About Astronomy

There are two different types of star maps:  Planispheres (or star finders) and regular Star Charts.  Planispheres are rotating star charts that tell you where the constellations are located at any given time, day, and month.  Regular Star Charts are huge fold-out maps of the sky that show you what constellations different Deep Space Objects (DSOs) are in.

Remember: Planishperes and Star Charts work together.  Planispheres tell you what constellations are up and when, and Star Charts tell you what DSOs are in the constellations.

To use a planisphere, set it to the current hour, day, and month.  Hold it above your head with 12:00 am facing to the North.  The constellations on the Planisphere will be shown in their correct positions in the sky.  To use a Regular Star Chart, find out what constellations are in the sky at your time by using the planisphere, and look at those constellations on the Regular Star Chart.  It will show you where different Deep Space Objects are located in those constellations.

In many amateur astronomers' opinions, the Sky Atlas 2000.0 is a great star chart, showing almost everything an amateur would want to see.  Instead of being a big fold out map, it is like an atlas.  It shows almost every Deep Space Object that amateurs can observe.  Another good "Star Chart" for beginners would be the Astro Pack.  It has a Planisphere, a fold out Star Chart, a book showing the main constellations of the seasons and months, and a guide showing how to use your telescope.

There are also star charts that you can print out online.  One printable starchart that I know of is very useful for beginning astronomers is from http://www.skymaps.com.  It shows you not only a star chart, but also a list of things to observe.  If you're a beginning astronomer, it gives you good stargazing tips and a list of objects visible to thew naked eye, or objects that you need a telescope to see.