Start Here - Stargazing Basics - Cosmic Pursuits
New to amateur astronomy? Or perhaps you've been a stargazer before and you need a refresher? Here are a few resources to help you get oriented.
monthly printable sky map
The first is a <anchor>monthly printable sky map</anchor> that shows you the position of the major stars and constellations each month. There are three editions of this map, one for northern-hemisphere observers, one for equatorial observers, and one for southern hemisphere observers. These maps are ideal for those who are first learning to find their way around the sky.
Skymaps.com - Publication Quality Sky Maps & Star Charts
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**[Help](faq.html)****The Evening Sky Map**

Free each month for you to explore, learn & enjoy the night sky.**Skymaps.com/store -- Recommended Books & Products for Skywatchers**

[New Books](store/cat00.html) •
[Star Atlases](store/cat01.html) •
[Planispheres](store/cat04.html) •
[Getting Started](store/cat02.html) •
[Observing Guides](store/cat03.html) •
[Telescope Books](store/cat05.html) •
[Kids Books](store/cat06.html) •
[Sky Myths](store/cat07.html)

[Almanacs](store/cat13.html) •
[History & Artistry](store/cat16.html) •
[Star Map Prints](store/cat10.html) •
[AstroPhotography](store/cat15.html) •
[Telescopes & Binoculars](store/cat05a.html) •
[Media](store/cat08.html) •
[Astro Calendars](http://skymaps.com/cal-menu/ "Astronomy Calendars")

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As an Amazon & HPS affiliate we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) from qualifying purchases

**PLANISPHERES &**

**STAR ATLASES**![](graphics/dot_clear.gif)

All sky watchers need a planisphere to quickly show the location of stars and constellations for any date and time. Star atlases provide much greater detail and thousands of celestial objects.

![](graphics/dot_clear.gif)

[![The Night Sky Planisphere by David Chandler](store/covers/The-Night-Sky-Planisphere-Package.png)\
\
**The Night Sky Planisphere**](store/cat04.html)

[View Detail](store/covers/The-Night-Sky-Planisphere-detail.jpg)

A popular and inexpensive 8-inch diameter, two-sided planisphere designed to depict the night sky with less distortion than regular planispheres. Available for several latitudes, and in a smaller 5-inch edition.

[More info](store/cat04.html)

[**Buy at Amazon**](http://skymaps.com/a1/0961320753/ "Suitable for Mid-Southern USA")

![](store/stars/stars-4-5.gif)

[**1,100+ Customer Reviews**](http://skymaps.com/a1/0961320753/#customerReviews)

**Night Sky Editions**

Note: Planispheres are designed for specific latitudes so be sure to select one for your latitude.

[Latitude 20° to 30° North](http://skymaps.com/a1/0961320761/ "Suitable for Mexico and Florida")

[Latitude 30° to 40° North](http://skymaps.com/a1/0961320753/ "Suitable for Mid-Southern USA")

[Latitude 40° to 50° North](http://skymaps.com/a1/0961320745/ "Suitable for Mid-Northern USA and Southern Europe")

[Latitude 50° to 60° North](http://skymaps.com/a1/1891938088/ "Suitable for Canada, UK, and Northern Europe")

[Southern Hemisphere](http://skymaps.com/a1/0961320737/ "Suitable for Australia, South America, and South Africa")

[![](store/covers/1928771017.gif)\
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**Guide to the Stars**](http://skymaps.com/a1/1928771017/ "Guide to the Stars (Star Map)")

[View Detail](store/covers/1928771017-detail.jpg)

A large 16-inch diameter information-rich planisphere (plastic) for use anywhere between latitude 30° & 60° North. Also available in a [Southern Hemisphere](store/cat04.html#guide_to_the_stars-south) edition.

[More info](store/cat04.html#guide_to_the_stars)

• Save 10-20% •

[**Buy at Amazon**](http://skymaps.com/a1/1928771017/ "Guide to the Stars (Star Map)")

![](store/stars/stars-4-5.gif)

[**1,800+ Customer Reviews**](http://skymaps.com/a1/1928771017/#customerReviews)

**STAR ATLASES**

[More Star Atlases](store/cat01.html)

![](graphics/dot_clear.gif)

• **Deep Sky Atlas** •

![](graphics/dot_clear.gif)

[![interstellarum Deep Sky Atlas](store/covers/1107503388.jpg)\
\
**interstellarum**\
\
**Deep Sky Atlas**](http://skymaps.com/a1/1107503388/)

An outstanding star atlas featuring 114 star charts, over 200,000 stars to mag. 9.5, and 15,000 deep-sky objects.

[More info](store/cat01.html#iDSA)

• Save 20-30% •

[**Buy at Amazon**](http://skymaps.com/a1/1107503388/)

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[**90+ Customer Reviews**](http://skymaps.com/a1/1107503388/#customerReviews)

• **4th Edition** •

![](graphics/dot_clear.gif)

[![Observer's Sky Atlas: The 500 Best Deep-Sky Objects With Charts and Images by Erich Karkoschka](store/covers/0228104106.png)\
\
**Observer's Sky Atlas**\
\
**The 500 Best Deep-Sky Objects**](http://skymaps.com/a1/0228104106/)

Huge update to this popular information-rich handbook for use at the telescope.

[More info](store/cat01.html#observersatlas)

• Save 20-30% •

[**Buy at Amazon**](http://skymaps.com/a1/0228104106/)

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[**50+ Customer Reviews**](http://skymaps.com/a1/0228104106/#customerReviews)

• **Moon Atlas** •

![](graphics/dot_clear.gif)

[![Duplex Moon Atlas by Ronald Stoyan](store/covers/3949370056.png)\
\
**Duplex Moon Atlas**](http://skymaps.com/a1/3949370056/)

The best lunar atlas for observing the lunar surface at the telescope.

[More info](store/cat01.html#duplex_moon_atlas)

[**Buy at Amazon**](http://skymaps.com/a1/3949370056/)

![](store/stars/stars-4-0.gif)

[**20+ Customer Reviews**](http://skymaps.com/a1/3949370056/#customerReviews)

• **Best Seller** •

![](graphics/dot_clear.gif)

[![Pocket Sky Atlas](store/covers/1735064406.png)\
\
**Pocket Sky Atlas**](store/cat01.html#pocket_sky_atlas)

The best selling star atlas featuring 80 star charts, over 30,000 stars to mag. 7.6, and 1,500 deep-sky objects. Also available in a larger "Jumbo" format.

[More info](store/cat01.html#pocket_sky_atlas)

[**Buy at Shop at Sky**](https://shopatsky.com/products/pocket-sky-atlas-second-edition)

**Compare Star Atlases**

[Star Maps for Beginners\
\
Orion DeepMap 600\
\
Bright Star Atlas 2000.0\
\
Norton's Star Atlas\
\
The Cambridge Star Atlas\
\
The Observer's Sky Atlas\
\
Pocket Sky Atlas\
\
Sky Atlas 2000.0 Deluxe\
\
Interstellarum Deep Sky Atlas\
\
Uranometria 2000.0](store/cat01.html)

[More New Books](store/cat00.html)

**The Evening Sky Map**

![](graphics/dot_clear.gif)

The Evening Sky Map (PDF) is a 2-page monthly guide to the night sky suitable for all sky watchers including newcomers to Astronomy.

![The Evening Sky Map (front)](graphics/tesm440-1.png)

![](graphics/dot_clear.gif)

![The Evening Sky Map (back)](graphics/tesm440-2.png)

![](graphics/dot_clear.gif)

Designed to print clearly on all printers, The Evening Sky Map is ready-to-use and will help you to:

- Identify planets, stars and major constellations

- Find sparkling star clusters, wispy nebulae & distant galaxies

- Locate and follow bright comets across the sky

- Learn about the night sky and Astronomy


Read some of the [fantastic feedback](comments.html) we have received.

The Evening Sky Map is FREE for personal non-commercial use. Astronomy Education and Outreach groups may freely distribute printed handouts of The Evening Sky Map subject to the [Terms of Use](terms.html).

Click the download links below to obtain the latest issues in PDF format.

![](graphics/tesm-n.gif)**The Evening Sky Map**

**Northern Hemisphere Edition**

Drawn for latitude 40° North (suitable for North America, Europe, China, Japan, ...)

![](graphics/dot_clear.gif)

**September 2024: Northern Edition (PDF):**

![](graphics/dot_clear.gif)

[![](graphics/pdf_download.gif)](skymaps/tesmn2409.pdf)

![](graphics/dot_clear.gif)

[Sky Calendar links](articles/n2409.html)

![](graphics/dot_clear.gif)

**August 2024: Northern Edition (PDF):**

![](graphics/dot_clear.gif)

[![](graphics/button_download_pdf.gif)](skymaps/tesmn2408.pdf)

![](graphics/dot_clear.gif)

[Sky Calendar links](articles/n2408.html)

![](graphics/dot_clear.gif)

**July 2024: Northern Edition (PDF):**

![](graphics/dot_clear.gif)

[![](graphics/button_download_pdf.gif)](skymaps/tesmn2407.pdf)

![](graphics/dot_clear.gif)

[Sky Calendar links](articles/n2407.html)

![](graphics/dot_clear.gif)

Past issues are not available at present.

![](graphics/tesm-e.gif)**The Evening Sky Map**

**Equatorial Edition**

Drawn for latitude 0° (suitable for Central America, Central Africa, Indonesia, Singapore, ...)

![](graphics/dot_clear.gif)

**September 2024: Equatorial Edition (PDF):**

![](graphics/dot_clear.gif)

[![](graphics/pdf_download.gif)](skymaps/tesme2409.pdf)

![](graphics/dot_clear.gif)

[Sky Calendar links](articles/n2409.html)

![](graphics/dot_clear.gif)

**August 2024: Equatorial Edition (PDF):**

![](graphics/dot_clear.gif)

[![](graphics/button_download_pdf.gif)](skymaps/tesme2408.pdf)

![](graphics/dot_clear.gif)

[Sky Calendar links](articles/n2408.html)

![](graphics/dot_clear.gif)

**July 2024: Equatorial Edition (PDF):**

![](graphics/dot_clear.gif)

[![](graphics/button_download_pdf.gif)](skymaps/tesme2407.pdf)

![](graphics/dot_clear.gif)

[Sky Calendar links](articles/n2407.html)

![](graphics/dot_clear.gif)

Past issues are not available at present.

![](graphics/tesm-s.gif)**The Evening Sky Map**

**Southern Hemisphere Edition**

Drawn for latitude 35° South (suitable for Australia, Southern Africa, South America, ...)

![](graphics/dot_clear.gif)

**September 2024: Southern Edition (PDF):**

![](graphics/dot_clear.gif)

[![](graphics/pdf_download.gif)](skymaps/tesms2409.pdf)

![](graphics/dot_clear.gif)

[Sky Calendar links](articles/n2409.html)

![](graphics/dot_clear.gif)

**August 2024: Southern Edition (PDF):**

![](graphics/dot_clear.gif)

[![](graphics/button_download_pdf.gif)](skymaps/tesms2408.pdf)

![](graphics/dot_clear.gif)

[Sky Calendar links](articles/n2408.html)

![](graphics/dot_clear.gif)

**July 2024: Southern Edition (PDF):**

![](graphics/dot_clear.gif)

[![](graphics/button_download_pdf.gif)](skymaps/tesms2407.pdf)

![](graphics/dot_clear.gif)

[Sky Calendar links](articles/n2407.html)

![](graphics/dot_clear.gif)

Past issues are not available at present.

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**LOW-COST**

**SMART TELESCOPE**• **Simply Amazing** •

**BEST SELLER**

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[![](store/telescopes/Seestar_S50.png)\
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**ZWO Seestar S50**\
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**Smart Imaging Telescope**](https://skymaps.com/seestar/)

A revolutionary low-cost all-in-one Smart Telescope that is easy to use. Nothing further to buy -- this amazing telescope automatically finds and takes images of deep sky objects, even from light-polluted suburban skies, and displays the image in real-time on your smart device (phone or tablet). Includes a carbon fiber tripod, carry case and a solar filter! Full details on the [High Point Scientific website](https://skymaps.com/seestar-hps/).

[**Buy at Amazon**](https://skymaps.com/seestar/)

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**ASTRONOMICAL**

**BINOCULARS**![](graphics/dot_clear.gif)

A good pair of binoculars are an inexpensive way to explore the wonders of the night sky. Here are two recommendations suitable for stargazing.

![](graphics/dot_clear.gif)

[![Nikon Aculon 10x50](store/covers/B00B7LQARS.png)\
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**Nikon Aculon**\
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**10x50 Binoculars**](http://skymaps.com/a1/B00B7LQARS/)

A high quality binocular with BAK-4 prisms and a 5mm exit pupil making it ideal for use in urban areas and/or by "older" eyes. Note -- best to avoid the 10-22x50 zoom version because the optical quality is not ideal for stargazing.

• Save 10-20% •

[**Buy at Amazon**](http://skymaps.com/a1/B00B7LQARS/)

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[**4,300+ Customer Reviews**](http://skymaps.com/a1/B00B7LQARS/#customerReviews)

[![Celestron SkyMaster 15x70](store/covers/B00008Y0VN.gif)\
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**Celestron SkyMaster**\
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**Giant 15x70 Binoculars**](http://skymaps.com/a1/B00008Y0VN/)

(tripod adaptor optional)

The Celestron SkyMaster 15x70 binoculars are a good, higher-power choice for the urban skywatcher. At 15x magnification these will require a steady hand or a tripod to stabilize the view.

• Save 10-20% •

[**Buy at Amazon**](http://skymaps.com/a1/B00008Y0VN/)

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[**8,000+ Customer Reviews**](http://skymaps.com/a1/B00008Y0VN/#customerReviews)

**STARGAZING**

**BOOKS & GEAR**![](graphics/dot_clear.gif)

Not sure where to start. Here are some recommended books, binoculars and telescopes for new stargazers.

![](graphics/dot_clear.gif)

• **4th Edition** •

**BEST SELLER**

![](graphics/dot_clear.gif)

[![The Backyard Astronomer's Guide](store/covers/0228103274.png)\
\
**The Backyard**\
\
**Astronomer's Guide**](http://skymaps.com/a1/0228103274/)

A detailed and very well illustrated guide for beginners and more experienced amateur astronomers. Covers many topics from getting started, different types of equipment, observing, and astrophotography.

[More info](store/cat02.html#backyard_guide)

• Save 30-40% •

[**Buy at Amazon**](http://skymaps.com/a1/0228103274/)

![](store/stars/stars-5-0.gif)

[**600+ Customer Reviews**](http://skymaps.com/a1/0228103274/#customerReviews)

![](graphics/dot_clear.gif)

• **5th Edition** •

**BEST SELLER**

![](graphics/dot_clear.gif)

[![](store/covers/0228104394.png)\
\
**Nightwatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe**](http://skymaps.com/a1/0228104394/)

Best first Astronomy book for newcomers. All time best seller in this category. Includes a set of updated star charts.

[More info](store/cat02.html#nightwatch)

[**Buy at Amazon**](http://skymaps.com/a1/0228104394/)

![](store/stars/stars-5-0.gif)

[**80+ Customer Reviews**](http://skymaps.com/a1/0228104394/#customerReviews)

![](graphics/dot_clear.gif)

• **5th Edition** •

![](graphics/dot_clear.gif)

[![Turn Left at Orion](store/covers/1108457568.png)\
\
**Turn Left at Orion**](http://skymaps.com/a1/1108457568/)

Renowned observing guide with detailed finder charts, realistic drawings and descriptions for 100's of objects (multiple star systems, nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies).

[More info](store/cat03.html#turn_left)

[**Buy at Amazon**](http://skymaps.com/a1/1108457568/)

![](store/stars/stars-4-5.gif)

[**2,100+ Customer Reviews**](http://skymaps.com/a1/1108457568/#customerReviews)

Save on **National Geographic Reference Maps** at [Amazon.com](http://skymaps.com/a1/B003SM1TTI/)

Printed on premium quality paper stock, rolled, and packaged in a clear, hard plastic tube

[![National Geographic Solar System poster](store/posters/NG-The-Heavens.jpg)\
\
**The Heavens**\
\
Click to View Detailed Image](store/posters/NG-The-Heavens-large.jpg)

Star charts and constellations for both Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Chart shows 2,844 stars, nebulae and star clusters visible to the unaided eye.

Size: 23" x 30"

[**Buy at Amazon**](http://skymaps.com/a1/B003SM1TTI/)

![](store/stars/stars-4-5.gif)

[**Read Customer Reviews**](http://skymaps.com/a1/B003SM1TTI/#customerReviews)

[![National Geographic Earth's Moon poster](store/posters/NG-Earths-Moon.jpg)\
\
**The Earth's Moon**\
\
Click to View Detailed Image](store/posters/NG-Earths-Moon-large.jpg)

Detailed map of both sides of the Moon showing hundreds of lunar features and the lunar mission landing spots. Includes graphics and descriptions of the Moon's phases, and much, much more.

28" x 42"

[**Buy at Amazon**](http://skymaps.com/a1/0792280946/)

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[**Read Customer Reviews**](http://skymaps.com/a1/0792280946/#customerReviews)

[![National Geographic Milky Way poster](store/posters/NG-The-Milky-Way.jpg)\
\
**The Milky Way**\
\
Click to View Detailed Image](store/posters/NG-The-Milky-Way-large.jpg)

Computer-generated image of the Milky Way showing positions of 100's of thousands of stars & nebulae. Shows Earth's location and includes photos, descriptions and other features.

24" x 36"

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[**Read Customer Reviews**](http://skymaps.com/a1/0792280954/#customerReviews)

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