Learn your way around the night sky with our sky maps and globes. Astronomical star globes & maps for teachers, students, parents, hobby.
We're often asked what is the difference between the StarPocket star finder, and the Stellarscope, and which one might be better. The explanation follows, but I always encourage prospective purchasers to also consider the Celestron Sky Maps
The StarPocket has its own internal illumination (a red light, which helps you keep night vision) so it can be used outdoors while stargazing. But it doesn't offer any means to change focus, which normally isn't a problem, but glasses wearers need to keep their glasses on. Simply compare the stars you can see in the sky through one eye with the annotated and illuminated map you view inside Star Pocket through the other eye for a quick identification of the 70 major constellations and 42 main stars, visible all year round anywhere in the world between 20° and 60° North and South latitude. Included are are 2 interchangeable microfilms of both hemispheres, 4 latitude adaptors and a pocket light for night viewing. Made of recyclable plastic. All you have to do beforehand is set the time and date on the rings outside, and align it in the right direction using the built-in compass.
The Stellarscope is bigger and so the star map is a little easier to read, and has a focussing mechanism (glasses wearers may be more comfortable taking them off and re-focussing). Dials around the outside of the barrel are set to the hour and date required, showing the stars and constellations visible at the same time on an accurate, computer-generated disc within. The star map can be referred to through the focusing viewfinder with one eye, whilst alternatively observing the real night sky with the other, making identification quick and easy.It doesn't have its own illumination, so if its to be used while stargazing you'd need some illumination such as Dual LED light
Personally, I'd prefer the Celestron Sky Maps (book) which is slightly cheaper but gives you very much more detail and information. The frontcover serves as a luminous planisphere (which is what Starfinder and Stellarscope are, in a tube), and inside you get a wealth of information and large, detailled starmaps. More than a thousand stars and deep-sky objects are listed and charted. The illustrated reference section provides basic information and the visual characteristics of various types of stars, nebulae and galaxies. The maps measure 13¼" x 11¼" and are printed on a heavyweight, moisture resistant card stock. The pages have a special comb binding so they can lay flat or be folded over.
