13 Reasons to use Binoculars for Astronomy [And How]

Wondering whether binoculars are any good for astronomy. There are many reasons to use binoculars in stargazing. How good are binoculars for astronomy? Here are 13 reasons to invest in a pair if you’re a night-sky watcher…

What can you see with astronomy binoculars? Let’s see. Comets. The Moon’s features in more detail. But read on for reasons why it’s worth getting a good pair of astronomy binoculars.

Using binoculars for astronomy

There are several ways to use binoculars for astronomy. I know from using them that for all of the ways I list below, you first need a way to steady them. Place your elbows on a fence, on the roof of your vehicle, or on a table while holding the binoculars. I list other alternatives further below.

1. Accessory to telescope

It’s not a matter of binoculars vs telescope, but rather a case of binoculars adding to the experience of using that home telescope. They help with finding stars and planets in the night sky and enhance your perspective when navigating the sky. 

Binoculars have a wide field of view (FOV), as compared to telescopes. This wider FOV makes it easier to find planets or other targets in the sky. They help you get acquainted with the objects in the sky and the positioning in relation to other celestial bodies. They are like having an extra finderscope showing you the sky the ‘right way up‘.

2. Above horizon viewing

Binoculars are the best for viewing stars and planets that are rising and are just above the horizon. It can be difficult to position and use a telescope for this angle. Try viewing Venus at this angle when it’s above the horizon.

3. Viewing comets

Binoculars are perfect for observing bright comets like 21P, 38P, and 46P/Wirtanen of 2018 that grace our skies from time to time and are spectacular sights. It can be tricky using a telescope, given the pace of the comet.

4. Find outer planets

With binoculars, you can search out Uranus and Neptune with the help of finder charts. These planets are distant and you’ll have trouble seeing them with the naked eye and compared to the larger Jupiter or even Saturn with its rings, they don’t have stand out features.

Neptune has a star magnitude of about 8 and Uranus 5, which are within the said limit of 9 for binocular viewing. You need to train your eye though. Allow your eyes to adapt to the darkness, and to keep your eyes dark-adapted, avoid bright light. This means using a red flashlight to find your way and to read charts. I have an article about how to make your own red light.

5. Planet viewing and star hopping

Quality astronomy binoculars are useful for planet viewing, especially Jupiter with its moons and Saturn with its rings. And, they are great for viewing interesting conjunctions of the planets.

Expect to see the reddish glow of Mars and the red giants of stars, Aldebaran, Betelgeuse, and Antares, through a good set of binoculars. Alpha Centauri appears yellowish and Beta Centauri blueish.

6. Lunar occultations

Small binoculars are ideal for observing lunar occultations (when the Moon passes in front) of a star of magnitude 4 or less (brighter). 

7. Moon features

Binoculars are great for viewing what you can see on the Moon — making out the large craters and maria (seas) and more. 

8. Finding fainter stars

Binoculars are best for finding the fainter stars shown in star atlases and finder charts.

Binoculars can help you see up to 25x – 50x more stars than with your naked eyes –depending on the unit you choose. This is more than just the magnification. It’s to do with enhanced perception.

Compared to a telescope, binoculars allow magnification for both eyes and so you double (enhance) the opportunity for your brain to scan and register the starlight of the night sky.

9. ‘Dimmed’ stars

A moonlit sky makes stars appear dimmer. Binoculars help with finding and viewing stars that appear dim due to the brightness and position of the Moon in the night sky.

10. Moons of Jupiter

The more powerful ones are useful for observing the moons of Jupiter as they move around the planet.

At present astronomers recognize 79 Jovian moons, so there are plenty to look for.

11. Great for kids

Binoculars can be more lightweight and compact than portable telescopes. They are also easy to use, require minimal set up, and are a great way to get children interested in astronomy.

12. Wider field of view

Binoculars have a wider field of view and this is a big plus for scanning the sky for targets and seeing patterns in the cosmos. You get a better appreciation of how night sky objects are positioned in relation to each other.

13. Give you the correct perspective

You’ll see the night sky the right side up. It can be confusing looking through the focuser of a telescope when using a sky chart or even after looking at the sky with your unaided eyes as standard telescopes show you the sky upside down.

For more tips on getting a better experience, see my article on exploring the night sky with binoculars.

How to set up binoculars for astronomy

I think everyone would or should know the basics of using a pair of binoculars. There are three things that can cause you a little bit of frustration with astronomy binoculars. One is focussing, two is image stability, and three is finding the target object.

1. Focusing the Binoculars

Getting the binoculars ready for viewing can be done in less than 20 seconds.

First make sure the binoculars are spread to fit the width of your face so that you see one circular frame not an overlap of two. Then focus to suit your eyes…

1. Right lens – focus binoculars
   Place a lens cover over the right front lens (or close that eye) and focus the binoculars by turning or adjusting the diopter (the eyepiece that turns).
2. Left lens – adjust eyepiece
   Switch to left side. With the front left lens only covered (or left eye only shut), adjust that same eyepiece ring until the image is sharp.
3. Ready to go
   Remove the lens covers or open your eyes and you are ready to go

2. Stabilizing the image

You need to keep the binoculars steady for a clear view. You can try to brace yourself by placing your elbows on a table, a railing, or the roof of your car.

You’ll find better alternatives for comfort that are also portable in my article on how to hold binoculars steady.

A camera tripod is a sturdy approach but it does take setting up. If your binoculars don’t have the adapter inbuilt for this, an option is to buy a universal mount for the tripod and strap the binoculars on it. An example…

Snapzoom Universal Binocular Tripod Mount
Available at Amazon

Another option is to invest in image stabilized binoculars that have sensors to detect and remedy movement. But these are expensive. A good example that comes highly recommended is the Canon 15×50 IS.

3. Finding the Object in the Night Sky

People tend to look lower than the object they wish to target when using their binoculars or telescope for astronomy. Practice helps with this. I benefited from this tip from NightWatch: Try tipping the binoculars up.

Sometimes it’s easier to find a planet or other bright object that stands out and then star hop across to where you want to go. I find using a tree or some other landmark as a pointer to the object and then moving your binoculars up to the object also helps.

It’s a good idea to practice on bright objects first until you get the hang of it.

It’s also best to plan your timing as it is difficult to look directly up with binoculars especially with a tripod. You might want to get comfy and lay back in a reclined seat or on a rug on the ground while hand-holding th binoculars if you are wanting to study the center of the sky.

Video on how to use binoculars

Final thoughts

Astronomy binoculars have many advantages and enhance the experience of night sky watching. The thing with astronomy binoculars, especially the larger ones, is that you need a way to keep them stable, either with a tripod or other means of support.

If you’re new here and starting out with astronomy, be sure to check out our Beginner’s Page where you will find helpful guides and tips to get more out of your stargazing experience.

Or, see our Buyer’s Guide Section if you are looking to buy astronomy gear and need some help sorting through the numerous options.