Founded in 1976, the David Chandler Company produces the highest quality observational astronomy aids and educational materials for professional and amateur astronomers alike. Universities, national parks, museums, planetariums and observatories in the U.S. and abroad value these exceptional products for their technical accuracy and ease of use, even for beginners. Innovative products like the flagship Night Sky Planisphere™ help introduce new participants to the fascinating world of astronomy!
The Night Sky Planisphere™
Stargazing is a surprisingly simple and rewarding experience. In just one night, you can learn to identify constellations and find objects like Globular Clusters, Nebulae, Supernova Remnants, Double Stars, and more! With The Night Sky™ planisphere, you will be up and running and locating constellations within minutes. The most popular and lowest-distortion star chart on the market.
Planisphere Features
Easy Viewing
Face in the direction shown on the planisphere, then spin the dial
to align the date & time. That is all!
Latitude Ranges
20°-30°, 30°-40°, 40°-50°, 50°-60°, and Northern Hemisphere
Low Distortion
David Chandler's projection and two-sided format eliminate over 90% of the distortion inherent in conventional one-sided planispheres.
Size and Material Options
Choose a Latitude
Planispheres are produced for specific latitudes because the portion of the sky you will be able to see depends on where you are on the Earth. The farther north you are, the more of the northern hemisphere stars you will be able to see but the horizon will block more of the southern hemisphere.
You should choose a planisphere version based on the location from which you will be observing. You can refer to the map to help choose the correct latitude version. If you are located directly on a separator line, either planisphere will work well, but it's recommended you purchase the one closest the equator.
Latitude Ranges: 20°-30° Zone, 30°-40° Zone, 40°-50° Zone, 50°-60° Zone, & the Northern Hemisphere