5 replies to this topic

[Memo]

Hi, I already have a Star Atlas. Now I'm looking for an excellent planisphere.
I want one that:
- Can be easily read with red light
- Shows both hemisphers, or at least part of both.
- Anti-dew
- A lot of DSO in it.

Any recommendations? thanks

[fmulder]

Sirio, it could be that the reason you're not getting any responses is that it's hard, if not impossible, to buy a southern hemisphere-oriented planisphere here in the States. I have the Firefly Planisphere Deluxe I bought from Amazon, and it's LARGE and of good quality (made in Germany, I think). Maybe you could locate one oriented to the southern hemisphere? Good hunting in whatever you end up with. mulder

[edwincjones]

You are asking a lot for one planisphere. I would suggest two--the David Levy 16" plastic at $20 Barnes and Nobles, S&T, other places; and a second southern hemisphere at S&T.

[LivingNDixie]

I second the David Levy planisphere

[Star*Hopper]

Hi,
Better planispheres are usually based on a particular latitude range, as others have alluded -- they must be, to be really accurate. I'd suggest you take a look at Amazon.com & do a search on the word, to get an idea of what's available. (Quite a variety!)

One of the better units, well reviewed & well liked by most who've seen & tried them, is "The Night Sky 20°-30°" (Large) by David S. Chandler. I gave that 'range' as an example for the lowest of the 3 latitude ranges for this model. I have the 30°-40° one myself; and bought both the large size, and the small to keep in my ep case lid, but it turns out the small one is a bit too small to be very readable in the dark -- I don't recommend it.

This series is made of a quality, semi-rigid plastic so is dew-proof, and has deep blue markings on white background, so shows nicely in red light. A feature of these is that they have the northern portion of the sky on one side, and the southern quadrant on the flip side. This means the charts don't get 'squashed' out of proportion near the horizons - a common complaint for these tools. They come in a nice, fairly heavy-duty clear vinyl protective case, and also have a hanging hole.

Also, these were selling for ~$20(US) and are now <$10, so are a good bargain also.

Can't make a recommendation on southern latitude models, as I've never investigated those.

To clarity!
~Star*Hopper