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Double-Sided Multi-Latitude Planisphere Star Map Night Sky Guide for Astronomy

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About this item

NAVIGATE THE NIGHT SKY WITH EASE: This planisphere is a comprehensive sky map for northern hemisphere stargazers located between the equator and latitude 60° north that makes it easy to identify what constellations and major celestial objects are up in your night sky based on the date and time.
INNOVATIVE DOUBLE-SIDED DESIGN: This night sky guide, which features maps crafted by noted celestial cartographer Wil Tirion, uses a double-sided design to minimize the distortion that is inherent to any polar-centered projection. This design choice means observers can see truer representations of the constellations located outside the equator (noted by a green line) by simply flipping the planisphere over.
IDENTIFIES MULTIPLE TYPES OF CELESTIAL OBJECTS: In addition to showcasing constellations, this planisphere indicates the location of notable variable stars, open clusters, nebulae and galaxies. Other features include a line representing the ecliptic, a faint blue band for the Milky Way and a magnitude scale that indicates the brightness of the stars that are shown.
EXCELLENT CRAFTSMANSHIP AND CLEAR INSTRUCTIONS: Made in the USA, this astronomy planisphere is made of durable plastic that easily wipes clean, and the rotating components are secured with sturdy brass rivets for smooth manipulation. Guidance for using your sky map is printed on the device for quick reference.
TRUSTED CUSTOMER SUPPORT: This product comes with reliable after-sales support from our team based in Springdale, Arkansas. If you have any questions about how to use your planisphere, we are ready to help!

Product Description

Tirion Double-Sided Multi-Latitude Planisphere

With a universe of options to explore, it can be difficult to track what awe-inspiring treasures are currently visible in your sky. The Tirion double-sided planisphere can help guide your explorations throughout the year. Created by noted celestial cartographer Wil Tirion, this planisphere works over a vast range of northern hemisphere latitudes and uses a double-sided design to minimize distortion. It is made of durable plastic and the celestial dials are secured with no-corrosion brass rivets.

How To Use the Tirion Planisphere

Turn the upper sheet so that the appropriate local time and the date match. If the clock is set to daylight saving time, subtract one hour from the time on your watch. This side of the planisphere then shows the stars and constellations that are visible above the southern horizon and the other side shows what is visible above the northern horizon. On both sides a number of different horizon lines are shown, labeled with the latitude. Choose the horizon line that is closest to your latitude. So, if you live at latitude 37°N, the best choice is the horizon line for 40°N. If you live on 32°N, use the horizon line for 30°N. Notice that the horizon lines on this side (looking South) run from 60°N (top) to 0° (bottom), while on the reverse side it is the other way around.

On any polar centered projection, used on planispheres, there is a lot of distortion, especially near the edges of the map. That is why we created this double sided planispheres. It keeps the distortion to a minimum. Constellations outside the equator (the green circle) are shown with less distortion on the other side of this planisphere.

The brown dashed line is the ecliptic, the yearly path of the sun amongst the stars. The bright planets (Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn) are always near the line, so if you see a bright ‘star’ close to the ecliptic, that is not shown on the map, you can be sure it is one of these planets.

The faint blue band on the maps is the Milky Way. On the southern map (this side) you can see two small clouds; the SMC (Small Magellanic Cloud) and the LMC (Large Magellanic Cloud). These are small galaxies that are considered to be satellites of our own Milky Way Galaxy.

Tirion’s planisphere also uses symbols to identify select stars and deep sky objects like galaxies, nebulae and clusters.

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About Wil Tirion

Based in The Netherlands, Tirion has been crafting stars maps since the 1970s and became a professional uranographer shortly after the publication of his highly regarded Sky Atlas 2000.0 in 1981.

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About Us

Based out of Springdale, Arkansas, Explore Scientific is an optics company committed to designing, building and selling high-quality observation instruments and accessories for all skill levels. The company was founded in 2008 with a mission to make astronomy and other sciences more accessible by giving enthusiasts of all skill levels the tools and guidance they need to explore the world around and the skies above. Our extensive astronomy product line includes industry-leading waterproof eyepieces that provide transformative views; telescopes ranging from 50mm beginner models to refractors with impressive apertures and superior glass; revolutionary GOTO mount technology; and a wide selection of observing and imaging accessories. We also manufacture binoculars, other sport optics, microscopes and STEM gear for young explorers.

Donald Danner

2025-07-29 09:28:23

Great and easy to use. Excellent tool for my astronomy interests.

Runewolf

2025-07-09 14:46:49

I travel frequently and love to see the change in the night sky from many different locations. This Planisphere makes locating celestial bodies at several latitudes easy.

Dan Jarrell

2025-07-04 15:08:30

The ability to use this from the latitude of Hawaii to southern Canada is fabulous. I will be traveling to both regions over the next few months and am thrilled to have a tools that will allow me to familiarize myself with the sky in those disparate locales. (It even has southern hemisphere capabilities!)

N K.

2025-06-15 10:24:41

Works great

K.Keck

2025-03-18 13:52:21

A great tool for star gazing! Low tech, high efficiency.

The May;s, Red Bluff Tx

2025-03-11 13:11:13

Great for teaching the Northern hemisphere constellations to your young folks. Hemisphere lines showing local latitude horizons accurate. Recommend

2025-01-23 11:42:30

Had one of these about 30 years ago that was much better quality. Very small print, (almost microscopic) Trying to read at night is a joke. larger luminous content would be a major improvement. That said, it appears to be functional. I would recommend a copy of Sky &Telescope or other Astronomy publication monthly sky chart over this any day.

G.W.

2025-01-10 10:25:00

Since this planisphere is designed to work for a large range of latitudes, it's great if you will be traveling anywhere in the Northern Hemisphere between the equator and 60 degrees north (that's well north of Juneau, Alaska or Edinburgh, Scotland). Note: this chart does not cover the Southern Hemisphere.

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