Sky Map Instructions

Sky maps show the sky in Portland Oregon, U.S.A. and other locatons around the world that are close to 45 degrees North latitude (40 - 50 degrees).

Print the sky map

Face South

Hold sky map with the S for South towards you

The center of the sky map is directly over head. This is call the zenith.

Observe Southern sky using the sky map as a reference

Face West

Hold sky map on its left side with the W for West towards you

Observe Western sky using the sky map as a reference

Face North

Observe Northern sky using the sky map as a reference

Hold sky map upside down with the N for North towards you

Face East

Hold sky map on its right side with the E for East towards you

Observe Eastern sky using the sky map as a reference

As time passes stars in the West will set (disapear over the horizon) and new stars will rise in the East.

Some stars in the North will move in a circle around the North Pole. These stars are called circumpolar stars and never rise or set on the horizon. Circumpolar stars will always be visible thorugh the night and through the year

For observing locations less than 45 degrees North latitude additional stars will be seen in the South and less in the North. For example, Los Angles, California U.S.A which is at 34 degree North latitude will see 11 (45 - 34) degrees more stars in the South than Portland Oregon and 11 degrees less stars in the North than Portland Oregon.

For observing locations more than 45 degrees North latitude additional stars will be seen in the North and less in the South.

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