How to use the map
Understand the symbols and find your next object in the night sky.
Anatomy of the map
The edge is the horizon. Everything inside the circle is above the horizon. An object at the edge is just rising or setting.
The centre is the zenith. The centre is directly overhead. The closer an object is to the centre, the higher it stands in the sky.
The cardinal directions. Before rotating the map: north at the top, east on the left, west on the right and south at the bottom.
Your selected object. A gold ring and label mark the selected object. Open its card to find out where and when to look.
Where to look
- Azimuth
- The direction measured clockwise from north: 0° north, 90° east, 180° south, 270° west.
- Altitude
- The angle above the horizon: 0° on the horizon, 90° directly overhead. At 45°, look halfway up.
Move around the sky — Computer
- Mouse wheel
- Zoom in or out around the pointer.
- Drag the map
- Move around the enlarged sky.
- Click an object
- Open its coordinates and observing details.
- Whole sky
- Press 0 to return to the whole sky dome.
Move around the sky — Phone
- Pinch with two fingers
- Spread to zoom in; pinch to zoom out.
- Drag with one finger
- Move around the enlarged sky.
- Tap an object
- Open its card; tap “More about this object” to expand it.
- Zoom out
- Use the minus button to return to the whole sky.
Read the object card
- What you found
- Name, object type and brightness.
- Is it visible?
- Above the horizon, or currently below it.
- How to find it
- Azimuth and altitude tell you where to point.
- When to observe
- Rise, transit and set at the selected location.
Frequently asked questions
Why is east on the left?
This is a view looking up at the sky. With north at the top, east lies to the left. It is different from a road map viewed from above. If you rotate the sky, follow the direction labels around the edge.
Why can’t I see an object?
First check the location and time. Below the horizon means it cannot be seen yet. Even above the horizon, daylight, clouds, light pollution and a low altitude can make it difficult to spot. Visibility on the map is a geometric calculation, not a weather forecast.
What can I see without a telescope?
Bright stars, several planets and the Moon are visible to the naked eye. Under a dark sky, try the Pleiades or the Andromeda Galaxy. Binoculars show more; a telescope reveals details such as Saturn’s rings.
Where should I start?
Enter a city or use “Locate me”, select “Now” or a date, then choose a target from “Visible right now” or search by name. Open the card and use its azimuth and altitude to find the target.