Planisphere: Your Interactive Star Map
Explore the Night Sky
An interactive, real-time star map that shows you exactly what's above you right now. Identify stars, constellations, planets, and even track satellites like the ISS.
What is a Planisphere?
A planisphere (from Latin planum "flat" and Greek sphaira "sphere") is a star chart designed to show which stars are visible at any given time and date. Traditional planispheres are physical devices with rotating disks—but Planisphere.com brings this ancient tool into the digital age.
The online planisphere automatically adjusts to your location using GPS, showing you a real-time view of the night sky. Whether you're a seasoned astronomer or just curious about that bright "star" overhead, this tool makes celestial navigation accessible to everyone.
What You Can Discover
Stars & Constellations
Identify thousands of stars by name and learn the 88 official constellations. See constellation lines and mythology.
Planets
Track Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Know when each is visible and where to look.
Moon Phases
Current Moon phase, rise/set times, and position. Perfect for planning nighttime activities or photography.
Sun Position
Sunrise, sunset, and solar noon times. Track the Sun's path and plan around golden hour.
Satellite Tracking
Follow the ISS and other satellites in real-time. Get alerts for visible passes over your location.
Meteor Showers
Upcoming meteor shower dates and best viewing times. Never miss the Perseids or Geminids again.
How to Use the Star Map
- Allow location access for accurate sky positioning (or enter manually)
- Hold your device to the sky - the compass feature aligns the map with reality
- Tap on any object to learn its name, distance, and facts
- Use time controls to see past or future sky positions
- Toggle layers to show/hide constellation lines, labels, and the Milky Way
Perfect For
"Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known."
— Carl Sagan
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a planisphere?
A planisphere is a star chart that can be adjusted to display the visible stars for any time and date. Online planispheres like Planisphere.com provide real-time interactive star maps that show exactly what's visible in the sky above your specific location.
Can I track the ISS with Planisphere?
Yes! Planisphere.com includes real-time satellite tracking featuring the International Space Station. See when the ISS will be visible from your location, its current position, and path across the sky. The ISS is often the brightest object in the night sky after the Moon.
Do I need to download anything?
No download required. Planisphere.com works entirely in your web browser on any device—smartphones, tablets, and computers. Just visit the site and allow location access for the most accurate sky view.
How accurate is the star map?
The star map uses precise astronomical calculations and your GPS coordinates to show celestial positions with high accuracy. It accounts for your latitude, longitude, current time, and even atmospheric refraction to give you the most realistic view possible.
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