The Night Sky 40°-50° (Small) Star Finder [Map]

David S. Chandler (Author), David Chandler Company (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1998

The Night Sky is a rotating star finder (planisphere) that allows the user to recognize the constellations for any time of night, any day of the year. The sky appears to rotate (due to the rotation and orbital motion of the earth), so to be successful recognizing the constellations a beginner needs to know which stars are above the horizon at any time.

This is the pocket-sized version of The Night Sky suitable for the northern United States and parts of Europe. We have versions for the following latitude zones: 50°-60°, 40°-50°, 30°-40°, 20°-30°, and the Southern Hemisphere. We also have full-sized versions available for the same latitude zones.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Chandler's planisphere is the finest available. -- Terence Dickinson, astronomy textbook author, in SkyNews Magazine --Terence Dickinson

I think The Night Sky is the finest and easiest to use star finding aid in existence. -- Jack Horkheimer, TV's "Star Hustler" --Jack Horkheimer

Most aficionados now prefer David Chandler's The Night Sky wheel. -- J.T. Westways Magazine --Westways Magazine

I think The Night Sky is the finest and easiest to use star finding aid in existence. -- Jack Horkheimer, TV's "Star Hustler" --Jack Horkheimer

Most aficionados now prefer David Chandler's The Night Sky wheel. -- J.T. Westways Magazine --Westways Magazine

From the Publisher

The Night Sky comes in two sizes: Large (8 inch diameter) and Small (5 inch diameter). The large size is best for learning the constellations. The small size is best as a pocket reference to tell you what constellations are up if you are already reasonably familiar with the constellations. In each size the charts are available for different latitude zones.

To find the correct size and latitude zone, use the following ISBN numbers in your Amazon.com search:

The Night Sky 50°-60° (Large), 1891938088 (Small), 1891938096

The Night Sky 40°-50° (Large), 0961320745 (Small), 1891938010

The Night Sky 30°-40° (Large), 0961320753 (Small), 1891938029

The Night Sky 20°-30° (Large), 0961320761 (Small), 1891938037

The Night Sky Southern Hemisphere (Large), 0961320737 (Small), 1891938002

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Map: 2 pages
• Publisher: David Chandler Co.; Small Plastic 40-50 degrees North edition (January 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1891938010
• ISBN-13: 978-1891938016
• Product Dimensions: 6.3 x 5 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #491,403 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good, functional star chart, August 17, 2005

By 

Paul S. Hardersen (Grand Forks, ND) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Night Sky 40°-50° (Large) Star Finder (Map)

Chandler's star chart is a classic that is functional, easy-to-use, and valuable for people just learning the night sky. Its main features are its large size and lamination -- important as summer evening dew inevitably turns most paper products saggy. This is recommended for people desiring to learn their way around the night sky and build an understanding of the universe.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Planisphere, December 31, 2003

By 

meh99 "meh_" (Coatesville, PA United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Night Sky 40°-50° (Large) Star Finder (Map)

Although a planisphere is usually meant for beginners, it is a quick and easy way for even experienced observers to see "what's up" at a given day and time without firing up the computer.

The difference with this one, which I quite like, is the "low distortion" idea - it better represents what the eye sees, which is particularly useful when learning the constellations.

My only complaint - I wish the South facing view was the larger, as there are more interesting things to see in that direction.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful map, August 19, 2005

By 

Monika E. Benitez "Monila" (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Night Sky 40°-50° (Large) Star Finder (Map)

This is a truly helpful map of the skies for anyone interested in backyard astronomy. It is very legible, easy to see at night. I am a beginner and was able to find most of the constellations shown. Very durable as well.