Tips for binocular astronomy?

Question

I would like to get into astronomy and I've heard a good pair of binoculars might be a good and basic place to start. What strength should I look at? Also, where would I be able to buy some start charts? Would I be able to find them somewhere in a store? Is there any thing else I should consider?

I will probably be bringing them with me for camping/backpacking/kayaking trips. So I would prefer little gear if that's possible.

Answer 1

Hi. Your first answer is good. You asked about strength. I would recommend 10x50. This is 10 times the size compared to your eye and 50mm diameter of the front lens. There is a great free program http://www.stellarium.com/ that will show you around. You may also look for a "Miller planisphere" available lots of places online, such as http://www.celestialproducts.com/Products/MPCXX.asp

Answer 2

Any mid-size binocular should do the trick. Avoid the pocket sized ones, you may not have enough magnification, plus they are not as stable as the bigger ones.
With my father's binocular, I was able to distinguish most of the stars in the Pleiades star cluster, and also to see the Orion nebula, all this from the suburbs of a city of 500,000 (with streets lights, pollution, etc). I've heard you can see Jupiter's great red spot and many detailed features of the Moon with regular binoculars.
Regarding the charts, you can find them in astronomy magazines, or print them from softwares (that way, you can print a map of the sky at certain place, day and time), or may be able to download them online...
Have fun!