How to Stargaze | REI Expert Advice
You don't need much to start stargazing. We offer tips on how to get started stargazing for beginners and what to look for in the night sky.
Night Sky Planisphere
A star chart is a handy tool to help you get started locating planets. One option is a star wheel, such as the <anchor>Night Sky Planisphere</anchor>, that allows you to rotate the constellation view for the time and season you're in.
Quick Guide to Using The Night Sky Planisphere
# David Chandler Company, Inc.

## Astronomy Observing Aids and Planispheres

# Feature | How to Use The Night Sky – Quick Guide

# How to Use The Night Sky – Quick Guide

- byPaul Darrah
- onMarch 17, 2015
- under
- •Comments Off on How to Use The Night Sky – Quick Guide

### With The Night Sky™ you will be up and running and locating constellations within minutes.

Basic Instructions:

- Find the date on the outer edge of the rotating map dial.
- Find the time on the outer edge of the blue mask.
- Rotate the map dial to align the day with the time.
  - Use Standard Time for your location.  (If in Daylight Savings time, subtract one hour.)
- To view objects in the northern half of the sky:
  - Face North and hold the chart upright in front of you so the word “North” on the blue mask is horizontal.  Objects near the horizon line on the planisphere will be low in the sky, near the northern horizon.
- Tilt the chart to the right or left when you face East or West so the word “East” or “West” is horizontal.
- To view objects in the southern half of the sky:
  - Face South and, without moving the map dial, flip the chart over and hold the chart upright so the word “South” on the blue mask is horizontal.  Objects near the horizon line on the planisphere will be low in the sky, near the southern horizon.
- Tilt the chart to the right or left when you face East or West so the word “East” or “West” is horizontal.

Note For Southern Hemisphere Planispheres: The South side is the front, therefore start by facing South, hold the chart upright in front of you so the word “South” on the blue mask is horizontal.

### Tip:

To locate an unfamiliar constellation or star, start by finding a bright star or familiar constellation in the sky first.  Next locate the object on The Night Sky™ planisphere and find an adjacent constellation in the direction of the new object.  Look up and attempt to find the adjacent object in the sky.  Keep using nearby constellations or bright stars as stepping stones to help find the object you are seeking.

LPNS30 Front Detail

In this Example the planisphere is set to 8:00 PM on March 25. You would see Cassiopeia low in the NNW sky and Ursa Major (and the Big Dipper) would be high and rising in the NNE.

### Recent Posts

### Cart

### Follow Us!

### Follow Us!

David Chandler Company, Inc. © 2024. All Rights Reserved.