Guide To The Stars Download Free (EPUB, PDF)
The 5th edition (published 2013) of the 16-inch diameter plastic Guide to the Stars chart is an instrument 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 turning the clear top piece). Although this chart is designed for beginners, seasoned amateur astronomers will find it useful, too. This chart can be used anywhere in the world between latitudes 30 and 60 degrees North, which includes the US and Canada, England, Europe, Northern China and Japan. The 16-inch diameter is large and easy to read, ideal for families, teachers and seniors! The 5th edition has been improved by indicating more binocular objects and providing more pertinent information on the back, all without increasing clutter or decreasing the text size. 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), 54 favorite Double Stars, the Summer Triangle, Winter/Summer Tours and 56 Galaxies, Star Clusters and Nebulae that can be observed with binoculars or a small telescope. Additionally, favorite star patterns are noted, like the Great Square of Pegasus, the Circlet of Pisces, the Northern Cross of Cygnus and others. On the back side, there are useful tables and other astronomical information, including: Mythology, Yearly Meteor Showers, Moon map, Phases of the Moon, Facts about the Planets, A Short history of Astronomy, the 10 Brightest Stars, Information about the Binocular & Telescope Objects (those on the chart), Why Stars Twinkle, additional instructions for using the chart 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). Website support is provided to help identify the planets that are visible in the sky. This chart is also available in a smaller 11-inch diameter (ISBN 1928771-033). And, there is a low-cost kid's version printed in color on sturdy card-like paper (ISBN 1928771-22X), as well as the Equatorial Guide to the Stars for use in and around the equator (ISBN 1928771-777). Finally, there is the Celestial Atlas Menor, 128 pages chock-full of star charts and tables (ISBN 978-1928771883).
Map: 3 pages
Publisher: Ken Press; 5th Edition edition (January 15, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1928771017
ISBN-13: 978-1928771012
Product Dimensions: 0.1 x 16 x 16 inches
Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (177 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #14,064 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #1 in Books > Science & Math > Nature & Ecology > Field Guides > Stars & Planets #9 in Books > Science & Math > Astronomy & Space Science > Star-Gazing #332 in Books > Sports & Outdoors
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.
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 planispheresCons:-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 sizeA 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).
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!
This planesphere is larger than most:28cm diameter. It has just the right amount of detail to be used in the dark with a torch unlike two others that I have tried,one too detailed and one too small. Contellations are clearly drawn and labeled. Equally useful to a beginner or experienced sky watcher. I am delighted with it.
I have to say that I know nothing to "starting to know something" about astronomy.This chart is a MUST for anyone looking at the sky and figuring out what exactly, you are looking at. This is especially helpful in trying to determine what you are looking at through a telescope or binoculars.Be warned: This is not a small chart. It measures the size of a medium pizza and is made of plastic (that is a plus!).This has the basics wrapped up in the instructions and walks you through the "short hand" classifications of stars so you can figure it out quickly.Very good chart.It did not get a 5 out of 5 as I feel more stuff could be crammed (where I don't know) by use of color layers. Just a thought, but I get picky. Just remember, that out of all the wheels out there, I picked THIS ONE. That has to say alot!Summary: I think that you will be very pleased with this as it is one you can start with, and use as a reference (especially explaining it to kids or others interested when walk by) for your telescopes.Cheers!
I'm an avid amateur astronomer but when I was getting started I needed a simple way to orient myself to the sky to start my observing sessions and I certainly found it with this outstanding product. It is large enough to read in low light which other products simply can't match. It is made of flexible plastic instead of cardboard or paper so it will last virtually forever. I have three kids that are hard on things but this has stood up to everything they could dish out as well as the south Texas dew, frost, etc. In my opinion, every budding astronomer should own this, Turn Left at Orion, and a pair of binoculars from day 1. This is a "must have" and a fantastic value.
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