What does a binocular astronomer do when the skies refuse to clear? She plays with her collection of star maps, not only because she loves star maps, but also to be ready with a menu of objects to be seen when the skies clear. For appetizers, my
binocular astronomy list typically begins with some lunar work (touring marias and some of the larger craters), checking on the observable planets, splitting some of the season's best double stars, and admiring the colors of some of the season's brighter stars. (Yes, Virginia, stars do have color and, in a quality
binocular or
telescope, they are lovely, indeed.) The entrée for my binoculars, though, is deep-sky objects and, of these, open clusters are my favorite. All I want for Christmas is to see the Pleiades in my
Nikon 10x70 on a clear, cold winter night. That is a gift beyond price.