Starting out viewing the night sky? This article briefly describes three items recommended for beginner astronomers (recent astronomy club presentation Navigating the Night Sky). Resources for more info follow.
- Planisphere—a handheld flat, circular item for identifying stars and constellations that are visible in the night sky for specific time and date
- Star atlas (aka sky atlas)—a map of the night sky, to locate and identify celestial objects. Can be in book or chart form that maps the positions of stars, constellations, and other celestial objects in the night sky.
- Stellarium—free open-source planetarium software that provides 3D simulation of the night sky
Planisphere, Star/Sky Atlas
This section covers both planispheres and star/sky atlas' because of interrelatedness in Google results.
YouTube video— "How to use a Planisphere" (9:09), latitude version shown—40° to 50°
From video description:
Step by step instructions on using a planisphere for locating objects in the night sky. This is a useful tool in astronomy for locating constellations and other notable features.
Where to buy? Amazon browsing for "planisphere" shows various planispheres and some sky atlas'.
Noteworthy—above webpage includes a link to "Starfinder: The Complete Beginner's Guide to Exploring the Night Sky Hardcover – October 21, 2013" ($25),
Now with removable planisphere!
Where to buy star atlas or sky atlas?
Amazon results for "star atlas"
Amazon results for "sky atlas" (more varieties of offerings)
Prices: From under $10 to astronomical
Stellarium
Stellarium is free software for Windows, Mac, or Linux. Download from main page https://stellarium.org
Stellarium is a free open source planetarium for your computer. It shows a realistic sky in 3D, just like what you see with the naked eye, binoculars or a telescope.
Note the system requirements to ensure if you can install on your device.
Read features section to discover sky items to see, when you can see them, and various other info. (Before you look for sky objects, you must set the tool for where you are and the date/time.)
Additional Resources
Visit Cloudy Nights Forum, "Beginner Star Gazing: Planisphere, Star Atlas, or Sky Maps?" for comment and recommendations.
"Want to learn how to stargaze? Here's how to get started in 12 easy steps" provides helpful titled subtopic sections, such as- Read beginners' books and online resources
- Choose your stargazing site
- Let your eyes adapt to darkness
- Take time to observe individual stars
- Spot the planets with your naked eye
- See how the stars move across the sky
- Get kids and family involved
- Learn the constellations and asterisms (informal but recognizable star patterns, which can be part of one or more constellations)
Related: "Constellations and asterisms: what's the difference?"
"How to Stargaze" includes handy titled sections as follows:
Stargazing for Beginners
Start by Looking Up
Locate the Big Dipper
Locate Other Bright Star Patterns
Helpful Stargazing Tools
Star Charts or Stargazing Apps
Grab Binoculars
Borrow a Telescope
Note: If you join Austin Astronomical Society (AAS), you can borrow a telescope. (Membership levels are at "To Join AAS".)
From "Become A Member"
Loaner Scope Program
8″ Dobsonian telescopes with very good eyepieces and all the needed accessories to have a good visual observing experience or to test your next scope upgrade!
Want additional astronomy-themed articles? Click for "astro topic" search results in my blog.
