This is the full-sized version of The Night Sky suitable for the 30-40 latitude zone (southern half of the US, North Africa, Middle East, etc.). We have versions for the following latitude zones: 50-60, 40-50, 30-40, 20-30, and the Southern Hemisphere. We also have pocket-sized versions available for the same latitude zones.

Planispheres are generally manufactured in incremental versions to accommodate various bandwidths of latitudes from which to use them. For northern latitudes they are most commonly offered in 20/30; 30/40; and 40/50-degree versions. The Night Sky "30-40" matches latitudes from 30 to 40 degrees North, i.e.: - the mid-southern United States. You should select the one that brackets your particular latitude.

Classic boundaries of the constellations are highlighted with lines connecting principal stars down to 5th magnitude. A few of the more significant celestial objects are represent as well, i.e.: - M31. Right Ascension and Declination scales are provided. The front side shows the sky as you face north. Turning the planisphere over (from front to back) shows the sky as it looks facing south - and without distortion.

A good starfinder is a useful tool, and Chandler's Night Sky planisphere has become my personal favorite. It makes for a good learning device as well, and is the planisphere of choice for Terrence Dickinson ("The Backyard Astronomer's Guide"). It is plastic coated, weatherproof, and very durable. Mine has suffered some clumsy mishaps on a concrete observing pad and endured countless hundreds of dew-polluted evenings, but still looks and functions quite well.

Whatever the venue - binocular, telescope, or just plain naked-eye stargazing, I highly recommend Chandler's Night Sky planisphere. I believe it to be the best choice available.


Star gazing   February 6, 2007
 17 out of 17 found this review helpful

Superb product. The prduct is made of sturdy material(plastic?) not like the cardboard one I owned in the past. I love the clear plastic cover which can keep the dew and my fingerprints at bay. The chart itself, in addition, to the constellations locates Messier objects and nebulae.
This is great item to take on a camping trips or just stash in the glove compartment for impromptu stops to see the stars.

Make sure you buy the chart that is at or near the latitude where you live. The USA runs from 30-50 degrees latitude. So if you live at or south of New York and Denver then get the 30-40. If much above that, get the 40-50 degree latitude


Best In The Night Sky   January 4, 2007
 12 out of 13 found this review helpful

After much careful comparing I found this Plainesphere to be the best one out there. Has a back side which is actually useful. I bought 2 as Christmas gifts and were enthusiastically received. Highly recommended.
By the way - also get a Red LED flashlight to go with these to preserve night vision. Amazon has a great small one at a good price.


An excellent tool for learning and using the night sky!   July 5, 1999
 11 out of 13 found this review helpful

Dave Chandler's Night Sky has been a useful toll for me for many years of comet hunting. I began using it 20 years ago to determine what stars I should be seeing near the horizon at the evening and morning twilights. It is very simple to use, both during the day and at night.


Good planisphere   August 16, 2005
 8 out of 8 found this review helpful

Actually I would give this planisphere a rating of 3.5 rather than 4. It is a good planisphere overall. The plastic it is made of is of good quality & it comes in a plastic cover for storage. Instructions are printed on one side for the beginner, and they are brief yet very explanatory. Blue ink against a white background make this planisphere very easy to read under filtered red light since the blue appears black under red light. However, I find it lacks detail. Although all constellations are on it, only a few Messier objects are plotted. I've seen other planispheres with much more detail. Another thing it lacks is a list of the planets & when they are best viewed. I've seen this list on many other planispheres, but not on this one. The bottom line, however, is that this is a very good planisphere for those beginners who want to learn well the constellations.