What is a Star Wheel?

Think of a planisphere as your pocket guide to the stars! It’s an unassuming little tool, but whether you’re a total stargazing newbie or a seasoned sky-watcher, it’s a game-changer. Similar to how we use terrestrial maps to find destinations on Earth, a star chart is a map of the night sky and one’s guide to navigating the stars. It represents the stellar dome with only the brightest stars and objects and the constellations. 

A planisphere is made up of two discs: the back disc shows every star visible from where you are, and the front disc has a window that reveals only a portion. Set it to any date and time, and voilà – you've got a snapshot of the night sky at that moment!

Here’s why planispheres are so awesome:

• They pack an entire sky’s worth of stars into a compact, adventure-ready tool.
• Built to last – buy it once, and it’ll guide you through a lifetime of stargazing.
• No star expertise required – just set the time, and you’re ready to explore!
• Completely tech-free – no batteries, no Wi-Fi, just pure stargazing magic.

Whether you’re in your backyard or deep in the wild, a planisphere is the ultimate companion for any night adventure under the stars!

What are Star Wheels used for?

When you’ve got one, you can use a planisphere for three things:

1. ​Identifying the constellations in the sky above your head
2. Discovering which constellations are visible for any given observing time
3. Finding the best time of day or year to observe a constellation you want to see

Northern Hemisphere Star Wheel

Our Star Wheel is designed for adventurers across the Northern Hemisphere, from 30° to 50° latitude. That covers almost all of the continental U.S., southern Canada, and Europe! It highlights the brightest stars and most prominent constellations in your sky. Depending on how dark your area is, you might see even more stars than what’s shown on the map. Everyone’s sky is unique! If you’re not seeing as many stars, try finding a spot away from the house or streetlights, and give your eyes some time to adjust – the longer you're out there, the more you'll see.

Planispheres work best within 10° of their set latitude. The “Look To The Sky” Star Wheel is calibrated for 50° latitude, making it perfect for North America. If you're further north than 60° or south of 40°, you’ll notice some differences in the view, though the main patterns will still be familiar. For the best stargazing experience, it’s designed with both standard time and daylight saving time adjustments in mind – so you're always set to explore the night!

How a Star Wheel Works

A star wheel, or planisphere, is a simple, clever tool that lets you map out the night sky at any time of year. It’s made up of a rotating disc and a viewing window: the back disc shows a detailed star map, while the oval window only lets you see that part of the sky visible at a time you choose. When you align the date and time – this "sets" the planisphere to show which stars and constellations are visible at that moment. As the discs turn, the star wheel adjusts to match the Earth's rotation, giving you a quick view of what’s overhead. Unlike apps or high-tech gadgets, a star wheel doesn’t need batteries or Wi-Fi. It’s always ready to help you explore the sky, from your own backyard to a remote campsite!

How to Set A Star Wheel

Pick the date and hour you want to observe, and set the Star Wheel so this date (on the rim of the dark blue wheel) matches the time of night you will be viewing that is printed on the light blue viewer. Use the time in white font when standard time (winter) is in effect and the yellow hours when clocks are set for daylight savings (summer) is in effect.  

The Star Wheel's large oval shows the whole sky, and the oval's curved edge represents the horizon you're facing. Once outside, hold the Star Wheel so the 'Facing' label at the bottom of the oval matches the direction in the sky you're looking.

 If you’re unsure what direction you’re looking, think about where you saw the sunset - that’s west! The center pin on the wheel is the north star. OK you’re all set now - Look to the sky.

What You’ll See on a Planisphere Star Chart

As Earth spins on its axis, the stars appear to rise in the east and set in the west, just like the Sun and Moon. That means you’ll see different stars at different times of the night. Similarly, Earth’s orbit around the Sun means the stars change with the seasons, so each month brings fresh constellations to discover.

The stars in the oval viewing window represent what’s above you. The stars higher up from the edge of the oval are higher in the sky, and those in the center are directly overhead. Stars near the North Star, Polaris, don’t set; instead, they slowly circle around it, making Polaris your trusty night-time anchor!

How to Find the North Star

The center rivet marks the north celestial pole, where Polaris, the North Star, resides. To find it, locate the Big Dipper. Its two end stars, opposite the handle, are called the “pointers” – follow an imaginary line through them, and you’ll land on Polaris. Now you know how to find true north, wherever you are in the Northern Hemisphere!

Planets and the Moon

Planets don’t appear on the Star Wheel because their paths are more variable than the stars’. However, the ecliptic – a curved line on the map – marks their general path across the sky. If you spot a bright “star” along this line that’s not on the Star Wheel, it’s likely a planet. The Moon also travels near this path, so keep an eye out for our lunar neighbour, too.

The Stars Are Waiting – So Grab Your Star Wheel!

With a planisphere in hand, the whole universe is at your fingertips. No apps, no gadgets – just you, a timeless star map, and the wide-open sky. Whether you're mapping out constellations or simply soaking up the magic of a starlit night, your Star Wheel is your trusty ticket to endless cosmic adventures. So go ahead, step outside, look up, and let the universe dazzle you. After all, stargazing is a journey – and now, you’ve got the best map in the galaxy. Happy exploring, night adventurer! 🌌✨