guide to the sky?

[redgiantjohn]

Hi all. As a complete novice to astronomy what would everybody recommend to help me find my way around the night sky? I've read about planisphere and star atlas would these tell me when and where planets etc will be at certain times? Thanks john

[Ad Astra]

Hi John,

If you want something in paper format, the Tirion star atlas is wonderful. A planisphere is a circular map that you can rotate to match the day and time so it will show you the sky for any time of night on any day of the year.

For a computer, go to Stellarium and download the Stellarium program. This is free software that I use in my astronomy class all the time. It too, will show you the night sky, but it is interactive, has search functions, and you can zoom in on targets of interest. Still, nothing beats a planisphere when you are out in the dark!

Good luck to you and have fun with it!

Dan

[a10ken]

+1 for stellarium and also google "SFA star charts" there are loads out there

[Telrad]

Stellarium and Cartes Du Ciel, also I use a Sky Pocket Atlas

[Gra]

I've heard good reports on the 'Sky and Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas'. Just waiting for mine to arrive from amazon.

[redgiantjohn]

Thanks dan for the advice, one planisphere ordered

[redgiantjohn]

Thanks everyone