As a young boy, I used a traditional planisphere to learn the constellations - and it wasn't easy. It took a long time for me to finally get a good grasp on the night sky. Many years later, while teaching astronomy labs at Ft. Lewis College in Colorado, I came up with the concept of Planisphere 2. Planisphere 2 enables a total beginner to quickly find and identify constellations, stars, planets and even some deep-sky objects (such as star clusters and galaxies). Planisphere 2 is also an ideal teaching tool for group observing and astronomy labs, where up to 10 people can use its star maps at the same time. Planisphere 2 may look intimidating, but it is really quite easy to use. After you do the process a few times, it'll become automatic and you'll be finding and identifying constellations and bright starts your first night out. Once you can find the constellations, they will serve as your road map to the sometimes illusive planets and faint deep-sky objects. If you're willing to spend the time outside under the stars, Planisphere 2 can be your guide to the wonders of the night sky.
- Samuel Lee
