The 5th edition (published 2013) of the 16-inch diameter plastic Guide to the Stars chart is an instrument to help you identify the constellations. You simply dial-in your observing time and date to find the set of constellations visible in your sky (this is accomplished by turning the clear top piece). Although this chart is designed for beginners, seasoned amateur astronomers will find it useful, too. 
 This chart can be used anywhere in the world between latitudes 30 and 60 degrees North, which includes the US and Canada, England, Europe, Northern China and Japan. 
 The 16-inch diameter is large and easy to read, ideal for families, teachers and seniors! The 5th edition has been improved by indicating more binocular objects and providing more pertinent information on the back, all without increasing clutter or decreasing the text size. 
 The front chart indicates 70 Constellations, the Names of 55 Stars, the Milky Way Band, the Ecliptic (which is the path of the Sun, Moon and Planets), 54 favorite Double Stars, the Summer Triangle, Winter/Summer Tours and 56 Galaxies, Star Clusters and Nebulae that can be observed with binoculars or a small telescope. Additionally, favorite star patterns are noted, like the Great Square of Pegasus, the Circlet of Pisces, the Northern Cross of Cygnus and others. 
 On the back side, there are useful tables and other astronomical information, including: Mythology, Yearly Meteor Showers, Moon map, Phases of the Moon, Facts about the Planets, A Short history of Astronomy, the 10 Brightest Stars, Information about the Binocular &amp; Telescope Objects (those on the chart), Why Stars Twinkle, additional instructions for using the chart and more. 
 PLANET NOTE. Most star charts, like this one, do not indicate, on the chart, the position of the Planets or Moon because these objects move through the constellations of the zodiac, along a path in the sky called the Ecliptic (indicated on the chart). Website support is provided to help identify the planets that are visible in the sky. 
 This chart is also available in a smaller 11-inch diameter (ISBN 1928771-033). And, there is a low-cost kid's version printed in color on sturdy card-like paper (ISBN 1928771-22X), as well as the Equatorial Guide to the Stars for use in and around the equator (ISBN 1928771-777). Finally, there is the Celestial Atlas Menor, 128 pages chock-full of star charts and tables (ISBN 978-1928771883).

Guide to the Stars

Science & Math

Ken Graun

Astronomy & Space Science

Ken Press

The 4th edition of the 11-inch diameter plastic Guide to the Stars chart is a ''map'' to help you identify the constellations. You simply dial-in your observing time and date to find the set of constellations visible in your sky (this is accomplished by rotating the clear top piece). This chart can be used for latitudes 30 degrees to 60 degrees North, which covers the US and Canada. Although this chart is designed for beginners, it finds use with seasoned amateur astronomers. This type of round star chart is often called a planisphere because it takes a set of stars on a sphere and plots them on a flat surface. 
 The 11-inch diameter is a compact size ideal for travel. This chart can be used anywhere in the world between latitudes 30 and 60 degrees north including England, Europe, Northern China and Japan. The 4th edition has been improved by indicating favorite double stars and providing more information on the back, all without increasing clutter. 
 The front chart indicates 70 Constellations, the Names of 55 Stars, the Milky Way Band, the Ecliptic (which is the path of the Sun, Moon and Planets), 55 favorite Double Stars, the Summer Triangle, Winter/Summer Tours and 50 Galaxies, Star Clusters and Nebulae that can be observed with binoculars or a small telescope. Additionally, favorite star patterns are noted, like the Great Square of Pegasus, the Circlet of Pisces, the Northern Cross of Cygnus and others. 
 On the back side, there are useful tables and other astronomical information, including: Yearly Meteor Showers, Phases of the Moon, Facts about the Planets, A Short history of Astronomy, the 10 Brightest Stars, Information about the Binocular &amp; Telescope Objects (indicated on the chart), Why Stars Twinkle, additional instructions for using the chart to identify the stars and constellations, and more. 
 PLANET NOTE. Most star charts, like this one, do not indicate, on the chart, the position of the Planets or Moon because these objects move through the constellations of the zodiac, along a path in the sky called the Ecliptic (indicated on the chart). The Moon moves at a rate of one Moon diameter per hour against the background stars. The visible Planets move much slower but movement can normally be seen over several days. Website support is provided to identify the planets that are visible in the sky. 
 This chart is also available in a larger, 16-inch diameter size that is easier to read and ideal for families, teachers and seniors (ISBN 1928771-017). The larger size has more astronomy information on the back. And, there is a very low price kid's version ( ISBN is 1928771-22X) of this chart that is printed in color on sturdy card-like paper stock. The wheel of stars for the kid's version is 11-inches in diameter. For observing around the equator, there is the Equatorial Guide to the Stars (ISBN 1928771-777). Finally, there is the Celestial Atlas Menor, 128 pages chock-full of star charts and tables for use anywhere in the world (ISBN 978-1928771883).

This star chart was specifically designed for use in the SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE. If you need a chart for areas around the equator, check out the Equatorial Guide to the Stars (ISBN 1-928771-77-7). SOME LOCATIONS THAT THIS STAR CHART CAN BE USED INCLUDE: Australia, New Zealand, Southern and South Africa, and southern South America including Chile and Argentina. The Southern Hemisphere Guide to the Stars was made for both beginning stargazers and more seasoned amateur astronomers visiting or living "down under." 
 This 11-inch diameter star chart is compact in size for travel and is made of sturdy plastic. It consists of two circular pieces riveted together in the middle. You simply dial-in your observing time and date, by rotating the top piece, to show the set of constellations visible in your sky (they will appear in the oval).
 The star chart indicates 78 Constellations, the Names of 64 Stars, the Milky Way Band and the Ecliptic (which is the path of the Sun, Moon and Planets). Also noted are favorite star patterns including the Southern Cross, Keystone and Great Square. Additionally, the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds and the Coal Sack are indicated. 
 This star chart also indicates favorite binocular and small telescope objects. Noted are 52 double stars and 104 clusters of stars, nebulae and galaxies (68 are Messier objects). The clusters, nebulae and galaxies are designated with their catalogue numbers (i.e., M42, NGC 4755, etc). Beginners don't need to worry about these objects but they are indicated for those who want to explore the sky more without carrying bulkier star charts. 
 On the back side, there are useful tables and other astronomical information, including: Yearly Meteor Showers, Phases of the Moon, Facts about the Planets, A Short history of southern Astronomy, the 10 Brightest Stars, Information about the Binocular &amp; Telescope Objects (indicated on the chart), Why Stars Twinkle, additional instructions for using the chart to identify the stars and constellations, and more. 
 PLANET NOTE. Most star charts, like this one, do not indicate, on the chart, the position of the Planets or Moon because these objects move through the constellations of the zodiac, along a path in the sky called the Ecliptic (indicated on the chart). Website support is provided to identify the planets that are visible in the sky. 
 This chart is one in a series of star charts by Ken Press. The northern hemisphere star charts include an inexpensive kid's star chart (ISBN 192877122X), a small 11-inch diameter plastic star chart (ISBN 1928771033) and a large, 16-inch diameter plastic star chart that is easy to read and ideal for families, teachers and seniors (ISBN 1-928771017). Finally, there is the Celestial Atlas Menor with 128 pages chock-full of star charts and tables (ISBN 978-1928771883) for use anywhere in the world.

Southern Hemisphere Guide to the Stars

In 1752, Charles Messier left the small French town of Badonviller for employment in Paris as an astronomer's assistant. In the following years, he discovered 20 comets and compiled the first catalogue of over 100 objects listing star clusters, nebulae and galaxies collectively called Deep Sky Objects. 
 Today, Messier's catalogue is often the first set of Deep Sky Objects observed by budding amateurs wanting to go beyond viewing the Moon, Planets and Sun. His list of objects represents the biggest, brightest and most beautiful objects in the heavens, the cream of the crop. They include the Pleiades, the Orion Nebula, the Ring Nebula, the Omega or Swan Nebula, the Andromeda Galaxy and 100 more. And, what is even better, all of these objects can be seen using a telescope as small as 3 inches in diameter. 
 The Next Step is a complete field guide to discovering Messier's objects, a celestial road map for the successful navigation and exploration of these beautiful heavenly bodies. 
 Highlights of The Next Step are as follows: 
 - Easy to understand and easy to use, written especially for the novice amateur astronomer. - Many sidebars and boxes to highlight important information. - Type size is larger to make reading at night easier. - Details the full history of Charles Messier, his colleagues and Paris during the 1700s. Includes new historical information about Charles Messier's childhood and journey to Paris. - Complete set of 22 colored star charts for locating every Messier object including enlargements of ''cluttered'' areas. Charts can be used in conjunction with any telescope. - Catalogue pages offer up-to-date information and a standardized format for easy use and comparison. Every object has a photograph that is at the same size, scale and exposure for easy comparison. - Discussion and check-off list for the Messier Marathon. - Expanded catalogue now includes 112 objects. - Expanded Glossary 
 Further Discussion: 
 There are 36 pages devoted to Messier's history and times. This part of the book has many ''sidebars'' to highlight interesting points. It is printed in full color with many historical pictures of Charles Messier and the places he worked and lived including information about his boss and colleagues. 
 A section of the book has a detailed discussion and examples of ''tricks'' to find objects in the sky. 
 There are 22 pages of full-color star charts to help you locate all of the Messier objects. This includes two summary charts, 16 charts showing the sky facing north and south and four close-up charts. 
 The individual catalogue pages comprise the largest section of the book. This part of the book is printed in black and white. Each object has its own two-page spread, a left and right hand page. The placement of the information on the pages is consistent from object to object. Each left-hand page has the original Messier description (in English), the NGC description, coordinates, observing periods, names, magnitude, distance and comments. Each right-hand page provides a brief description using a 4-inch diameter telescope, indexes for locating and identifying the object and a photo of the object taken with a small telescope to approximate what you will see in the telescope.

The Next Step: Finding and Viewing Messier's Objects

This star chart was specifically designed and priced for children ages 5 to 15. It can be used for any night of the year and anywhere in the United States (latitudes 30 to 50 degrees North). It is made of sturdy card-type paper that resists moisture and printed in color. Note: Although this star chart was designed for kids, an adult will most likely have to assist younger children in identifying the constellations and stars. 
 This star chart consists of an outer, dark-blue sleeve that contains a ''star wheel.'' The star wheel cannot fall out of the sleeve. The ''heart'' of this star chart is the ''star wheel'' and it is rotated to your observing day and time. The stars that appear in the oval are the stars that will be in the night sky. The days of the month are indicated along the circumference of the star wheel and the observing times of 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. are indicated on the front sleeve. 
 The star wheel indicates 70 Constellations, the Names of 55 Stars, the Milky Way Band, the Ecliptic (which is the path of the Sun, Moon and Planets), 12 easy binocular objects and favorite star patterns including the Great Square of Pegasus, the Sickle of Leo, the Northern Cross of Cygnus and others. This star wheel is not ''cutesy'' or ''dumbed down'' for kids. It is an accurate plotting and representation of the constellations and stars. 
 The front of the sleeve has easy-to-follow instructions. The back of the sleeve has additional instructions for those first starting to find the stars, a table of the yearly meteor showers, the phases of the Moon, a short history of space and a description of the 12 binoculars objects that are indicated on the star wheel. 
 Although the primary audience for this star chart is kids in the U.S., this chart can also be used to find the constellations in England, Europe, Northern China and Japan. 
 PLANET NOTE. Most star charts, like this one, do not indicate, on the star wheel, the position of the Planets or Moon because these objects move through the constellations of the zodiac, along a path in the sky called the Ecliptic (indicated on the star wheel). The Moon moves at a rate of one Moon diameter per hour against the background stars. The visible Planets move much slower but movement can normally be seen over several days. Website support is provided to identify the planets that are visible in the sky. 
 There are two adult versions of this star chart. Both are made of plastic and can be ''dialed-in'' to observe the constellations for any hour of the day and any day of the year. The 11-inch diameter star chart (ISBN ISBN 1-928771-03-3) is similar in size to the kid's star chart. The larger, 16-inch diameter star chart, which is about the size of a large pizza, is easier to read and thus ideal for families, teachers and seniors (ISBN 1-928771-01-7). The larger size also has more astronomy information on the back.

Reference

What's Out Tonight? is a celestial almanac, and an astronomy reference and field guide. This revised edition (2006) has been expanded, updated and printed in full color. It retains the original ease-of-use with tabbed sections and extensive cross-referencing. Also included are an expanded glossary and detailed index. What's Out Tonight? is written specifically as a resource for beginners but seasoned observers will find it useful because it is packed with well-organized information. As a celestial almanac, What's Out Tonight? provides the observer with a snapshot of the heavens until 2050. There are star charts of the entire sky as well as tables indicating the Planets that are visible, the phases of the Moon, eclipses, meteor showers and more. At a glance, you will know what is happening in the night sky for 50 years. 
 As an astronomy field guide, What's Out Tonight? provides guidance, helpful suggestions and tips to get you started observing the sky with the naked eye, binoculars or a telescope. Because What's Out Tonight? is written for the new or occasional observer, it takes an easy, step-by-step approach in viewing the night sky. There are hundreds of colored pictures, tables and illustrations to make astronomy easy and fun. 
 The book is divided into the following 9 sections: 
 1) Informative tables about the Universe, our Galaxy, our Sun, our Planets, the stars and constellations. Includes a complete star atlas 2) Monthly Star Charts listing nearly 100 favorite objects covering the northern and southern hemispheres 3) Information on Telescopes, Accessories and Binoculars 4) Observing the Moon and its phases 5) Observing our Planets 6) Observing Meteors, Comets, our Sun and Eclipses 7) Observing Star Clusters, Nebulae, Galaxies, Double Stars and Variable Stars 8) Sunrise and Sunset times for 200 North American cities 9) Glossary, Mythology of the Constellations and a History of Astronomy

What's Out Tonight? : Celestial Almanac & Astronomy Field Guide 2000 to 2050

Finding and Viewing Messier’s Objects

This star chart was specifically designed for use around the EQUATOR but it is useful from latitudes 30 degrees NORTH to 30 degrees SOUTH. The instructions are in ENGLISH and SPANISH.\nSOME LOCATIONS THAT THIS STAR CHART CAN BE USED INCLUDE: Southern Florida, Hawaii, Mexico, Cuba, Central America, northern and central South America including all of Brazil, central and southern Africa, Saudi Arabia, India, southern China, Philippines, Indonesia, New Guinea and northern Australia. Special Note: Although this star chart was designed specifically for use at or near the equator, with a little ingenuity, it can be used anywhere in the world because it charts the entire night skies of the northern and southern hemispheres.\nThe Equatorial Guide to the Stars was made for both beginning stargazers and more seasoned amateur astronomers visiting or living around the ''waist'' of the Earth. Beginners can ignore some of the chart's details that might be useful to those more familiar with the night sky. These details are described a few paragraphs below.\nThis star chart consists of a sleeve that contains a round star chart or ''star wheel.'' The star wheel cannot fall out of the sleeve. The round star wheel is rotated within the sleeve to match the date with the time. The stars that appear in the two ovals are the stars that will be in the night sky. There are two sides. One side has an oval for the stars that will appear in the northern sky and the other side has an oval for the stars that will appear in the southern sky. This star chart is made of sturdy, card-type paper that resists moisture. It is printed in color.\nThe star chart indicates all 88 Constellations, the Names of 73 Stars, the Milky Way Band and the Ecliptic (which is the path of the Sun, Moon and Planets). Also noted are favorite star patterns including the Southern Cross and Great Square. Additionally, the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds and the Coal Sack are shown.\nThe more seasoned amateur astronomer will especially enjoy this star chart because it indicates favorite binocular and small telescope objects. Noted are 67 double stars and 88 clusters of stars, nebulae and galaxies. The clusters, nebulae and galaxies are designated with their catalogue numbers (i.e., M42, NGC 4755, etc). Beginners don't need to worry about these objects but they are indicated for those who want to explore the sky more without carrying bulkier star charts.\nThe size of this star chart measures 11 inches wide by 11.25 inches tall and it is less than 1/8 inch thick, which makes it unobtrusive in a suitcase.\nThe sleeve that contains the star chart or star wheel has instructions in ENGLISH and SPANISH. Additionally, it has a table of the yearly meteor showers (in English and Spanish). One side of the sleeve is predominantly written in ENGLISH (the ''North'' side) and the other side is predominantly written in SPANISH (the ''South'' side). However, both sides have all the important chart notes in English and Spanish. The names of the constellations and stars on the star wheel are written only in English.\nPLANET NOTE. The position of the Planets and Moon are not indicated on the chart because they move through the fixed constellations. Website support is provided to locate the planets that are visible in the sky.\nThis chart is one in a series of star charts by Ken Press. The northern hemisphere star charts include a small 11-inch diameter plastic star chart (ISBN 1928771033) and a large, 16-inch diameter plastic star chart that is easy to read and ideal for families, teachers and seniors (ISBN 1928771017). Finally, there is the Celestial Atlas Menor with 128 pages chock-full of star charts and tables (ISBN 978-1928771883) for use anywhere in the world.

Equatorial Guide to the Stars

Celestial Atlas Menor is a reference and observing guide for those wanting to enjoy the exploration of the heavens with their eyes, binoculars or a 6 to 8-inch diameter telescope. It is for both beginners and more experienced observers. The magnitude limit of the charted stars is about +5.5 which is the limit of the naked eye, but the magnitude limit for celestial objects (like nebulae and galaxies) is about +11.5, which is the limit for a 6-inch to 8-inch diameter telescope, that is, popular-size scopes under reasonably dark skies. Throughout its 128 pages, beginners will find explanations of terms and concepts, as well as help with terms in the expanded glossary.Celestial Atlas Menor includes: 
 * 26 detailed star charts of the entire sky with 14 additional close-up charts * Comfortable chart scale that keeps whole constellations on a single chart (page) * Simplified constellation outlines for easy identification of patterns in the sky * Over 1,370 plotted objects (Deep Sky Objects: star clusters, nebulae and galaxies) and 360 double stars with 24 pages of descriptions. The Deep Sky Object magnitude limit is to +11.5 * Stars on charts plotted to the naked-eye magnitude limit of +5.5 * Cross-reference lists to find objects in constellations by type, designation or name * Bimonthly Northern and Southern Hemisphere charts for identifying the stars and constellations in most night skies * Tabs for the charts and listing of objects, and smartly placed reference pages * Messier Deep Sky Objects (catalogue of 110 star clusters, nebulae and galaxies) * Caldwell catalogue of Deep Sky Objects * List of closest stars * List of stars with names * Meteor showers * Facts about the Sun * Moon map and observing information * Facts and observing information on the planets * Observing tips for all objects, including double stars and Deep Sky Objects * Black and white charts for use with red lights that preserve night vision * Greek mythology * Expanded glossary to define and/or explain terms and concepts * A standard and convenient size (8.5x11 inches) for clipboards, 3-ring binders and one's lap * Internet support for the location of the planets and other information
 Separate star charts from Ken Press that can be used alone or in conjunction with Celestial Atlas Menor include: 
 *16-inch Guide to the Stars, Northern Hemisphere. ISBN 1928771017 *11-inch Guide to the Stars, Northern Hemisphere. ISBN 1928771033 *11-inch Guide to the Stars, Equatorial. ISBN 1928771777 *11-inch Guide to the Stars, Southern Hemisphere. ISBN 1928771114

Celestial Atlas Menor

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Ken Graun. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Ken Graun

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Ken Graun. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Guide to the Stars

Guide to the Stars

Southern Hemisphere Guide to the Stars

The Next Step: Finding and Viewing Messier's Objects

Guide to the Stars

What's Out Tonight? : Celestial Almanac & Astronomy Field Guide 2000 to 2050

Finding and Viewing Messier’s Objects

Equatorial Guide to the Stars

Celestial Atlas Menor