Planisphere Help

[nickbrookes1991]

Hiya all,

Just brought a planisphere that was mentioned to me and dont really know what to do, can set the time with the date but thats about it.

If anyone could help that would be great thanks.

Nick

[part timer]

Once you've set the date and time that's it.

Go outside (when it's clear!) and the starmap will have the east and west directions printed on it. Just face, say south and the south part of the planisphere will show the main stars visible.

[pvaz]

As part timer said, you just rotate it till the current time meets the current date and you'll have the sky as it is at the moment.

[Talitha]

Hi Nick, a planisphere is a very basic 'pocket-Stellarium'. You can use it to get a quick idea of what constellations are available to you when you're out, and it's also a great way to learn the sky. Some of them have a few deep sky objects which can be do-able with binos, depending on your sky. I've even used it to find out what time it was when my wristwatch was left at the house (i'm such a geek ).

[part timer]

I've even used it to find out what time it was when my wristwatch was left at the house (i'm such a geek ).

Wow, I thought I was the only one geeky enough to do that!

Seriously though, I've had mine since 1981 and I still use it to remind myself of faint constellations and to see what's going to be up later.

[jgs001]

Nick, you'll probably notice that East and West appear to be reversed... that's because they are if you hold it normally... hold it over your head, put the centre on Polaris, and everything will be the correct way around. This helps find where everything is once you've set the date and time.

[WayBig]

depending on the light pollution at your site or how much your night vision has kicked in, the planisphere may show more stars on it than you can actually see - I found this quite confusing at first. It will probably have the brightest start shown as bigger spots on it, you have to try to ignore the smaller stars on it.