Astronomy, space & time
PLN-50 – Planisphere for 50° North latitude
The perfect way to learn how to recognise the stars and constellations, very accurate between 45° and 55° north latitude
by Rob Walrecht
A Planisphere or ‘Star Wheel’ is the perfect way to learn how to recognise the stars and constellations. It consists of a star chart showing all stars and constellations that are visible from a certain area (latitude). However, stars rise and set and the Night Sky changes from season to season. Therefore a second disc is placed on top of the star chart, containing a ‘horizon’ that defines the visible part of the sky at any given moment, which is naturally half of the total starry sky. That moment can be set at the desired date and time. Rob Walrecht’s planisphere design is very modern and attractive. His planispheres are among the best in the world. His programme is the most extensive in the world, with English planispheres for the entire populated world, and planispheres in thirteen other languages (in 2013). The basic star chart contains some 700 stars and 300 ‘objects for binoculars’: galaxies, nebulae, open and globular clusters, double and variable stars that can be seen with the naked eye or at least with binoculars. This is an English planisphere for 60° north, perfect anywhere between 55° and 65° north. It is a round planisphere, 25 cm in diameter, with instructions and a few interesting tips on the backside. For use in for instance: North Canada, Iceland, Northern Europe and Northern Russia. Rob Walrecht Productions is specialised in customised planispheres, so you can have one for any latitude zone, in any language, in any size, shape and colours, and in any design.
