Guide to the Stars (Map)

~ David H. Levy (Author), Ken Graun (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

''. . . Levy's friendly style invites beginning stargazers to relax, follow the chart's easy to use instructions and slowly begin the fascinating task of finding the constellations. . .'' --Arizona Daily Sun, September 14, 2000

''A jumbo star wheel. The largest commercial planisphere we've seen in recent years. . . skywatchers will find useful information on the Moon, planets, meteor showers and selected deep-sky objects.'' --Sky & Telescope, November 2000

''Add stars, constellations, and sprinkle on lots of fun astronomical facts for beginners and you have the main ingredients for a 16-inch planisphere...'' --Astronomy magazine, November 2000

Product Description

This 16-inch diameter plastic Guide to the Stars chart is a ''map'' to help you identify the constellations. You simply dial-in your observing time and date to find the set of constellations visible in your sky (this is accomplished by rotating the clear top piece). This chart can be used for latitudes 30 to 60 degrees North, which covers the US and Canada. Although this chart is designed for beginners, it finds use with seasoned amateur astronomers. This type of round star chart is often called a planisphere because it takes a set of stars on a sphere and plots them on a flat surface.

The large 16-inch diameter size, similar in size to a large pizza, is easy to read and ideal for families, teachers and seniors. This chart can be used anywhere in the world between latitudes 30 and 60 degrees north including England, Europe, Northern China and Japan.

The front chart indicates 70 Constellations, the Names of 55 Stars, the Milky Way Band, the Ecliptic (which is the path of the Sun, Moon and Planets), the Summer Triangle, Winter/Summer Tours and 31 Galaxies, Star Clusters and Nebulae that can be observed with binoculars or a small telescope. Additionally, favorite star patterns are indicated, like the Great Square of Pegasus, the Sickle of Leo, the Northern Cross of Cygnus and others.

On the back side, there are useful tables and other astronomical information, including: Yearly Meteor Showers, Phases of the Moon, Facts about the Planets, A Short history of Astronomy, Information about the Binocular & Telescope Objects indicated on the chart, Additional Instructions for using the chart to identify the constellations and stars, and more.

PLANET NOTE. Most star charts, like this one, do not indicate, on the chart, the position of the Planets or Moon because these objects move through the constellations of the zodiac, along a path in the sky called the Ecliptic (indicated on the chart). The Moon moves at a rate of one Moon diameter per hour against the background stars. The visible Planets move much slower but movement can normally be seen over several days. Website support is provided to identify the planets that are visible in the sky.

This chart is also available in a smaller, 11-inch diameter size that is more suitable for travel (ISBN 1-928771-03-3). And, there is a very low price kid's version of this chart that is printed in color on sturdy card-like paper stock. The kid's version measures 11x11.25 inches and its ISBN is 1-928771-22-X.

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Product Details

• Map
• Publisher: Ken Press (December 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1928771017
• ISBN-13: 978-1928771012
• Product Dimensions: 16 x 16 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #69,037 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

49 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Way to Learn the Nighttime Sky, July 9, 2001

By	Jerry M. Sherlin (Centennial, CO, USA) - See all my reviews

For the beginning amateur astronomer there is no better aid to learning the stars and constellations than a planisphere - and I think David Levy's new rendition of this old device is as good as they come.

Basically a planisphere is starmap printed on one of two plastic disks which are joined together in the center and free to rotate. Around the edge of one disk are the days of the year while the other disk has the hours of the day. By setting the time, on one disk, opposite the date on the other, it is possible for you to see the sky, through a window in the top disk, as it would appear at that particular day and time.

There are several thing about David Levy's planisphere that recommend it. To begin with it is BIG, 16 inches in diameter to be precise, and the printing is large and easy to read. Secondly, it is a good representation of the sky showing only those stars visible to the unaided eye. Finally, the reverse side contains information about the Moon, planets, meteor showers and a listing of interesting galaxies and star clusters visible in binoculars or a small telescope. If you are a beginning "Stargazer", or thinking about becoming one, this should be your first acquisition.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars a very decent jumbo planisphere, December 7, 2003

By A Customer

Pros:

-all plastic (not paper or laminated paper)...won't get soggy if it gets wet
-kids will probably like the jumbo 16" diameter size (it is also available in 11" diameter size)
-useful information on the front and back (like meteor shower dates)
-works for latitudes between 30 and 60 degrees North
-several lesser-known stars are named; for example Zaurak, Sabik and Algorab
-a lot less crowded than smaller planispheres

Cons:

-For its jumbo size, I was expecting more celestial objects & detail...the dimmer, harder-to-find Messier objects are not shown. But it looks like it was designed more for beginners, in which case this makes good sense.
-Messier objects are marked by a letter, and you must flip the planisphere over to 'decipher' the letter. For example, M35 in Gemini is simply labelled as 'H'. It should just be labelled as 'M35' on the front in the first place.
-sometimes the same letter represents two or three seperate Messier objects. For example, M36, M37, and M38 in Auriga are all designated by three seperate letter 'F's. The description on the back distinguishes them seperately, but it's annoying.
-floppy due to it being relatively thin for its size

A planisphere like this is essenial for beginners to learn the night sky. If you are more advanced and need more detail, get a star map (but you'll probably still use your planisphere too).

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars fun, February 3, 2006

By	Haseeb (Tempe, AZ United States) - See all my reviews

I have nothing else to compare this plainesphere with as this is my first one. This is a very fun and quick way to learn the constellations as well as the most popular Messier objects. On the back of this chart, there are tables and other information. The author explains which objects are visable with the naked eye, binoculars or telescopes.

Don't be intimidated by the appearance of this chart, learning to use it is very easy because all you do is match up the time of day with the date. Once you do that, you have a replica of the night sky in your hands.

Make sure you buy the chart for the correct lattitude and hemisphere!