Astronomy, space & time
July 2013
The perfect way for youngsters to learn how to recognise the stars and constellations
A Star Wheel (or Planisphere) 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 BIY Star Wheel was designed for ages up to 15 years, in 1985. Since 2002 there are also English designs for 40° and 50° north. The current Dutch design is the most modern of the three and in fact the colours used in the star chart will be the future standard colours for the Planispheres.
The star chart is basically the same as that of our planispheres (so as accurate!), although with less ‘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 to not make it too complicated for young people. Also and for the same reason, the right ascension/declination features are omitted.
The Star Wheel is provided on a sheet of 400 g cardboard, size 42 x 30 cm (A3), printed on one side, and with a folding line to fold it to size 21 x 30 cm (A4).
However, we can make any required design, for any latitude zone, in any language, in any size, shape and colours, and in any design.
This Star Wheel is designed for 40° north latitude, and can be used between roughly 30° and 50° north. This means in central and southern Europe, North Africa and the USA.
