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Product Description
Review
"The Planisphere is a really useful bit of kit... You effectively have a map of every night sky constellation." --Astronomer Mark Thompson on BBC Stargazing LIVE
Product Description
As featured on BBC Stargazing LIVE!
Invaluable for both beginners and advanced observers, Philip's Planisphere (Latitude 51.5 North) is a practical hour-by-hour tracker of the stars and constellations, designed for use anywhere in Britain and Ireland, Northern Europe, Northern USA and Canada.
Turn the oval panel to the required date and time to reveal the whole sky visible from your location. The map, by the well-known celestial cartographer Wil Tirion, shows stars down to magnitude 5, plus several deep-sky objects, such as the Pleiades, the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) and the Orion Nebula (M42).
Because the planets move round the Sun, their positions in the sky are constantly changing and they cannot be marked permanently on the map; however, the back of the planisphere has tables giving the positions of Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn for every month until 2020.
The planisphere is supplied in a full-colour wallet that contains illustrated step-by-step instructions for how to use the planisphere, how to locate planets, and how to work out the time of sunrise or sunset for any day of the year. It explains all the details that can be seen on the map - the magnitudes of stars, the ecliptic and the celestial coordinates. In addition, the section 'Exploring the skies, season by season' introduces the novice astronomer to the principal celestial objects visible at different times of the year.
Major constellations are used as signposts to navigate the night sky, locating hard-to-find stars and some fascinating deep-sky objects. The movement of the stars is also explained.
Invaluable for both beginners and advanced observers, Philip's Planisphere (Latitude 51.5 North) is a practical hour-by-hour tracker of the stars and constellations, designed for use anywhere in Britain and Ireland, Northern Europe, Northern USA and Canada.
Turn the oval panel to the required date and time to reveal the whole sky visible from your location. The map, by the well-known celestial cartographer Wil Tirion, shows stars down to magnitude 5, plus several deep-sky objects, such as the Pleiades, the Andromeda Galaxy (M31) and the Orion Nebula (M42).
Because the planets move round the Sun, their positions in the sky are constantly changing and they cannot be marked permanently on the map; however, the back of the planisphere has tables giving the positions of Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn for every month until 2020.
The planisphere is supplied in a full-colour wallet that contains illustrated step-by-step instructions for how to use the planisphere, how to locate planets, and how to work out the time of sunrise or sunset for any day of the year. It explains all the details that can be seen on the map - the magnitudes of stars, the ecliptic and the celestial coordinates. In addition, the section 'Exploring the skies, season by season' introduces the novice astronomer to the principal celestial objects visible at different times of the year.
Major constellations are used as signposts to navigate the night sky, locating hard-to-find stars and some fascinating deep-sky objects. The movement of the stars is also explained.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
128 of 129 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
The Planisphere is the perfect tool for any amateur astronomer.
It comes with full instructions on its use, so you can have a quick look at it and be out inspecting the night sky in only a few minutes.
It also explains how to find the major planets (Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn), sunrise and sunset as well as the positions of the constellations, season by season. Luckily, many of these instructions can be found on the back of the Planisphere itself (along with a Key to map symbols) so that you can always flip it over if you get stuck.
The Planisphere itself is sturdy, flexible and laminated so it won't be affected by wet surfaces - which is useful if you find yourself outside and there's a change in the weather. This makes it superior to any cardboard version.
I recieved my first Planisphere at the age of ten, and I still buy updated versions every few years, simply because they are useful for locating the major planets (it covers their positions, month by month for ten years). Those who have just started stargazing will find the Planisphere a useful tool.
It comes with full instructions on its use, so you can have a quick look at it and be out inspecting the night sky in only a few minutes.
It also explains how to find the major planets (Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn), sunrise and sunset as well as the positions of the constellations, season by season. Luckily, many of these instructions can be found on the back of the Planisphere itself (along with a Key to map symbols) so that you can always flip it over if you get stuck.
The Planisphere itself is sturdy, flexible and laminated so it won't be affected by wet surfaces - which is useful if you find yourself outside and there's a change in the weather. This makes it superior to any cardboard version.
I recieved my first Planisphere at the age of ten, and I still buy updated versions every few years, simply because they are useful for locating the major planets (it covers their positions, month by month for ten years). Those who have just started stargazing will find the Planisphere a useful tool.
123 of 124 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I got the Planisphere a while back and found it to be a fabulous astronomical companion. The larger format makes it easy to see outside in the dark and it's plastic construction means it won't be affected by night dew. On the back is a handy planet finder which is accurate and I quickly found Saturn in the area it computed.
I prefer the Planisphere to the laptop version as it doesn't run out of batteries, crash or damage easily. I wouldn't be without it.
I prefer the Planisphere to the laptop version as it doesn't run out of batteries, crash or damage easily. I wouldn't be without it.
34 of 34 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
After reading all the positive feedback I went for this product as I am just starting out on my new passion for astronomy.
I have been out several times now and have rediscovered some of the things my father showed me as a child in our back garden as well as discovering so many new things. The instructions are easy to understand and once you get the hang of dialing in the date and time it gives a fascinating glimpse into the worlds beyond our own.
It does have it's drawbacks though, hence I gave it only the 4 Stars (Ha! Ha! no pun intended).
It is a little awkward holding it over your head, neck/arm ache etc. but I have found a combination of holding it up and getting your bearings then placing it down to look again works well. As long as you remember where the compass points are when you bring it the other way up. Actually taking a compass with you is a good idea and I have made good use of an inexpensive map readers compass.
You really do need to have some light to read it by and of course white light from an ordinary torch will ruin your eyes adjustment to the dark ("Dark Adaption") which takes around 30mins to be properly effective. You really need a "red" light source as this does not compromise the dark adaption as much. Of course hand held torches also restrict the number of things you can hold properly too unless you want to try holding one in you mouth (as I did on my first night out) and find yourself dribbling and drooling as you crane you neck, hold your Planisphere up and aim the beam so you can read it. I found a really good headtorch for less than £10 which switches from 2 white LED's to 1 red LED and have been very pleased with it. Some star guides do have "Glow In The Dark" patterns for the constellations, I have a set of guide cards that do, but you need a white light source to "feed" them and they fade quite quickly too. Just like your alarm clock face after you switch the light out. I think "Glow In The Dark" would actually spoil this product.
To sum up then. This is a truly excellent guide to anyone starting out in astronomy. It is easy to use and has a wealth of information that will keep you going out on many a clear night. I am looking forward to finding my way round the Autumn and Winter sky now. You really don't need any optical instruments to see numerous celestial objects but it helps to get out of the city if you can. Light pollution! Grrrrr! I recommend this highly.
PLEASE NOTE that this product is not made of card as one reviewer has stated but is substantial flexible plastic that wipes dry very easily.
I have been out several times now and have rediscovered some of the things my father showed me as a child in our back garden as well as discovering so many new things. The instructions are easy to understand and once you get the hang of dialing in the date and time it gives a fascinating glimpse into the worlds beyond our own.
It does have it's drawbacks though, hence I gave it only the 4 Stars (Ha! Ha! no pun intended).
It is a little awkward holding it over your head, neck/arm ache etc. but I have found a combination of holding it up and getting your bearings then placing it down to look again works well. As long as you remember where the compass points are when you bring it the other way up. Actually taking a compass with you is a good idea and I have made good use of an inexpensive map readers compass.
You really do need to have some light to read it by and of course white light from an ordinary torch will ruin your eyes adjustment to the dark ("Dark Adaption") which takes around 30mins to be properly effective. You really need a "red" light source as this does not compromise the dark adaption as much. Of course hand held torches also restrict the number of things you can hold properly too unless you want to try holding one in you mouth (as I did on my first night out) and find yourself dribbling and drooling as you crane you neck, hold your Planisphere up and aim the beam so you can read it. I found a really good headtorch for less than £10 which switches from 2 white LED's to 1 red LED and have been very pleased with it. Some star guides do have "Glow In The Dark" patterns for the constellations, I have a set of guide cards that do, but you need a white light source to "feed" them and they fade quite quickly too. Just like your alarm clock face after you switch the light out. I think "Glow In The Dark" would actually spoil this product.
To sum up then. This is a truly excellent guide to anyone starting out in astronomy. It is easy to use and has a wealth of information that will keep you going out on many a clear night. I am looking forward to finding my way round the Autumn and Winter sky now. You really don't need any optical instruments to see numerous celestial objects but it helps to get out of the city if you can. Light pollution! Grrrrr! I recommend this highly.
PLEASE NOTE that this product is not made of card as one reviewer has stated but is substantial flexible plastic that wipes dry very easily.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Planisphere
This simple device is perfect for an amateur or beginner in getting to learn about the skies. It is of relatively rugged construction and waterproof, (although it needn't be -... Read more
Published 1 month ago by jim
Does what its should.
Cant see how this could be improved, made from tough plastic and is easy to use. Really helped me find my way around the night sky.
Published 1 month ago by oscarowner
Stars
Can be useful but in conjunction with a more detailed book about astronomy which explains more. It takes some figuring out as a stand alone text.
Published 1 month ago by roughyed666
Not perfect, but worth getting
I recently bought a Celestron Astromaster 130EQ telescope and wanted something to help me identify the stars so bought this planisphere.
First impressions aren't great. Read more
First impressions aren't great. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Peter Lee
Planisphere
Excellent sky chart would highly recommend it I found the instructions on the back easy to follow (and I am a complete novice). Read more
Published 2 months ago by MJ
Cheap, easy to use, a must have for anyone interested in looking up at...
Ok, ive been trying to get into astronomy for a while and as great as books can be in finding out what those sparkly dots are in the sky, they are hard to carry around, get the... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Morganthemoose
Basic and functional
Does what it says, strong laminated plastic - about the size of a vinyl record - Could be cheaper, after all it is just 2 bits of laminated card in a record sleeve..
Published 2 months ago by Rogerbanger
Look out Prof.Brian Cox!
I had one of these centuries (well decades) ago, and never really got to grips with using it. Now I want to use it again, I couldn't find it, so ordered this one, not much more... Read more
Published 3 months ago by G. Jolliffe
Good at this price
This is a useful introduction to stars and constellations. I would not however want to pay the full price of around £10 for it, but at the Amazon price of £4.99 it's worth buying.
Published 3 months ago by Ammy Fan
planisphere
Bought as a gift. Very interesting item. Helps you locate stars exactly according to time and date. Bigger than I expected, like an old vinyl LP.
Published 3 months ago by RuddyShelduck
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