Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

Even though the Night Sky chart is primarily of use to novices, intermediate and advanced viewers will find it useful for planning a night's viewing activity, primarily determining what objects are visible at what time. This kind of information is not easy to get directly from star charts. With a customized, time ordered checklist and a computerized telescope (plus good conditions), it's easily possible to view over 100 objects in a few hours.

New to learning the skies, this has helped me greatly. Its really simple to setup and is small and sturdy enough to fit right inside my eyepiece case. A must have.

A helpful tool in acertaining the constellations in the night sky any time of the year. Small and compact but easy to use. A definite must have for anyone wanting to learn and know the mystery of the night sky.

This is a very useful device for anyone interested in viewing the constellations. It is easy to use and much more versatile than star charts printed in magazines or newspapers since it can be used at any time of year. The star field rotates to match the sky at any time and date. Also like the rugged plastic construction, so that it is very sturdy. Only wish that Amazon stocked the 30-40 degree latitude version since this one is slightly too far north for my needs. Good price. Good value.

I guess I can't complain given the compact size of this chart but I rather quickly outgrew it. Very good for learning the general constellations and locating all the major landmarks in the sky.

I'm always on the look out for unique gifts. I bought this as part of a gift for an outdoors person. I bought the chart, a foldable hammock, and a stargazing flashlight. (all on amazon for under $70). I thought the chart was neat, so I tested it out myself. I know nothing about stars or star charts and I figured out how to work this chart in under 5 minutes. I identified 4 constellations within 15 minutes in my front yard (pretty well lit area). I also think this would be a great, inexpensive gift for a curious or scientifically minded teenager (maybe paired with a book about constellations or horosopes) or a camper.

The chart comes packaged flat, but it does curl very slightly when removed, it is laminated and seems sturdy, also the chart turns around easily, but doesn't fall out of place, ie once you set it to the correct date and time is doesn't move around from normal jostling. Overall, a unique and fun gift for the intellectually curious or nature lovers.

This planisphere is the most user-friendly I have used. It is well constructed of durable material, and, unlike some, is double-sided, this permitting more detail on each side.

The stars, displayed as black dots on a white background, are shown as larger or smaller according to their apparent magnitude, the usual astronomical convention. The names of the various objects shown are acceptably legible. Obviously, copious detail cannot be shown on discs of this size, but Chandler's planisphere provides a satisfactoy depiction of the night sky and is quick to use.