Turn Left at Orion, 5th Edition by Guy Consolmagno and Dan M. Davis (Spiral-bound)
The observing guide that shows what hundreds of objects really look like in a small telescope and how to find them - spiral-bound, 256 pages.
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For Him / Her / Kids
The Night Sky Planisphere by David Chandler — a star wheel that shows tonight's sky
The Night Sky Planisphere by David Chandler, Large Plastic (30-40 Degrees North)
Reviewed by the WhyToBuyThis team · Updated September 2026 · How we choose
Perfect for
- Learning constellations
- No screen or battery
- Families
- Under $20
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Price: $18.95
Price may change on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. This won't cost you anything extra.
- Great gift ideaChosen for real-world gifting
- Hand-pickedCurated, not scraped
- Honest reviewThe catch, not just the hype
Why this gift works
The Night Sky Planisphere by David Chandler is a rotating star wheel: set the date and time, and it shows which stars and constellations are above the horizon. Unlike one-sided planispheres, it splits the sky across two sides, which the maker says eliminates over 90% of the distortion. This is the Large plastic edition - 10 by 8.5 inches with an 8-inch map - for latitudes 30 to 40 degrees north, made in the USA with brass rivets.
It is the simplest way to learn the constellations: no screen, no battery, and it works anywhere with a clear sky. The charts show dark stars on a light background with simple constellation lines and selected binocular objects.
Who is this gift for?
Great for
- A beginner learning constellations
- Families and kids
- Pairing with binoculars
Think twice if
- They live north of 40 degrees
- They prefer an app
The catch
It is made for one latitude band - this one suits roughly the southern and middle US - it shows bright stars rather than telescope-level detail, and reading it outside needs a red flashlight.
Skip for someone who lives north of about 40 degrees - Chandler makes a separate 40-50 degree edition - or who already knows the sky well.
Key specs
| Size | 10 x 8.5 in; 8 in map (Large) |
|---|---|
| Latitude | 30-40 degrees north |
| Design | Two-sided, half the sky on each side |
| Chart style | Dark stars on light background, simple constellation lines |
| Build | Plastic with brass rivets, made in USA |
| ISBN | 0961320753 |
Worth knowing before you buy
- Chandler sells a separate 40-50 degree Large edition.
- Instructions are printed on the back.
Why we like it
- Shows tonight's sky at a glance
- Two-sided to cut distortion
- Durable plastic, made in USA
- Inexpensive
What to look for in a planisphere
- Latitude. It must match where they live to be accurate.
- Readability. Dark stars on a light background are easier to read under a red light.
- Durability. Plastic survives dew better than cardboard.
Questions people ask
Turn the wheel to line up today's date with the current time; the window shows the sky above you.
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