Equatorial Guide to the Stars

Want to learn your way around the night sky? Use a star chart, not your cell phone or computer. This series of "planespheres" are easy to read, a perfect companion to any digital application, manual or goto telescope, and a must-have for all new astronomers.I brought a few to rural Tanzania where they are used in East Africa's first dedicated astronomical observatory. One of the best purchases I made! I'll bring a half dozen more to distribute to schools there, later this year. Thank you for continuing to make an analog product in a digital world!

Although I like the product that I received, I was unpleasantly surprised at the condition that it was received. Of about 20 or so orders through Amazon, this is the first one that I express displeasure at what was received. The guide that I received was crumpled up in places and torn in other places. I had to tape of the product for it to function correctly. There needs to be a bit better quality control on products like these that go out.

These are equatorial charts and only work within about 30 degrees of the equator. If you live outside that area, you need either a Northern or a Southern Hemisphere chart. They seem easy enough to use but definitely need to be made of plastic instead of flimsy cardboard. Also, they were bent up during transit, Amazon needs to package them better.

100% Cardboard - Should be all plastic. No central pivot so difficult to rotate. There is just a single two sided guide - pink side is in English and with a star chart for the northern hemisphere and green side is in Spanish with a star chart for the southern hemisphere. Note on each side of chart says that "with a little ingenuity" it can be used anywhere in the world even tho it was specifically designed for use around the equator! :-)

Works as is intended. The material could be better.

Very easy to use. Large and readable. Note that both sides are in spanish and english, it's just that 2 sides are needed to map the entire night sky. One side is for viewing facing north and the other for viewing facing south

Great item in terms of content, was happy to find one for Hawaii, used it to identify southern constellations including the Southern Cross. Only problem was the dial component doesn't turn readily. If you get it, get the time set indoors before you try to use it in the dark.

Very Good!