Planisphere 2.0

The Planisphere app was originally designed by the planetarium curators of Nagoya City Science Museum. Understanding how to use a planisphere is often a skill acquired in elementary school. This app represents a modern take on this traditional tool, merging the practicalities of a planisphere with the advantages of technology. By providing the classic functionality of a paper or plastic planisphere in digital form, users can now easily navigate and explore the real starry sky using the Planisphere app.

Upon launching the Planisphere app, users are greeted with a view of the current night sky. The interactive features allow individuals to manipulate the date and time settings by simply dragging their fingers across the screen. Pinch gestures enable users to navigate a map of the sky, making it an engaging experience for stargazers. Additionally, the app enhances visibility in dark environments, illuminating key elements for a seamless stargazing experience. Notably, the Planisphere app goes beyond traditional printed planispheres by displaying real-time planet positions, providing an exceptional and informative tool for celestial enthusiasts.

• Features of the Planisphere application
  • Accessible Anytime, Anywhere: Conveniently available on your smartphone or tablet for quick sky exploration.
  • Intuitive Usage: Operates similarly to traditional planispheres - just touch and rotate.
  • Effortless Navigation: Instantly displays the night sky upon app launch, simpler than using a printed version.
  • Prominent Planet Visibility: Highlights planets visible to the naked eye and accurately depicts their positions.
  • Optimized for Dark Environments: Utilize screen light for visibility in dark settings without additional tools.
  • User-Friendly Features: Zoom in/out capabilities enhance visibility, especially in low-light conditions.
  • Sunrise and Sunset Information: Offers sunrise/sunset times and directions along with celestial positioning details.
  • Educational Use: Ideal for educational settings and presentations, with options to connect to larger displays or use computer versions.

The Nagoya City Science Museum's Planisphere app is a product of extensive expertise and experience from its curators. Originally utilized for citizen observation events, educational programs, and exhibits within the museum, it now extends its reach digitally. Providing visibility to prominent stars, the Moon, and planets even within urban areas, this app invites users to explore and connect with the wonders of the night sky.

For those seeking more astronomical insights and further details about the Planisphere app, additional information can be found on the Nagoya City Science Museum's website:

• Astronomical information
• Planisphere