planispheres
Adjustable constellation maps
Planispheres are flat representations of the celestial sphere, typically circular star charts with a rotating overlay that can be adjusted to show which stars are visible at any given time and date.
Astronomers and stargazers use them to identify constellations: She turned the planisphere to match the current hour and found Orion right where it indicated.
The singular planisphere also refers to any flat projection of a sphere, though the astronomical tool dominates modern usage.
Diagram of celestial bodies
- constellationsRecognized celestial groupings
- celestial sphereImaginary dome of stars
- eclipticSun's apparent annual path
- equatorMidpoint circle of rotation
declination · hemisphere · zodiac · meridian · latitude · longitude · grid · cosmography
Recognized celestial groupings
- night skyDarkness above after sunset
- telescopeInstrument magnifying faraway objects
- astronomyScience of celestial objects
- zenithPoint straight overhead
nebulae · galaxies · meteor shower · comet · binoculars · naked eye · light pollution · astrophotography
Ancient altitude-measuring instrument
- sextantMaritime angular measurement device
- celestial navigationLocation-finding via astronomical observation
- marinerOne who navigates ships
- wayfindingNavigating through physical spaces
bearing · compass · pole star · latitude · longitude · voyage · seafaring · altitude
Ancient altitude-measuring instrument
- armillary sphereRinged astronomical teaching model
- ancient astronomyEarly study of celestial bodies
- medievalOf the Middle Ages
- RenaissanceEuropean cultural reawakening
celestial globe · antique · Age of Exploration · collector · museum
Educational instruction space
- studentsThose receiving instruction
- lessonUnit of teaching
- curriculumEducational program's content plan
- scienceSystematic study through observation
interactive · learning tool · demonstration · hands-on · STEM · school · instructional
star chart
Diagram of celestial bodies
- constellationsRecognized celestial groupings
- celestial sphereImaginary dome of stars
- eclipticSun's apparent annual path
equator · declination · hemisphere · zodiac · meridian · latitude · longitude · grid · cosmography · atlas
constellations
Recognized celestial groupings
- night skyDarkness above after sunset
- telescopeInstrument magnifying faraway objects
- astronomyScience of celestial objects
zenith · nebulae · galaxies · meteor shower · comet · binoculars · naked eye · light pollution · astrophotography · circumpolar
astrolabe
Ancient altitude-measuring instrument
- sextantMaritime angular measurement device
- celestial navigationLocation-finding via astronomical observation
- marinerOne who navigates ships
wayfinding · bearing · compass · pole star · latitude · longitude · voyage · seafaring · altitude · azimuth
astrolabe
Ancient altitude-measuring instrument
- armillary sphereRinged astronomical teaching model
- ancient astronomyEarly study of celestial bodies
- medievalOf the Middle Ages
Renaissance · celestial globe · antique · Age of Exploration · collector · museum
classroom
Educational instruction space
- studentsThose receiving instruction
- lessonUnit of teaching
- curriculumEducational program's content plan
science · interactive · learning tool · demonstration · hands-on · STEM · school · instructional
planispherestelescopes
Optical magnifying instruments
binoculars · refractors · optical instruments · observatories · radio telescopes