Dictionary term
Planisphere
Direct answer
Planisphere is a circular star chart whose movable mask shows the stars expected above the horizon for a chosen date and time.
Planisphere is a rotating sky map used in historical astronomy, timekeeping, or navigation.
Planisphere is a rotating sky map used in historical astronomy, timekeeping, or navigation.
An engraved functional orientation; the page explains the real instrument, method, or publication.Quick reference
- Use when
- Use Planisphere by selecting a model for the observer's latitude and aligning local date and time with the correct daylight-saving adjustment.
- Do not use it for
- A planisphere is approximate near its latitude limits and does not predict clouds, planets, or exact horizon obstructions.
- Reference category
- Historical Almanacs & Instruments
- Related terms
- Lunar Distance Table, Star Atlas, Volvelle, Calendar Wheel
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The story behind Planisphere
Portable planispheres popularized older rotating-chart principles as simple educational sky guides.
Planisphere in spiritual tradition
Planisphere rewards careful observation, explicit assumptions, and humility about the limits of every model or measurement.
Planisphere: fact and faith, kept distinct
This is a factual history-of-science, instrument, timekeeping, or navigation reference. It may support wonder and disciplined attention without becoming a claim of fate, worship, or private revelation.
Planisphere in numerology
Planisphere is not a numerology claim. Any numbers attached to it should retain their ordinary scientific, calendrical, navigational, or historical meaning unless a separate symbolic interpretation is clearly labeled.
Why Planisphere matters
Planisphere matters because it teaches the seasonal rotation of the visible sky without needing power or a live connection.
Planisphere at work: an example
Setting a northern planisphere to 10 p.m. on an October date reveals which constellations should be above the local horizon.
Where interpretation stops
Planisphere is presented as sourced astronomy, calendrical, Earth-science, cultural, or instrument-history reference. Definitions should distinguish measured phenomena from civil convention and historical interpretation, preserve location and time dependencies, and avoid turning factual sky data into a deterministic personal claim.
Sources and editorial method
Research references used for this entry include:
- Royal Museums Greenwich: Astronomical and Navigational Instruments - Museum reference collection for historical observing, calculating, timekeeping, and navigation instruments.
- U.S. Naval Observatory: Astronomical Applications Data Services - Authoritative services for positions, rise and set data, phases, seasons, eclipses, and astronomical dates.
- Source
- The Great Almanac Dictionary
- Category
- Historical Almanacs & Instruments
- Also appears in
- Historical Almanacs & Instruments
- Aliases
- None listed
- Last updated
- 2026-07-16
Explore Planisphere
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More in Historical Almanacs & Instruments
- Semidiameter Correction
- Transit Table
- Assumed Position
- Celestial Globe
- Dead Reckoning
- Gunter's Quadrant
Common questions
What is Planisphere?
Planisphere is a circular star chart whose movable mask shows the stars expected above the horizon for a chosen date and time.
How is Planisphere used in an almanac?
Use Planisphere by selecting a model for the observer's latitude and aligning local date and time with the correct daylight-saving adjustment.
What should I avoid when interpreting Planisphere?
A planisphere is approximate near its latitude limits and does not predict clouds, planets, or exact horizon obstructions.
