7 replies to this topic

[DarkObserver]

Now that Orion is defunct, are there any fold-out style star maps that are similar to the Orion DeepMap 600? Other threads have already recommended some excellent book style charts and maps, but none seem to mention any poster-size charts with the entire sky (hemisphere) on one "page" with the same or more information as contained in the DeepMap. Something to use as a high-level road map for the sky before jumping down to a more detailed chart.

 

In older threads on this forum it seems many members do not find much use for this map. I always use it at astronomy nights not only to find my way around, but also to introduce beginners to the night sky since it provides context for everything on their tour. I even have the newbies do simple time of day(night) estimates with it the way a sailor may have done centuries ago. The beginners and even seasoned astronomers always ask what map it is and where to get one. Sadly they can't now, and I only realized that at a gathering a few days ago when people again asked.

 

Thanks

 

 

https://lacerta-opti...d/DeepMap-1.jpg

https://lacerta-opti...d/DeepMap-3.jpg

Edited by DarkObserver, 24 March 2025 - 05:07 PM.

[UnityLover]

Now that Orion is defunct, are there any fold-out style star maps that are similar to the Orion DeepMap 600? Other threads have already recommended some excellent book style charts and maps, but none seem to mention any poster-size charts with the entire sky (hemisphere) on one "page" with the same or more information as contained in the DeepMap. Something to use as a high-level road map for the sky before jumping down to a more detailed chart.

 

In older threads on this forum it seems many members do not find much use for this map. I always use it at astronomy nights not only to find my way around, but also to introduce beginners to the night sky since it provides context for everything on their tour. I even have the newbies do simple time of day(night) estimates with it the way a sailor may have done centuries ago. The beginners and even seasoned astronomers always ask what map it is and where to get one. Sadly they can't now, and I only realized that at a gathering a few days ago when people again asked.

 

Thanks

 

 

https://lacerta-opti...d/DeepMap-1.jpg

https://lacerta-opti...d/DeepMap-3.jpg

You could try and print it out, like a mosaic.

[DarkObserver]

You could try and print it out, like a mosaic.

I was considering this. The only caveat is that I will need to make my own high resolution digital version, maybe with a camera and photo stitching software like Hugin.

 

While I may resort to this as a last option, I would prefer to support publication of any similar new maps or re-publication of the old one.

[pugliano]

I'm glad I got one when I did, as I purchased it just a few months ago to replace one I had years ago.

 

Two other possibilities:

 

https://www.amazon.c...566959500&psc=1

 

https://www.amazon.c...,aps,153&sr=8-7

Edited by pugliano, 24 March 2025 - 11:59 PM.

[DarkObserver]

Two other possibilities:

 

National Geographic Night Sky

Finding and Viewing Messier’s Objects

Thank you for the suggestions, I will probably pick up both. The only major differences with the Nat Geo map are that it is smaller, in polar format, and the latitude grid is more sparse, which does make navigation a bit different. The Messier Objects map looks great for use as handouts for introductory tours.

 

It seems what I am looking for is more appropriately called a "Navigational Star Chart", similar to what the naval services publish ( https://aa.usno.navy.../Nav_Star_Chart ).

[Tim Hager]

Highpoint Scientific purchased much or all of the inventory of Orion at their liquidation auction.  Maybe there are still a few copies with Highpoint or they might want to get it reprinted if they also purchased the intellectual property in the transaction.  Can't hurt to ask them.

[CarolinaBanker]

I recently bought one used for $15 shipped, used and in good shape.

[DarkObserver]

Highpoint Scientific purchased much or all of the inventory of Orion at their liquidation auction.  [...] Can't hurt to ask them.

I contacted Highpoint Scientific, and they replied they have no plans to reprint any maps or publications once they are out of stock. They did not answer my question about whether they obtained the publishing rights from Orion, so it may still be possible for another publisher to pick these up, perhaps under a different name in collaboration with the original authors.

 

The only remaining stock I found was at this site https://warehousesov...ing-star-chart/ which is selling it with a steep markup.

 

I will keep an eye open for used ones as CarolinaBanker mentioned in the previous post, however at this point I will probably start digitizing my copy of the map while it is still in good shape.

Edited by DarkObserver, 07 April 2025 - 10:18 PM.