New Binocular Space Walk - Cygnus Milky Way

I've added another Binocular Space Walk audio guide, this one looking at a variety of objects and the beautiful Milky Way star fields of the constellation Cygnus. I found some of the objects pretty challenging from a Bortle 4.5 or so location, but I could find most of them even from my Bortle 8-ish home with my 15x70s.

I used 15x70s to create the Space Walk, so I recommend something close to that, or at least 10x50s. 7x50s may be a good challenge, too. A darker sky always helps.

Because each Space Walk includes helper charts and you may need to refer to them in the field, I have converted all the Space Walk charts to white stars on black background to help keep your vision reasonably dark adapted. However, I'm hoping you can review the charts in advance and then just lie back and listen while you follow along in your binoculars. I also darkened the Space Walk Among the Stars logo background (see above) to go easier on your night vision.

In addition, I added a transcript of the entire Space Walk at the end, in case you find that useful.

Click here to go to the Binocular Space Walk - Cygnus Milky Way page.

Equipment Tip: Add a cell phone holder to your observing chair

More and more I find I like to observe with my binoculars, using my Bino Body Mount. The problem with binocular observing is it takes two hands. I like to use Sky Safari on my phone as my charting app, and I got tired of my phone sliding off of my ever-expanding belly onto the dewy grass in the dark. It's uncomfortable to constantly be reaching over for the phone on a fold up table, so I needed something else.

A cheap gooseneck cell phone holder came free with something else I bought, so I use that, but there are plenty of similar ones such as this one you can buy. I recommend a clip rather than a clamp just for ease of use in the dark, although a clamp might work better for certain chairs. I clip it onto the arm of my zero gravity chair and I have my chart right there at hand, easily using the app with one hand while the Bino Body Mount is perched on my shoulders.

I did find that, at least on my chair, I had to clip the holder behind the locking knob (some chairs have a lever) or the arm would slide past the knob when I leaned the chair back and knock the holder off the chair. Behind the knob there is no obstruction, so I can adjust the chair in any position and the holder will stay on.

Yeah, they wobble like crazy, but when you're using your phone you're holding it steady in your hand. The holder is just to keep it handy within easy reach so you know where it is.