Item Tag: 12 and up

The Super PlanisphereUsing a simple three-digit code, the Super Planisphere takes the pain out of finding constellations and stars in the night sky. As a young boy, I used a traditional planisphere to learn the constellations, and it wasn’t easy. It took many, many observing sessions for me to finally get a good grasp on the night sky. Many years later, my astronomy students at Fort Lewis College were experiencing the same problems I had in trying to learn the constellations using a traditional planisphere. I thought that there had to be a better way to do this, and that is what inspired me to come up with the concept of the Super Planisphere and patent it. Super Planisphere vs. Traditional Planisphere The Super Planisphere is a huge improvement over the traditional planisphere. Traditional planispheres have been in existence for hundreds of years, but while they can be helpful to the experienced astronomer, they are very difficult for the beginner to use. There are three main reasons for this. Traditional Planisphere Problem # 1Traditional planispheres use a single four-inch diameter constellation map to represent the entire dome of the night sky above you. Because all of the visible constellations are on one map, they are very small and are hard to relate to the actual night sky. Super Planisphere SolutionThe Super Planisphere uses 20 large ten-inch diameter constellation maps. Since only a few constellations are on each map, they are much larger than on a traditional planisphere map, and they more closely match the apparent size of the actual constellations in the sky. This makes it much easier to relate the map to the night sky._ _ _ _ Traditional Planisphere Problem #2Another consequence of having the entire night sky represented on the one small constellation map of a traditional planisphere is that some constellations are extremely distorted. The closer you get to the edge of the map, the more stretched and distorted the constellations become, making many of them unrecognizable. Super Planisphere Solution The Super Planisphere constellation maps have very little distortion. Since each map covers only a small portion of the sky, the constellations on the maps are much larger and more accurately depict the actual constellations in the sky._ _ _ _ Traditional Planisphere Problem #3To use a traditional planisphere, you hold it above your head which blocks a significant part of the sky. Then you have to rotate it until it points north. Next comes the difficult task of relating the small constellation map over your head to the entire dome of the night sky from horizon to horizon. Super Planisphere SolutionUsing the Super Planisphere constellation maps is easy. Follow the simple three-step procedure, and you will end up holding the map just below the line of sight to the actual constellations in the sky. _ _ _ _ Traditional Planisphere Problem #4The traditional planisphere can be used by only one observer at a time. Super Planisphere SolutionThe Super Planisphere comes with a Ground Compass which allows multiple observers to use it at the same time. This is ideal for family or group The end result of these improvements is that you will be able to find more constellations in just a few observing sessions using the Super Planisphere than you would using a traditional planisphere for months. Super Planisphere Features 1. The Super Planisphere Calculating Wheel – provides the three-digit code for all 20 constellation maps. 2. Twenty Constellation Maps – large 10-inch diameter maps display and name 56 constellations, 66 of the brightest stars and 33 deep-sky objects. 3. What’s Up Now Window – tells you what objects are visible in the night sky while you are observing. 4. Built-in Adjustable Compass – rotating scale allows precise adjustment for your location. 5. Ground Compass – allows multiple constellation maps to be used at the same time in family or group observing situations. 6. Instruction Manual – detailed step-by-step instructions for using the Super Planisphere._ _ _ _ _ _ The Super Planisphere may look intimidating, but it is really quite easy to use. After you’ve gone through the three-step process a few times, it will become automatic, and you’ll be finding constellations on your very first night. If you are willing to spend some time outside under the stars, the Super Planisphere can be your guide to learning the constellations—an important first step to understanding the wonders of the night sky.