Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #5439 in Books
• Published on: 2005-05-09
• Original language: English
• Binding: Map

Synopsis
Turn the disc to reveal the stars visible from your location on any night of the year. The 51.5N and 35S editions of this practical hour-by-hour tracker come with their own full-colour season-by-season guide to exploring the skies. Major constellations are used as signposts to navigate the night sky, introducing the novice astronomer to the joys of stargazing. The wallet also contains illustrated step-by-step instructions on how to use the planisphere.

Customer Reviews

Perfect for Amateur Astronomers
The Planisphere is the perfect tool for any amateur astronomer.
It comes with full instructions on its use, so you can have a quick look at it and be out inspecting the night sky in only a few minutes.

It also explains how to find the major planets (Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn), sunrise and sunset as well as the positions of the constellations, season by season. Luckily, many of these instructions can be found on the back of the Planisphere itself (along with a Key to map symbols) so that you can always flip it over if you get stuck.

The Planisphere itself is sturdy, flexible and laminated so it won't be affected by wet surfaces - which is useful if you find yourself outside and there's a change in the weather. This makes it superior to any cardboard version.

I recieved my first Planisphere at the age of ten, and I still buy updated versions every few years, simply because they are useful for locating the major planets (it covers their positions, month by month for ten years). Those who have just started stargazing will find the Planisphere a useful tool.

Great tool for the occassional astronomer
Every now and then in the winter when Orion is visible in the skies I dig this out and use it to work out what else I can find in the night (or early morning) sky.

It is very easy to use and can also be explained to kids. I have used it in the West of Ireland and Southern England to remind myself of the night sky I was so fascinated by as a teenager.

Straightforward, useful and accurate
I got the Planisphere a while back and found it to be a fabulous astronomical companion. The larger format makes it easy to see outside in the dark and it's plastic construction means it won't be affected by night dew. On the back is a handy planet finder which is accurate and I quickly found Saturn in the area it computed.
I prefer the Planisphere to the laptop version as it doesn't run out of batteries, crash or damage easily. I wouldn't be without it.