Start Here - Stargazing Basics - Cosmic Pursuits
New to amateur astronomy? Or perhaps you've been a stargazer before and you need a refresher? Here are a few resources to help you get oriented.
monthly printable sky map
The first is a <anchor>monthly printable sky map</anchor> that shows you the position of the major stars and constellations each month. There are three editions of this map, one for northern-hemisphere observers, one for equatorial observers, and one for southern hemisphere observers. These maps are ideal for those who are first learning to find their way around the sky.
Skymaps.com - Publication Quality Sky Maps & Star Charts
Free each month for you to explore, learn & enjoy the night sky.Skymaps.com/store -- Recommended Books & Products for Skywatchers

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PLANISPHERES &

STAR ATLASES

All sky watchers need a planisphere to quickly show the location of stars and constellations for any date and time. Star atlases provide much greater detail and thousands of celestial objects.



A popular and inexpensive 8-inch diameter, two-sided planisphere designed to depict the night sky with less distortion than regular planispheres. Available for several latitudes, and in a smaller 5-inch edition.



Night Sky Editions

Note: Planispheres are designed for specific latitudes so be sure to select one for your latitude.

A large 16-inch diameter information-rich planisphere (plastic) for use anywhere between latitude 30° & 60° North. Also available in a Southern Hemisphere edition.

• Save 10-20% •



STAR ATLASES



• Deep Sky Atlas •



An outstanding star atlas featuring 114 star charts, over 200,000 stars to mag. 9.5, and 15,000 deep-sky objects.

• Save 20-30% •



• 4th Edition •



Huge update to this popular information-rich handbook for use at the telescope.

• Save 20-30% •



• Moon Atlas •



The best lunar atlas for observing the lunar surface at the telescope.



• Best Seller •



The best selling star atlas featuring 80 star charts, over 30,000 stars to mag. 7.6, and 1,500 deep-sky objects. Also available in a larger "Jumbo" format.

Compare Star Atlases

The Evening Sky Map



The Evening Sky Map (PDF) is a 2-page monthly guide to the night sky suitable for all sky watchers including newcomers to Astronomy.

The Evening Sky Map (front)



The Evening Sky Map (back)



Designed to print clearly on all printers, The Evening Sky Map is ready-to-use and will help you to:

- Identify planets, stars and major constellations

- Find sparkling star clusters, wispy nebulae & distant galaxies

- Locate and follow bright comets across the sky

- Learn about the night sky and Astronomy

The Evening Sky Map is FREE for personal non-commercial use. Astronomy Education and Outreach groups may freely distribute printed handouts of The Evening Sky Map subject to the Terms of Use.

Click the download links below to obtain the latest issues in PDF format.

The Evening Sky Map

Northern Hemisphere Edition

Drawn for latitude 40° North (suitable for North America, Europe, China, Japan, ...)



September 2024: Northern Edition (PDF):









August 2024: Northern Edition (PDF):









July 2024: Northern Edition (PDF):









Past issues are not available at present.

The Evening Sky Map

Equatorial Edition

Drawn for latitude 0° (suitable for Central America, Central Africa, Indonesia, Singapore, ...)



September 2024: Equatorial Edition (PDF):









August 2024: Equatorial Edition (PDF):









July 2024: Equatorial Edition (PDF):









Past issues are not available at present.

The Evening Sky Map

Southern Hemisphere Edition

Drawn for latitude 35° South (suitable for Australia, Southern Africa, South America, ...)



September 2024: Southern Edition (PDF):









August 2024: Southern Edition (PDF):









July 2024: Southern Edition (PDF):









Past issues are not available at present.

Follow Skymaps.com on Twitter. Receive news of updated sky maps, reminders of Sky Calendar events, and other noteworthy news for sky watchers.

The Evening Sky Map remains free thanks to donations and sales from Skymaps.com/store/. Please consider supporting The Evening Sky Map.

Be Supportive



LOW-COST

SMART TELESCOPE• Simply Amazing •

BEST SELLER



A revolutionary low-cost all-in-one Smart Telescope that is easy to use. Nothing further to buy -- this amazing telescope automatically finds and takes images of deep sky objects, even from light-polluted suburban skies, and displays the image in real-time on your smart device (phone or tablet). Includes a carbon fiber tripod, carry case and a solar filter! Full details on the High Point Scientific website.



ASTRONOMICAL

BINOCULARS

A good pair of binoculars are an inexpensive way to explore the wonders of the night sky. Here are two recommendations suitable for stargazing.



A high quality binocular with BAK-4 prisms and a 5mm exit pupil making it ideal for use in urban areas and/or by "older" eyes. Note -- best to avoid the 10-22x50 zoom version because the optical quality is not ideal for stargazing.

• Save 10-20% •



(tripod adaptor optional)

The Celestron SkyMaster 15x70 binoculars are a good, higher-power choice for the urban skywatcher. At 15x magnification these will require a steady hand or a tripod to stabilize the view.

• Save 10-20% •



STARGAZING

BOOKS & GEAR

Not sure where to start. Here are some recommended books, binoculars and telescopes for new stargazers.



• 4th Edition •

BEST SELLER



A detailed and very well illustrated guide for beginners and more experienced amateur astronomers. Covers many topics from getting started, different types of equipment, observing, and astrophotography.

• Save 30-40% •





• 5th Edition •

BEST SELLER



Best first Astronomy book for newcomers. All time best seller in this category. Includes a set of updated star charts.





• 5th Edition •



Renowned observing guide with detailed finder charts, realistic drawings and descriptions for 100's of objects (multiple star systems, nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies).



Save on National Geographic Reference Maps at Amazon.com

Printed on premium quality paper stock, rolled, and packaged in a clear, hard plastic tube

Star charts and constellations for both Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Chart shows 2,844 stars, nebulae and star clusters visible to the unaided eye.

Size: 23" x 30"



Detailed map of both sides of the Moon showing hundreds of lunar features and the lunar mission landing spots. Includes graphics and descriptions of the Moon's phases, and much, much more.

28" x 42"



Computer-generated image of the Milky Way showing positions of 100's of thousands of stars & nebulae. Shows Earth's location and includes photos, descriptions and other features.

24" x 36"





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