Whether you're an advanced astronomer or just someone who is interested in constellations, having a star chart handy will make reading the night sky simple. With a carefully graphed star chart, you can easily identify and locate astronomical objects. Simply hold the star chart above your head, follow the directions, and carefully align it with the sky to find the brightest and most beautiful constellations. When it comes to the best star charts, here are our top picks.
The Night Sky 40-to-50-degree large star finder
For use around the world
This rotating star chart allows astronomers to locate and recognize constellations and astronomical objects for any day of the year and time of the night. This star chart is great for use around the globe as it comes in versions that range between latitudes of 50-to-60 degrees, 40-to-50 degrees, 30-to-40 degrees, and 20-to-30 degrees. It is also available in a version that is compatible with the Southern Hemisphere. This large star chart measures 8-inches in diameter, making it a great size for storing in a backpack during night adventures.
Celestron sky maps
Increased visibility in dark places
For use in the Northern Hemisphere, this star chart can help you locate constellations during any date and time. The included seasonal charts allow you to recognize certain astronomical objects that are unique to each season. With this star map, you will have no issues using it in dark places as it makes visibility easy through its glow-in-the-dark features. This means that you can stargaze in the darkest and most secluded places without needing a flashlight to navigate the sky. Made from sturdy cardstock and fused together through plastic binding, this star chart is made to last.
DreamTree Prints personalized star map
Get a look at the night sky at any time
If you're looking for a gift for the astronomy lover, the DreamTree Prints personalized star map is a perfect choice. Pick a memorable date and time and get your special night's star map printed on an unframed photograph in various size preferences. These exclusive photos are printed on premium luster photo paper via a high-quality 270 gsm/11 mil printer. The charts are shipped flat inside of compatible mailers to ensure that the quality of your star chart is not compromised.
National Geographic The Heavens wall map
Locate over 2,844 stars with the naked eye
This National Geographic star chart called the Heavens wall map is excellent for viewing astronomical objects and constellations with the naked eye. This chart features 2,844 stars, nebulae, and star clusters. It is great for use in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres as it shows constellations for both. This laminated star chart is strong and resilient, so you can bring it along with you on any night adventure without worrying about it becoming warped or damaged.
Guide to the Stars map
Stargazing for beginners
Designed for beginners, this 16-inch star chart is excellent for exploring the night sky. Made to be used all around the globe, this chart is compatible with latitudes that range between 30 and 60 degrees North. This makes it particularly useful in Canada, USA, Europe, Northern China, and Japan.
To use this chart, simply rotate the clear top covering to the date and time you're interested in before holding it to the sky. The front of this chart features a map of 70 constellations, 55 stars, the Milky Way Band, the Ecliptic pathway, 54 double stars, the Summer Triangle, Winter and Summer Tours, 56 galaxies, star clusters, star patterns, and nebulae. The backside features useful facts and detailed information about the stars.
The bottom line
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Locating and recognizing constellations or astronomical objects in the night sky is made easy with a star chart. A chart like the Guide to the Stars map is designed for beginners, which means it is extremely straightforward to use. This chart recognizes and maps out hundreds of stars, nebulae, and more.
If you're looking for a map that can be used while stargazing in remote areas with very little light from the city, the Celestron sky maps is a great choice. Not only does this star chart map out seasonal and daily constellations in the Northern Hemisphere, but it also glows in the dark to make reading and following the guide easy.
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