Sky Maps, Planispheres, and Planetariums

A planetarium is used to project images of the night sky for viewers.

The night sky has been a source of wonder for humans for centuries. Throughout history, humans have developed tools for observing and studying the stars that appear above them each night. With the skymaps, plansipheres, and planetariums, you, too, can observe what rests beyond Earth so many miles away.

Essential Questions

• What is a planisphere, and how it is used?
• What is a planetarium, and what information can be gathered from one?
• What is a sky map, and how is it used?