Large Levenhuk M20 Planisphere

A planisphere is a star map with a rotating calendar that helps to easily and quickly identify which celestial objects can be observed from your position on a specific date and time. During observations of the night sky, our ancestors noticed constant changes throughout the year. Due to the rotation of our planet (around the Sun and around its own axis), what can be seen in the celestial sphere changes from month to month, even during the day! This observation led to the creation of a planisphere that allows people to pinpoint the brightest astronomical objects on a specific future (or past) date and time of observation.

How does it work? A planisphere consists of a star map and a disk, with date markings (on the map) and time markings (on the disk). By aligning the date and time, it becomes possible to see the representation of the night sky through the oval window on the disk. It is not possible to select a year on the planisphere because the position of the stars remains the same, both in the past and future.

The Levenhuk M20 planisphere is designed for a northern latitude of 45°–63° (Seattle is at about 47° North, Anchorage about 61° North), therefore it only shows the constellations that can be observed from these coordinates.

Additional information:

• A planisphere shows the representation of the celestial sphere at a specific date and time. Just align the date on the star map with the time on the disk (e.g., January 21, 10:00 PM).
• The North Pole is at the center of the map, with Polaris, the North Star, beside it.
• The star map depicts stars with a magnitude greater than 3 (the larger the point, the brighter the star). The brightest stars are labeled with their names.
• Both the star map and the disk are laminated.

The planisphere is very easy to use and the information provided is valuable for observations.

Usage: product for general use. Recommended for children over 3 years.