Our top 10 stargazing tips for beginners - EarthSky
If you're new to observing the night sky, check out our top 10 stargazing tips for beginners. We'll help you explore your love for astronomy.
planispheres
The Internet is great, but a computer is an unwieldy companion on stargazing adventures. What you want is a printed chart. Start with the easy-to-use charts at EarthSky Tonight. These daily charts are geared toward beginners, and each one presents something interesting to spot in that night’s sky. Then take the plunge and purchase a printed chart, maybe one of the <anchor>planispheres</anchor> in our store.
Large Plastic Planisphere
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# Large Plastic Planisphere

Regular price$ 26.99

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Your support means the world to us.

What's a planisphere good for?

Locate stars and constellations any day and time. Simply turn the easy-to-use dial to match your date and time and the planisphere will show you what stars and constellations are currently above the horizon.

- 8.5" Large Plastic Version
- 90% less distortion than conventional planispheres
- Designed for easy nighttime viewing
- Constellations drawn simply and clearly
- Deep-space objects identified for binocular viewing

Find your latitude range by using the maps below or checking out the interactive link!





If I live at 40 degrees North latitude, do I purchase the 30-to-40-degree planisphere or the 40-to-50-degree planisphere?

Either planisphere will work just fine at 40 degrees North latitude. The more southerly 30-to-40-degree planisphere will offer a little more versatility, however, should you wish to travel to more southerly latitudes. As you go southward, you’ll see more southerly stars near your southern horizon that you don’t see from more northerly latitudes. But, as you travel northward, you DON'T see a greater number of northern stars – only a larger circle of circumpolar stars. Read about circumpolar stars here: http://earthsky.org/space/what-are-circumpolar-stars

For that reason, we recommend either planisphere if you plan to stay put, or the more southern planisphere for the traveling stargazer.

Your astronomy friends, The EarthSky Team

Latitude Range (find your range below)
Latitude Range (find your range below)

Northern Hemisphere

20°-30°

30°-40°

40°-50°

50°-60°

Southern Hemisphere

- In stock, ready to ship

- Inventory on the way

Add to cart

Northern Hemisphere - Sold Out

20°-30° - $ 26.99 USD

30°-40° - Sold Out

40°-50° - $ 26.99 USD

50°-60° - $ 26.99 USD

Southern Hemisphere - $ 26.99 USD

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