STARFINDING AIDS STAR IDENTIFICATION The simplest way to learn the stars (at least the navigational ones) is to use a star chart such as is shown on the inside back cover of this catalog You simply go back and forth between the chart and the sky until you have them located and committed to memory But if you think other gadgets might be fun and helpful, here are some great choices THE SKY SCOUT Celestron Itʼs a bit pricey, but it is certainly the top of the line in star identification devices In fact, it can be thought of as a personal planetarium It not only identifies any celestial body at which you point it, but it tells you (visually and audibly) all about the body just as a planetarium director would This includes facts, history, trivia and mythology concerning the body or constellation Compact and lightweight (like a camcorder), it can go with you to any outdoor night event, and will provide hours of entertainment for you and others in your group Key features are: ● Identifies over 6000 stars, 88 constellations and many galaxies, nebulae and star clusters with a click of a button ● Provides comprehensive text and audio descriptions ● Tonightʼs highlights: a customized list of the 20 best objects for viewing ● Constellation Lessons: Take a guided tour through all the stars in a constellation ● Built-in Field Guide includes introduction to astronomy, glossary of terms, man-made space objects, help menu and comet guide ● Simple enough for all ages: just turn it on and itʼs ready to use ● High impact case with rubber armor makes it safe for worry-free outdoors use Sky Scout works by a combination of automatic GPS location and three axis sensors measuring gravitational and magnetic fields, in addition to its own extensive built-in digital astronomy database, to establish its current position This eliminates the need to consult star charts or to make adjustments for time and location changes it works in two ways: either point at a celestial body and receive the resulting information, or select the bodyʼs name in the menu and follow the on screen prompts (arrows) to center the body in the field of view Sky Scout is about the size of a paperback book, weighs less than one pound and comes with headphones, carrying case, hand strap, and a USB cable for connecting to a PC for downloading updates It includes a built-in SD memory card slot for additional future tours and updates (information about this is included) Size is 2.5x4x7 inches Power is from x 1.5v AA batteries (not included) which last for about hours 2-year limited warranty SW lbs Sky Scout #0010 Order online at http://celestaire.com $399 21 STARFINDING AIDS STELLARSCOPE NIGHT NAVIGATOR Excalibur This is certainly the last word in star identification This clever, innovative, patented invention will solve all your problems This computerized handheld device with a built-in electromagnetic compass instantly finds and identifies objects in your night sky It is optimized for latitudes 30° to 50° north Hereʼs how it works: you pushbutton your way through several screens that program in the time, date, and your geographic location This orients its view to your perspective Now dial up a planet, star, or constellation you want to find Then like a Geiger counter it flashes a series of red lights and beeps to coax you into pointing at the body in question At the same time you are given a view of the surrounding stars in the area It also works in reverse Point at an unknown star, and it will identify it for you and again show you a map of the surrounding area with all the major stars identified on the back-lighted screen Press another button, and a constellation drawing will be superimposed around the stars Itʼs about the size of a light-weight laptop computer, and is powered by two “C” and four “AA” batteries (not included) List price $129.95 SW 3.5 lbs Night Navigator #2276 $89 A compact, handheld, easy-to-use educational guide to the stars and constellations in the shape of a kaleidoscope View the night sky for any date and time in either the Northern or Southern hemispheres by simply setting the time and date dials on the scope, point the scope towards a light source, and you will see the stars and constellations appearing in the sky on that night Although it resembles a kaleidoscope, the Stellarscope is not a toy It was designed by Bernard Vuarnesson, and manufactured in France It comes with computer-drawn star maps, four latitude adaptors which allow for viewing throughout the world, and complete instructions.It also includes a STAR POCKET pocket keychain light for use as an alternative light source The unit is only 6.5 inches long, and is a very compact portable way to learn about the night sky A miniaturized version of the Stellarscope is the StarPocket (5.7 inches) Although the viewing field is smaller, it has all the technical features of the Stellarscope, and is very effective It has a built-in compass, and lighting system It comes with a carrying pouch SW lb Stellarscope StarPocket #2211 #2210 $38 $29 AN HONEST STAR CHART t THE LITTLE DIPPER CASSIOPEIA THE BIG DIPPER t DRACO t t t t t t t t t t t tt t t t t t t t ORION E t S t t t t t t CORVUS t SAGITTARIUS SCORPIUS t t PHOENIX t tt t t t t CRUX GRUS t t t t t ACAMAR t t t TRIANGULUM AUSTRALE t Order by telephone +1-316-686-9785 t t t 22 $13.00 $19.95 t EQUINOCTIAL W t #5309 #5309L t t t t t t CORONA BOREALIS JOB'S COFFIN N t tt t t t tt THE GREAT SQUARE t PLEIADES t LEO t t t Standard 100 lb white card stock Laminated (3 mil each side) CYGNUS ANDROMEDA t tt For years, our customers have told us the best way to learn the navigational stars was to simply use the star chart on the inside back cover of this catalog So here it is in an easy to use 19 x 25 inch size No ornate drawings nor lumbering animals in the zodiac Just simple navigational stars with lines indicating how to go from one to the other SW lbs � THE NAVIGATIONAL STARS © 1995 Celestaire, Inc STARFINDING AIDS TOURS OF THE NIGHT SKY NIGHT SKY STAR STENCIL Like having an astronomer with you to point out the constellations and fill you in on the lore of the night sky This audio program provides a guided tour of the heavens for each of the four seasons The tour is accompanied by an excellent 40 page booklet of the narrative, plus diagrams of the seasonal skies, and of the individual constellations The tour is narrated by Sherwood Harrington of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific Each of the four 25-minute tours contain clear, nontechnical information and observing hints to help you find your way in the sky The narrations contain pauses that are designed to give you time to look for (and at) what's being described But unlike a live teacher, you can turn this one off The Tour was extensively field tested both in a planetarium and outdoors, and is optimized for latitudes in North America SW 0.7 lbs We didnʼt think too much about this at first — until we stayed at a friendʼs house whose guest bedroom had it How pleasant when the lights were turned out, and the glowing stars appeared! For whatever reason, sleep seemed to come quicker too Below are some of the manufacturerʼs reasons for trying this idea We have already given ours Ontime Color Tours of the Night Sky (cassette tapes) #4103T Tours of the Night Sky (CDs) #4103CD $29 $29 STARBALL Spherical Concepts This is a good learning tool for helping to identify stars and constellations It also makes a very handsome desk ornament Each sphere is of hand-blown acrylic, and passes through more than forty intricate processes in order to achieve a very high degree of beauty and quality This five-inch diameter blue translucent sphere presents all 88 constellations Constellation names and patterns are highlighted in gold, while stars are identified in white An attractive clear sculptured base is included SW lbs Starball #3504 $39 Night Sky Star Stencil™ transforms the ceiling of your darkened room into a dramatic replica of the real night sky while leaving the lighted room unchanged ● Soothing and relaxing Finally a simple cure for fear of the dark The peaceful comfort of a starry night inspires a feeling of "connectedness" with the universe ● Accurate and educational! Stars and constellations are in proper positions with accurate relative brightness You also get a hand-held Star Map and Constellation Finder that shows the names and locations of hundred of stars an entire hemisphere! In addition, the star map is an excellent take-along item anytime you're star gazing outdoors ● Easy! You simply affix the stencil to the ceiling or wall the adhesive won't stain or remove paint or wallpaper and paint the stencil holes with the special glow-in-the-dark paint Then you remove the stencil Works on both smooth and textured ceilings! ● When you're ready for the stars to shine, expose them to normal room light Turn out the lights, and the stars glow and keep glowing for up to 30 minutes They can be recharged indefinitely and are unnoticeable in lighted rooms or on light-colored surfaces The stencil can be saved and reused ● It's all here! Your kit contains everything you need The Night Sky Star Stencil (either 8- or 12-feet in diameter), adhesive, a special formula luminous paint, brush, and easy-to-follow instructions Northern hemisphere only SW lbs Summer Sky - ft Summer Sky - 12 ft Winter Sky - ft Winter Sky - 12 ft Extra Luminous Paint (to re-use stencil) Order online at http://celestaire.com #2240 #2241 #2242 #2243 #2245 $20.00 $25.00 $20.00 $25.00 $ 4.00 23 STARFINDING AIDS An exact duplicate of the one formerly distributed by the U.S Naval Oceanographic Office It portrays graphically the altitude and azimuth of the fifty-seven numbered stars in the Nautical Almanac Additional celestial bodies may be plotted on the star base Special diagrams permit rapid check of hour angle, and also provide means of STAR FINDER 2102-D finding the altitude and azimuth of unplotted bodies The starfinder provides the best way to identify isolated stars and planets in view, or to predict the locations of bodies not yet in view It also helps the navigator predict and plan the best star-planet-moon combinations Although some navigators tend to feel that use of the 2102-D is optional, in fact, serious navigation demands facility with it The unit consists of a dual star base, nine altitude azimuth templates centered at 10 intervals of latitude, and instructions SW lb MILLER PLANISPHERE Star Finder 2102D Planisphere - 5.5 in Lat 22° Planisphere - 5.5 in Lat 30° Planisphere - 5.5 in Lat 40° Planisphere - 5.5 in Lat 50° Planisphere - 10.5 in Lat 22° Planisphere - 10.5 in Lat 30° Planisphere - 10.5 in Lat 40° Planisphere - 10.5 in Lat 50° #3501 $34 THE STAR FINDER BOOK by David Burch #5304 $12.95 A comprehensive booklet explaining the use of the 2102D star finder, and the many applications it offers in planning navigation work In addition to description of the star finder and its basic use, it covers such other extrapolations as: brightness and color of stars, tips on planet identification, choosing optimum star-moon-planet combinations, choosing time between sun lines for running fixes, and even emergency steering with the star finder! This book could be considered an indispensable companion to the star finder itself 1997, 79 pages, SC SW 0.2 lb These have been around for a long time, and owe their continuing popularity to their compactness Concentric plastic disks are rotated to the date and time of day to reveal a window of the sky corresponding to what you would see The stars are in their proplined er positions, and the constellations are outwith their names A wealth of information on the back of the wheel shows you not only how to use it, but how to predict sunrise and sunset, how to find the planets, and engage in amateur astronomy projects Although the planisphere will work at any North Latitude, they are optimized for the four latitudes of 22°, 30°, 40° and 50° North They also come in two sizes of 5.5 and 10.5 inches in diameter This is a very high quality product, and comes in a black plastic pouch which will protect it from occasional scratches SW lb #2120 #2121 #2122 #2123 #2124 #2125 #2126 #2127 $ 9.95 $ 9.95 $ 9.95 $ 9.95 $14.95 $14.95 $14.95 $14.95 PLANETARIUM Andreas Hofer This 45 minute color video shows how to identify bodies using the 2102D starfinder Coverage is very thorough and well presented by a professional navigation instructor Learning pace is enhanced through the use of computer animated graphics The video provides a pleasant way of learning the 2102D SW lb Planetarium provides an almanac to year 2030 of all navigational planets and stars A compass view window displays azimuths and altitudes of major objects at user chosen times and positions Another tap on the object brings up a sky view showing it in the surrounding star field This is a wonderful way to learn the night sky It also includes a convenient magnetic variation calculator valid for any location on Earth to 2010 This is a great improvement over the relatively imprecise values one gets from charts This program will run on any Palm OS handheld with version 3.5 or higher This includes the entire Palm III/V/ VII/M100 families, Visors, Symbol, TRG, and IBM unitS It also runs on the new ARM processors (as well as the old Dragonball) and the Garmin iQue 3600 2102D DVD Planetarium HOW TO IDENTIFY STARS AND PLANETS 24 #3510D $39.95 Order online at http://celestaire.com #3122 $34.95 STARFINDING AIDS BOOKS STIKKY NIGHT SKIES #9006 AN INTIMATE LOOK AT THE NIGHT SKY $12.00 You MUST try this book Only then will you appreciate the cleverness (and humor) with which it sets about to fulfill its guarantee of “How to learn constellations, stars, a planet, a galaxy and how to navigate at night—all in one hour” The method is to use brief, amusing text, graphic illustrations and a process that encourages the reader to understand what he is looking at on the page and then to repeat and build on that understanding through a series of memorization exercises As they say, “just because we have GPS we may not need the night sky but its still there” SC, 2004, 234 pages SW 1.2 lbs 365 STARRY NIGHTS by Chet Raymo #5306 $16.00 Every night for an entire year, this book presents a tour of the stars and constellations It begins on January with the constellation Orion, and comes full circle on December 31 Using many maps, diagrams, and drawings, clear explanations of important concepts, myths and lore, and interesting facts are presented This book is the single best star identification course for navigational purposes we have seen SC, 1986, 225 pages SW 1.3 lb STAR NAMES, THEIR LORE AND MEANING by R.H Allen #5303 $12.95 An unusual book based upon years of research into ancient astronomical writings of many past civilizations It is a completely nontechnical excursion into the folklore and history associated with stars and their names Additionally, such items as the Milky Way, star pictures, biblical accounts, astrology, and zodiac, and the Constellations are covered A comprehensive and delightful book SC, 563 pages SW 1.3 lb by Chet Raymo Hard Cover #5751 Soft Cover #5751SC $26.00 $16.00 This is a stunning book that you will treasure On one level it is a unique star guide: twenty four beautiful star maps created specifically for this book, highlight what you can see with the naked eye on a clear night in the Northern Hemisphere The best part is that they are actual annotated photographs of the sky, so that you donʼt have to imagine one star being brighter than another—you can see them exactly as they are The authorʼs commentaries amplify the maps, offering intriguing details and tips on identifying stars, planets, and constellations On another level, the author challenges your imagination, to perceive distance and size and shape that is inconceivable His elegant essays are a celebration of the night sky, blending science and history, and mythology and religion SC, 2002, 242 pgs SW 1.3 lb A FIELD GUIDE TO THE STARS AND PLANETS by J M Paschoff #5201 $19.00 This book is the clearest, most complete, and up-to-date pocket guide to the heavens Although compiled primarily for amateur astronomers, its utility for celestial navigation is obvious Its features include: brief introductory tours of the night sky; monthly sky maps for both northern and southern hemispheres; 52 detailed atlas charts of the entire sky; special timetables showing when the brightest stars, clusters, galaxies, and planets are visible; over 230 photographs (132 in color) of the most interesting objects in the sky S C, 2000, 578 pages SW 1.3 lb THE STARS by H.A Rey #5301 $12.95 A primer for learning the constellations Certainly the easiest book to follow in learning the night sky from season to season Many charts and diagrams of the constellations are included in this delightful book SC, 1980,160 pages SW lb Order toll free 1-888-Navigate 25