank Assistant Editor Chris Chappell, who has worked with me on this project.

Finally, most sincere thanks to my wife and best friend of more than thirty-two years. Debbie not only encourages my writing, but also is there to lift me up when I get bogged down. Plus, she still insists on taking those binoculars out when we go observing.

Keep looking up!

Mike D. Reynolds, Ph.D.
Jacksonville, Florida