Robert J. Korpella asked:

On dark, clear nights an amazing world awaits even the casual observer. Telescopes and binoculars are optional and the viewing is best on nights when the moon is not full. So here are five great ways to enjoy a clear night with the kids:

Look for satellites

Our skies are filled with all kinds of spacecraft from weather satellites to communications satellites to the space station. On clear nights, they are easy to spot. Just look for what appears to be a slow moving star. Unlike an airplane, these objects do not have blinking lights and are usually white in appearance as they reflect the Sun’s light.

Generally speaking, the slower the satellite appears to be moving across the sky, the higher its orbit. And satellites will tend to disappear, reappear, brighten and dim depending on the object’s rotation and how well sunlight is reflected.

Watch for shooting stars

Certain times of the year, the Earth enters into debris trails left behind by fleeing comets. One such period usually falls in mid-August and another occurs around the second week of November. These meteor showers are the best times to observe shooting stars, sometimes as many as 50 or 60 per hour.

Caused by dust and small particles burning up as they enter the Earth’s dense atmosphere, shooting stars can be seen any time of the year in less frequent patterns.

Since the middle of the night provides the best viewing opportunities during meteor showers, it can be a special treat to wake the kids up and go outside during what would normally be their bed time. Local weather stations and the Internet are the best sources of information for when meteor showers will occur in your area.

Find some constellations

Constellations are star groupings that the ancients thought looked like people, animals and creatures they were familiar with. Today, people still navigate by how the constellations appear to be aligned.

Armed with a book about the night stars or some information gleaned from the Internet, many of the constellations are easy to spot. Orion and the Big Dipper are just a couple of the easier to recognize systems.

Look for the Big Dipper

The Big Dipper, also called Ursa Major or “Big Bear,” is an important constellation for navigation purposes because connecting two of the stars in the system will always lead to Polaris, the North Star. Knowing that means one can always find north on a clear night.

The Big Dipper looks like a huge ladle with a curved handle and four stars that appear in a cup-like fashion. From our point of view on this planet, the constellation rotates around Polaris throughout the night.

To find Polaris, just connect the two stars furthest from the handle and draw an imaginary line from the bottom of the cup to the top. The next star you should see is Polaris, the North Star. Contrary to some perceptions, it does not shine brightly. But it is very consistent in its location.

Discover the Milky Way

Especially on summer nights, the Milky Way, our own galaxy, seems to stretch out across the night sky like a milky cloud. But this cloud is made up of millions of stars.

To view the Milky Way, it is almost better to look close to but not in the exact direction of the galaxy. Then, your eyes will be better able to pick up the contrast between the darkness of space and the soft glow of that sea of stars.

These are just five suggestions for nighttime stargazing fun with your children. It’s always a time to share thoughts about the vastness of space, the wonder of creation and the beauty of the heavens. Simply realizing that most of the stars we see are hundreds, even thousands of light-years way and that some may have disappeared even though their light is still traveling to Earth is enough to make a young mind take notice.

So take a few minutes of time and spend it with your children tonight, gazing at the sky and being amazed at its wonder.

Hans Ortega asked:

Having the ability to see in darkness has many benefits. The safety applications are the ones that most spring to mind, and therefore the tactical price of night vision is established. Night vision binoculars are a fixture in military operations where stealth or night security is required. These wonders of technology give humans the capability of vision in low-light or even complete darkness, depending on the technology.

Humans do have night vision, even tho very poor night vision. Simply, it is a trade-off between color vision, and light-intensity vision. Night vision binoculars use different technologies to grant humans this critical capability. There are 2 general methods of achieving night vision, and they are to dilate the range of detectable “light” or to intensify what is there. True to the trade-off, many of these devices display images in one color or false color representations.

Scopes and other optical devices like these need a source of infrared light illuminating the target object or area to function. These are called active devices. Unfortunately, the infrared illumination they use can be detected by other devices, so they are used often as deterrents and not for operations that need stealth.

These are rather bulky, but are available to the public. Light amplification capacities for this class can reach as high as 1000x, but without reference to the impressive nominal rating this isn’t really much.

Generation two and higher night vision binoculars and devices are proscribed to military and law enforcement use. These give much better night vision, with light amplification ratings at about 20000x for Gen II, and 30000 to 50000x for higher devices. These are the kind used by Special Forces groups, and members of other agencies that need the capacity,eg Homeland Security, the FBI, and intelligence services.

These sense the variations in temperature voiced in lower infrared radiation. The devices then take this information and produces images using false colours to represent different temperature levels. Therefore , users see silhouettes of objects with areas coloured according to a scale for temperature comparison.

Image stabilized binoculars are the new standard when it comes to Binoculars.

Have you ever wished for a pair of binoculars that did not leave you with a blurry image no matter what you did to correct it?

Many times blurry images are due to human movement and error. This can happen no matter how still or careful you are. With image stabilising technology you can have a pair of binoculars that make corrections automatically to adjust for shaking hands or even the slight movement that comes from breathing.

There are a number of uses for these types of binoculars.

- One of the biggest and probably well known uses is bird watching. Bird watching is a wonderful pastime that can be either relaxing or exciting and which does not require anything more than a book so that you can know the birds you are seeing with a good pair of binoculars.

One of the biggest complaints is not being able to see the birds clearly making it difficult to determine what type of bird it is or which sub family it belongs to. Having a pair of binoculars that can provide you with a stable image will then result in you spending less time correcting or attempting to correct a slightly blurred image.

This means you have a better chance of seeing the bird and being able to recognise it before it gets away.

- Another great use for image stabilized binoculars is star gazing or celestial event viewing such as comets or shooting stars.

While telescopes may be best for viewing these up close especially if you want to look at images that are distant. Binoculars can be a great way to view objects such as the planets and some of the brighter stars.

One of the biggest problems, even with telescopes is the fact that it takes forever to make the adjustments. This is why telescopes come with tripods. Having an image stabilized binoculars can make a difference when you are out casually viewing the stars or when you are watching for certain events.

These are just two of the many uses that you can find for image stabilized binoculars.

They are the perfect accompaniment on trips, and events such as races. You can enjoy the race no matter where your seat is located. You can view the birds; the stars even use them to get an up close view of bugs. These binoculars use a stabilising technology called the Tilt mechanism to correct for those human movements that may create a blurred image no matter how much the image is corrected. This happens frequently and it is possible to be linked to the actual weight of the equipment itself.

Depending on the style and type of binoculars that you get and what they are capable of doing they can be quite heavy, as a result it is hard to hold them steady when using them. This is why image stabilising technology has become popular into being able to provide you with a clear image no matter what the situation.

Night binoculars are exciting. They literally allow you to see well in the night. They have many uses for kids and adults, and can be used for night hunting, boating or just for fun.

Use of night binoculars

There are many ways you can use a night binoculars. Here are the most popular ways people use binoculars with night vision.

- Exploring caves

- Scouting game

- Security and surveillance

- Camping

- Wildlife observation

- Night hunting

- Nighttime navigation

- Night fishing and boating

Many night binoculars work similar to digital cameras, they have a built in flash. The size varies a lot – smaller binoculars are more expensive, but they might be just as powerful as the big ones. When choosing a night binoculars first decide what you are going to use it for. If it just for the kids to play, then go with a less expensive model that they will not break easily. If you are going to use the binoculars yourself go for a higher quality optics which naturally would cost more.

How night binoculars work?

Optics in night  binoculars amplifies the existing light. They use not only light visible to our eyes, but also infrared spectrum. Quality night binoculars have an infrared illuminator which increases the available infrared light.

All things you see through a night binoculars appear green, because you don’t look directly at the objects but at their image on a phosphor screen.

Depending on light conditions at night binoculars perform differently. You will not see anything if there is no single star in the sky and no street lights. The lower the light situation is, the more powerful night binocular you will need. You can get Gen 1, Gen 2 and Gen 3 night binoculars. Gen stands for generation. Gen 1 are all right during a night with full moon and bright stars. For a crescent moon Gen 2 works better, and for a dark cloudy night you will need Gen 3 binoculars. Generation 1 night binoculars are affordable, Gen 2 and Gen 3 binoculars are much more expensive.

Kids enjoy night  binoculars

If you are going on a long trip, a night binoculars will be excellent entertainment for kids. They will stare in the windows for hours and discover many thing that otherwise would be missed.

When it comes to binoculars you always get what you paid for. Brand name binoculars like Yukon, Night Owl, Weaver or N-Vision Optics cost more, but they come with more features. Also be aware, that night binoculars cost much more than ordinary binoculars.

Night vision range

The range of you binocular depends on three things – its gain, resolution and magnification. If you have powerful lenses, the magnification is good, but the amount of captured light decreases significantly. Usually only magnification below 5X works well for night binoculars. So unlike ordinary day light binoculars the range for night ones is not that extended.

Night vision monocular

Night vision binoculars are not your only option when it comes to night vision equipment. You can also get night vision monocular. Monocular have similar features and provide the same image. One advantage of night monoculars is that they are much cheaper than binoculars.

Binoculars are one of the handiest and most widespread of all optical outdoor instruments. Nature lovers, who like to spent the majority of their time out of doors regularly own one. Leica binoculars, produced with the highest perfect quality, have attained first class standing. This marked the start of Leica Binoculars which celebrated its 100th anniversary two years back. There’s a long series and proud custom of binocular production of where each model is intended to give a correct, clear, magnified and right side-up view of the user’s eyes. Uses of binoculars

People like to view things in plain vision with enlargement. Binoculars are used at the beaches to watch dolphins and fish, at parks to have a closer view of baseball, hockey, football and other action sports, formal events such as marriages and birthdays. Birdwatchers and astronomers are never without their binoculars. Special features of Leica Binoculars

Each Leica Binocular insures sharpness, clearness, color and crystal clear images; distant images will seem to be right at your feet. This binocular gives pictures uninterrupted vision starting from the smallest details, to their delicate texture and colours. Leica optics allows users to view pictures even at low lights due to the brilliance produced by its high showing power at increased definition.

The Leica Ultravid Binoculars

It is brighter due to its Leica Highlux system with its sophisticated mirror layer on the binocular prism system that yields the most important level of reflection.

The latest models of the Leica Ultravid Leica Binoculars

The Leica Ultravid Binoculars come in different specifications, styles and physical features which are suited to the needs of the purchaser. Some Ultravid models sorted by recognition by recognition are ; Leica 12 X 50 mm Ultravid HD 12 X Binoculars 40297 which sold for $2,645 ; Leica Ultravid ten X 25 BL Binocular 49257 priced at $779.00; Leica Ultravid HD 8 X Binoculars 40295 sold at $2,445;Leica 8 X 32 mm Ultravid HD 8X Binoculars 402290 at $2,095; Leica Ultravid 6 X 20 B2, Binoculars 40256 priced at $2,095 ; Leica seven X 42 ; Leica seven X Binoculars 40292 at $2,195; Leica Ultravid eight X twenty BR Binoculars 40252 which cost $699 and Leico Ultravid eight X 25 BR Binoculars 40253 at $749. Confidence in its perfect quality

All of the mentioned special features of Leica Binoculars make this optical instrument as close to perfection in all critical areas as modern technology permits. Being assured of Leica Binoculars give “No Fault” lifetime warranty for all its products.

David Faulkner asked:

The Monarch Binocular made by Nikon was given a five in ratings. Before any of the other models are considered for your purchase you may want to see and to learn about the different features the binoculars offer like the magnification of the lenses, the range of the view, and the ability of the binoculars to be waterproof. There are many other things that will need to be taken into consideration also.

The binocular has numbers on the label that says something like 9×32. The first number means that the lenses will give you a magnification power of nine times what it would be without it. The second number is the size of the lens that is in the front of the binoculars in millimeters. So if your number is thirty-two then, the lens is thirty-two millimeters wide. The size of your lens will tell you just how much of the light that is on the outside is able to get on the inside of the binoculars. The larger the lens, the more light you will be able to get. It is also possible for the binoculars to have a high magnification number in the front and the width of the lens will need to be made larger to accommodate the light needed to give you a good picture. Your binoculars should give you a waterproof guarantee on them so that they will be able to go where you want them and so they can be cleaned easier. You will also want the binoculars you choose to be light enough for you to carry around with you. You should also consider an auto focus so that you will not miss the view you are looking for because you are trying to manually focus the binoculars.

The options that are standard on the Monarch binoculars that are made by Nikon are totally waterproof and also prevent fog from occurring on the lenses. These qualities will give you the best piece of equipment possible. You can also feel comfortable when you need to wear a pair of glasses while using them. These particular binoculars will give you an extended eye relief option that will help you to reduce the amount of strain on the eyes and this is essential for those who intend on using them for a long time.

The Nikon Series on Monarch Binoculars

One of the Nikon Binocular models is the Monarch ATB 7430. It has a number of 8.5×56. These binoculars come standard with a light frame and are very strong and durable to use. They are very easy to tale along with you wherever you go. It has an outside rubber coating that will make it even stronger. The lenses inside are coated with many layers of protection that gives you a bright and clear view of whatever you are looking at. You will receive more light because of the fifty-six millimeter lens in the front.

The Monarch Model ATB gives you a 12×56 power. This will provide what you are viewing to have a detailed appearance because of the larger magnification amount; this particular binocular will have a lower range of view to 288 feet in a thousand yard radius. You will not want to use this particular binocular for concerts or events in sports that you may attend unless you are in the very back of the arena.

The Monarch ATB 10×56 is another one of the binocular models made by Nikon. You will experience a larger view at 315 feet per thousand yards and also a close up view of 33 feet. The binoculars will provide you with a ten times magnification and this is definitely bigger than some of the other binoculars. The medium range for magnification is around the number seven. It also gives you a fifty-six millimeter lens that will give you better light input into the binoculars. For more info see http://www.binoculars-rating.com/Digital_Camera_Binoculars on Digital Camera Binoculars.

There are other models of binoculars that are made by Nikon. The magnification numbers are larger in the other models. The magnification numbers that run in the average range are definitely lower in price.

Ricky Lim asked:

As leaders in the night vision market, Bushnell 2.5×42 Night Vision Binoculars have proved their worth and the quality of their products many times to their clients. The quality of Bushnell products insured that their reputation grew in time. You probably know already, but I’ll still tell you what night vision binoculars can be used for:

camping

patrolling during the night

exploring caves

scouting

You can do all the things I mentioned above with the help of the Bushnell 2.5X42 Night Vision Binoculars. Their good durability, their compact size and the light weight recommend them for such tasks.

This model for example has an included infrared night vision scope, so you can see well even if you’re inside a cave and the lighting is bad. It comes with a warranty of 2 years, water resistance, rubber armor and IR built in it.

There aren’t any other binoculars that are better than those from Bushnell are. Even though it’s not top grade, this model still does its job well, either for those that need it as a hobby or for those that need them professionally.

I have another night vision binocular I’d like to recommend you from this company, the Bushnell Night Vision 1×20 Tactical Monocular. It’s a monocular, just as the name suggests, and it comes with an adjustable angle eye cup and an IR illuminator.

It also includes bright light protection, so that you’re eyes aren’t affected if a light flash appears suddenly. You can detach it if you want, and use it as a single monocular.

Using these two night vision binoculars that I recommended, you don’t need to worry if it’s light or night outside, you can do your business or your hobby at will.