After the Sun and Moon, the planets are the brightest objects in the sky – yet they are not marked on conventional rotating star and sky charts! This chart from Oculum Verlag changes that: it shows the four planets that are easy to observe with the naked eye, namely Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn – without any "planet pointers" or complicated calculations!
The sky map is designed specifically for beginners: fainter, invisible stars and objects have been omitted, as have confusing scales and unnecessary features. Instead, there are detailed explanations and guide lines for all newcomers. By reducing the map to the stars that are actually visible in the small-town sky and the most important deep-sky objects, the sky map is ideal for initial orientation in the night sky. The map is optimised for use with a red light torch. With such a red torch, the map can be read without disturbing the dark adaptation of the eyes.
Additional features:
- Large diameter of 30 centimetres
- Calculated for the centre of Germany (50° north, 10° east)
- Time circle with standard time CET/summer time CEST
The map shows:
- the bright planets Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn
- all stars up to 4 mag brightness, the 27 brightest stars with proper names and explanations on the back
- 43 constellations with explanations on the back
- the ten brightest deep sky objects with explanations on the back
- the exact position of the Sun for determining sunrise and sunset times
The sky map comes with detailed instructions and explanations on the inside.
