Philip's Planisphere (Latitude 51.5 North): For use in Britain and Ireland, Northern Europe, Northern USA and Canada (Philip's Stargazing)

I've used other Planispheres in the past and this is by far my favourite. This one has everything one needs to get started with amateur astronomy. Colour scheme designed to be easy to read under moonlight and with a red torch, preserving night vision when stargazing. Not only is this a very good planisphere, it also includes a lot of informoation on the back side on planet positions and full instructions for use. The provided wallet has all one needs to know to properly use the planisphere and also a seasonal guide to help spot the major constellations and use as anchor points for finding other interesting objects.

This is the planisphere I grew up with (I'm in my 70s) and I have had a couple of Phillips in the past. Lending them and not getting them back is probably a good indication of the quality. I am pleased to own the current version and find it as clear and helpful as ever, with just enough detail and not too much that would crowd the view. And I won't be lending it to anyone.I must admit that, despite the instructions, I've never really seen the need to put the thing over my head and view it from below and I know that I am far from unique in this. I find it works perfectly well as a star chart for tonight's visible area.For a very reasonable price this is a sturdy and reliable planisphere and the planetary tables until 2030 are a nice additional feature. 100% happy with the good old Phillips.

Still have my first Planisphere from 1985, brought this one as a secret santa. They are very simple but very cool and it's nice to have something that doesn't require batteries, software updates and staring at a bright screen. It's an oldie but goodie for sure.

I've been familiar with the night sky since I learned the main features using my first planisphere many years ago as a teenager. Occasionally I find it necessary to confirm star names or features of constellations as they change throughout the year and this planisphere answers any questions such as those. It will also be useful for youngsters and others who are enthusiastic and interested enough to want to learn the features of that beautiful starry vault that reveals itself over our head every night.Reading some of the other reviews it is important to use the planisphere correctly. Don't make the basic mistake of taking the planisphere outside at night and then squinting at it by the light of a torch while holding it above your head and trying to compare it with the sky. You can study the night sky or you can study the planisphere - but you can't do both at the same time!Learning even the basic features of the night sky takes months and it takes years to become familiar with the stars, planets, constellations and other naked eye sights such as meteors, satellites, the ISS etc. I found the best way to learn is to study just one feature of the sky, remember what you have been looking at and then come inside to study the planisphere in good light to identify what you have been observing. It might be necessary to return outside and come in again to confirm what you have observed but that way you quickly learn the name of each star and patterns and locations of the constellations. Don't take the planisphere outside with a torch as that seems to be the mistake other reviewers have made when they say they can't see the planisphere.This planisphere can be adjusted to show the sky above you at every hour throughout the year and it easily adjusts to keep track of the sky as it changes throughout the night. This is a great tool for learning the night sky and I recommend it for youngsters and older people alike.

Just as described, I would recommend this item.

This is perfect for me in aiding my education in astronomy, it is really well presented, informative and the plastic sleeve to keep it clean and undamaged is a great bonus. I would heartily recommend this to anybody as a learning aid for the stars and planets.

Needed it for my observatory

Excellent value and excellent quality

Nice color and finish. It comes with a clear cover for storage and very good instructions for use.

I really like this planisphere. I use it to estimate when things will be high enough about the horizon for best viewing.You have to deal with time zones - for instance at my location, standard time is half an hour ahead of the solar time that the planisphere uses, and daylight savings time is an hour and a half ahead. It's more accurate if you take this into account when you're using it. This isn't explained well in the instructions. But really, the thing is brilliant!

HAPPY

Although the ad says it works for Canada I discovered they must be talking for Northern Canada because it does not work for Southern Canada.