What is a planisphere and do I need one. A planisphere is simply a tool we use to find our way around the sky. It consists of 2 circles, one has a sky map printed on it, the second has a window cut into it which allows only the part of the sky visible in the sky at the intended point in time to be seen. The masked circle is marked off in a 24 hour clock configuration, while the sky map portion is marked of in the 12 months of the year, subdivided by day.


To see what is in the sky on the day and time you want to observe at simply line up the day and time and the sky chart will display the objects that are visible. Simple, easy to carry, and very efficient. I used one when I was starting out, and still use one to this day. A planisphere is especially handy for quick, grab and go sessions or binocular observing.

Orion makes a beauty that I can highly recommend: Orion Star Target Planisphere