Last time in this series I discussed about the basics of star charts and a planisphere. Now it is time to find out how to use them in order to find the stars. Before talking about the usage of star charts, it is important to notice a couple of things first. Start practicing the usage of star charts when there is a clear sky and the moon is not full or almost full. Clear sky helps locating stars while a full moon would cause difficulties to locate the stars because of the light it reflects.

Now start by selecting the right map for your watching time or configure your planisphere for your watching time. Next find a open area where you have good visibility and where are not many artificial lights, at least no strong artificial lights.

Because it is night out there, you need a flashlight. Put a red transparency plastic in front of the bulb to make the light less bright. This is a good trick. Otherwise you get “blind” rather quickly due to the bright light on a dark night.

Now you are ready to take a look at the sky above. Start with “easy-to-find” targets, such as the Big Dipper or Cassiopeia. It is much more fun to locate the first stars quickly than trying to find difficult targets for hours. Start with easy ones and continue with more difficult ones, step by step. When you have located your first constellation, such as the Big Dipper, continue by locating the neighboring target. In case of the Big Dipper, you could try to locate Polaris, the Northern Star, which is on the same line as Merak and Duphe (two stars of the Big Dipper) but five times further from those two from each others (image source: wikipedia).

You will notice that it is actually not too easy to locate the stars with star charts and a planisphere. Especially when the weather is even a little foggy or there are artificial lights surrounding. Additionally the stars in horizon are usually difficult to see. Locating the first stars and constellations other than the Big Dipper feels just great, especially if you are already watching through a telescope.

I wish you clear skies and interesting skywatching moments!