Do you want to learn the constellations? Locate a planet? What you need is a good star chart. That could be the Interactive Sky Chart on our website. Or, bigger and more colorful, the monthly all-sky chart in each issue of Sky & Telescope magazine. Or a star wheel, also known as a planisphere. Whichever you need, the below video will show you everything you need to know about how to use star charts!

But whatever kind of map you use, you need a few simple tips on how to use it. Click below to watch a YouTube video of S&T senior editor Alan MacRobert explaining how to use star charts and star wheels in his own inimitable style.

Tags

Stars Visual Observing

Comments


Image of Darren

Darren

May 3, 2011 at 1:28 am

This was excellent and highly informative. Thank you so much for simply thinking to post it. And I appreciate Mr. MacRoberts' enthusiasm. Tell you what, your subscription rate is very reasonable, I'm going to sign up. This seems like a very worthwhile publication (and no folks, I'm not a plant, ha, just a new fan of the night skies).

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Image of JERRY

JERRY

January 29, 2012 at 7:17 pm

THANK YOU

THAT WAS GREAT FINALLY FOUND SOMEONE WHO COULD EXPLAIN
FINDING THE NIGHT STARS WITHOUT HAVING TO BUY SOMETHING
ELSE GREAT STUFF

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Image of Howard Poole

Howard Poole

March 13, 2012 at 5:47 pm

very informative and useful

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Image of Cheryl

Cheryl

April 25, 2013 at 9:03 am

I must agree very informative and useful !!

thanks

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Image of Beverly

Beverly

June 21, 2013 at 2:14 pm

This is excellent.

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Image of Ray

Ray

August 4, 2013 at 5:48 pm

thanks, finally in plain English, can't wait until tonight to try it out

You must be logged in to post a comment.

You must be logged in to post a comment.