Planisphere: Your Interactive Star Map
· · 10 min read
Explore the Night Sky
An interactive, real-time star map that shows you exactly what's above you right now. On mobile devices, enable AR mode to point your phone at the sky and instantly identify any star, planet, or constellation you see.
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.
📱 Augmented Reality Mode
The standout feature of Planisphere.com is its augmented reality mode for smartphones and tablets. Using your device's camera, gyroscope, and compass, the app overlays celestial information directly onto your live view of the night sky.
🎯 Point & Identify
Simply point your phone or tablet at any star, planet, or constellation. The AR overlay instantly labels what you're looking at—no more guessing "Is that Venus or a star?"
🧭 Motion-Tracked
Move your device across the sky and the map follows in real-time. The celestial sphere moves naturally as you pan from horizon to horizon or turn 360°.
🌙 Night Vision Mode
Red-tinted display preserves your dark-adapted vision. Essential for serious stargazing—bright white screens can ruin your night vision for up to 30 minutes.
📍 GPS-Accurate
Automatic location detection ensures you see exactly what's visible from your position. Works anywhere on Earth—from light-polluted cities to remote dark sky sites.
Compatibility: AR mode works on most modern smartphones and tablets with a gyroscope and compass. iOS (iPhone/iPad) and Android devices are both supported. No app download required—it runs directly in your mobile browser.
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.
How does AR mode work on Planisphere?
AR (Augmented Reality) mode uses your smartphone or tablet's camera along with its built-in sensors—gyroscope, accelerometer, and compass—to determine exactly where you're pointing. The app then overlays star names, constellation lines, and planet labels directly onto your live camera view, creating a seamless blend of the digital map and the real sky.
Which devices support AR mode?
AR mode is supported on most modern smartphones and tablets running iOS or Android. Your device needs a camera, gyroscope, and compass (magnetometer) for full functionality. Most iPhones (6s and later) and mid-range to flagship Android phones from the past 5 years will work perfectly. The feature runs in your browser—no app installation needed.
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