The Language of Binoculars

This presentation will be live at Martz-Kohl Observatory and available online via Zoom. You are encouraged to bring your own binoculars to the observatory to meet Gary Nelson, and the astronomy team at MKO, to join in a hands-on session and what could be a lively Q&A after his talk. Facility tours will follow. Dress appropriately for the weather as if you were outside.

Our gaze has always been drawn to the far reaches. What lies beyond the next hill? What are those points of light in the night sky? Is that a friend or foe approaching on the distant horizon? Innate human curiosity, coupled with crucial practical needs—whether for hunting and foraging, navigation across vast landscapes, defense against approaching threats, or simply understanding our place in the cosmos—has consistently driven us to seek ways to bridge the gap between our perception and distant reality. This fundamental yearning to bring the remote into view, to clarify the unseen, laid the groundwork for countless innovations, resulting in sophisticated instruments designed to extend our sight. Among the most accessible and profound tools born from this ambition are binoculars. These powerful yet portable instruments, essentially two refracting telescopes mounted side-by-side, allow for comfortable, three-dimensional viewing by directing identical images to both eyes.

The Martz-Kohl Observatory is hosting an interactive talk designed to show you how to select or master your binoculars. On Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 7:30 PM, optical expert and former president of the observatory, Gary Nelson, will present “The Language of Binoculars,” which will provide a detailed guide to understanding, using, and optimizing binoculars. Gary will explain terms such as magnification, objective size, exit pupil, field of view, porro prism, and more.

Gary Nelson is uniquely qualified to lead this talk. With an optical engineering degree in Ophthalmic Dispensing from SUNY Erie, he is a board-certified and licensed Ophthalmic Dispenser in New York State and Massachusetts, boasting over four decades of experience in the optical field. His expertise extends far beyond eyeglasses; Gary has meticulously crafted optical lenses and telescope mirrors, and has a rich history of repairing binoculars, gun scopes, and microscopes.

Attendees are strongly encouraged to bring their own binoculars or spotting scopes to the lecture. Gary will provide practical demonstrations and personalized guidance on proper usage, helping participants achieve sharper, clearer views of their desired subjects. The session will also cover how to identify the appropriate binoculars for individual needs and value, ensuring attendees make informed choices for future purchases.

Gary’s deep connection to the cosmos began during his college astronomy courses, where he learned the intricate art of grinding telescope mirrors from the legendary Marshal Martz—the namesake of the Martz-Kohl Observatory. Gary went on to teach mirror grinding classes, manufacture telescopes for beginners, and dedicated over two decades to repairing telescopes and binoculars. He was also a successful Meade telescope dealer for more than eight years, supplying professional-grade telescopes to colleges and professional astronomers alike.

Furthermore, Gary has served on-and-off for over twenty years as president of the Marshall Martz Memorial Astronomical Association, Inc., the non-profit organization that operates the observatory. His tenure was marked by a strong advocacy for promoting educational opportunities between local schools and the Martz-Kohl Observatory, often consulting with area schools on the feasibility and costs associated with constructing their own observatories.

 

Zoom Meeting

A non-member donation of $5.00 is appreciated but not required for presentations and events.  You can donate on our donation page. Thanks!

Time: June 18, 2025 at 7:30 PM, Eastern Time

Topic: Gary Nelson
Meeting ID:  879 0971 6267
Passcode: program

Click the “One Clink Link” shown below. When prompted, click “open zoom.us” in the dialog shown by your browser. If you don’t see a dialog, click the blue “Launch Meeting” in the webpage.

One Click Link: June 2025 Zoom Link

Zoom URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87909716267?pwd=CzVP9VUOaxzVryVujhX1YfEIbLTgOG.1

Manual dial-in: +1 646 558 8656
Meeting ID:    879 0971 6267
Passcode: 7205749

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