I find a planisphere extremely extremely useful in helping to find objects (and learn the sky for that matter). However, I'm not to keen on the one I have. It's two-sided and just over A4 in size, nicely drawn, but I find the north view in particular too small for comfort. Does anyone recommend a specific planisphere?
I guess that's why many people use sky map programs like Stellarium, plus you can see the software running more easily than a torch and Planisphere...all you need is a laptop. I have Stellarium and it beats the Planisphere hands down.
I guess that's why many people use sky map programs like Stellarium, plus you can see the software running more easily than a torch and Planisphere...all you need is a laptop. I have Stellarium and it beats the Planisphere hands down.
Stellarium is great! I made my own landscape/panorama tonight, from the spot in my yard where I observe. Turned out really well I'm amazed how well the view in the software resembles what I'm seeing when I'm out in my yard (hmm such-and-such should be coming up just above that tree about now... )
Sorry not really on topic.
Last edited by programmer; 20-10-2007 at 01:05 AM.
Reason: being anal
I use both. Computer programmes and a 'The Night Sky' Southern Hemisphere edition Planisphere (large size).
Though I must admit that my youngest son Harry (11) uses the Planisphere more than me.
I've never used a planisphere, Instead I have sky mapping software installed on my pocket PC, much more convenient (for me, atleast), plus it also shows the positions of the planets and all the Messier and Caldwell objects. if you have a palm pad, pocket PC, or smartphone, have a look at Pocket stars. It's free to download.
Looks like all the planispheres are similar as far as the compressed north view and distortion is concerned.
I have stellarium and Xephem installed on my laptop, but I can't usually be bothered getting it up and running outside + even when it has a black screen the backlight is still on and brighter than I would like. Most importantly, you can't comfortably wander around the backyard looking up at the sky holding a laptop at a funny angle!
My laptop died, so i print off maps from my software using my desktop PC before each observing session. Doesn't matter if they get all dewy. I find planispheres too small and frustrating.
I have a star wheel given for free from AS&T subscription. It is well made with 2 sides.The front shows the whole sky. Flip it over then it shows stars to the north with less distortion.
For simple monthly skymap this website won't be beaten: http://skymaps.com/downloads.html
I always have my planisphere to hand. I bought the large version of the one advertised in Astronomy Australia 2007, from Quasar Publishing. I see it has "David Chandler" written on it.
I use it to get my bearings and for finding constellations, but for anything beyond that, I rely on more detailed maps or pages printed from Stellarium. The planisphere I have is just not accurate enough on objects. I spent an evening searching for NGC 253 with binoculars, based on the plotted position on the planisphere, which was all I had with me - did not find it. When I could get back home to look at more detailed maps, I realised that the location on the planisphere was just too far off.
Hey Programmer, I didn't realise you could use a picture of your own back yard in Stellarium. That will help heaps as I've got quite a few tall trees in the way (and some houses and a street light).
. I have Stellarium and it beats the Planisphere hands down.
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