Explore Scientific Large 24" Double-Sided Classroom & Group Planisphere

Explore Scientific Double Sided Multi-Sided Large 24-Inch Classroom & Group Planisphere

Fully Functioning. Just MUCH Bigger. 

The Explore Scientific™ 24" Classroom & Group Planisphere brings the proven Wil Tirion planisphere design to a format made for classrooms, astronomy clubs, Scout programs, science centers, star parties, and other group-learning settings. 

At 24 inches in diameter, this is more than an oversized star chart or display. It is a fully functioning, double-sided planisphere that works just like the traditional handheld version, only large enough for an entire group to see. It is designed for use anywhere from 0° to 60° north latitude. 

Teach the Night Sky on a Bigger Scale 

A planisphere is one of the simplest and most effective tools for learning the night sky. Set the date and time, orient the chart correctly, and it shows the stars and constellations that should be visible. 

The 24-inch format lets an instructor demonstrate each step to the whole group. Students can see how the planisphere is set, how it is oriented, and how the chart relates to the actual sky. 

Don't just explain how a planisphere works. Show them. 

Two Sides. A Bigger, Clearer Sky. 

One side of the planisphere is used facing north and the other facing south. Because each side shows only part of the sky, the stars and constellations are drawn much larger instead of being packed into a small area. That makes the patterns easier to read, easier to teach, and easier to find overhead. 

From the Classroom to the Night Sky 

The large-format planisphere is especially useful for preparing students for an observing session. Point out the bright stars and constellations they'll see, then teach them how to match the chart to the sky overhead. 

Then take that knowledge outside. 

Because the classroom version works just like the traditional handheld Explore Scientific™ Tirion Double-Sided Multi-Latitude Planisphere, students can use the same skills with their own planisphere under the stars. 

Set the date. Set the time. Orient the planisphere. Identify the patterns. Find them in the sky. 

This creates a natural progression from group instruction to individual exploration. 

More Than a Star Chart 

Unlike a static star chart, a planisphere shows how the sky changes throughout the night and across the seasons. Students can see which constellations are up at any given time, where they will appear, and when they will rise and set. 

It needs no batteries, software, internet connection, or screen to spoil your night vision. Just turn the wheel to set the date and time, orient it to the sky, and look up. 

One Planisphere. An Entire Group. 

Traditional planispheres are designed for one person. The Explore Scientific™ 24" Classroom & Group Planisphere is designed to help one person teach many. It uses the same proven concept amateur astronomers have relied on for generations, only now a large group can see it at once. 

Find the stars. Teach the sky. 

How to Use the Tirion Planisphere:

1. Rotate the upper disk until your local date and time align.

• If daylight saving time is in effect, subtract one hour from your local time.

2. Choose the side of the planisphere that matches the direction you’re facing:

• One side shows objects visible above the southern horizon

• The other shows objects above the northern horizon

3. Select the horizon line closest to your latitude (for example, use 40°N if you’re at 37°N).

The double-sided layout reduces the heavy distortion that occurs near the edges of polar-projection star maps. Objects shown closer to the celestial equator appear with less distortion when viewed on the appropriate side.

Understanding the Map:

• The brown dashed line marks the ecliptic, the Sun’s yearly path through the stars. Bright planets—Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn—always appear near this line.

• The faint blue band represents the Milky Way.

• Symbols indicate deep-sky objects such as galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters.

• On the southern-facing map, the Small and Large Magellanic Clouds (SMC & LMC) are visible—satellite galaxies of the Milky Way.

What's included:

✓ Explore Scientific Large 24" Double-Sided Classroom & Group Planisphere