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How do I Find a Star Map for a Certain Date?

The appearance of a star map of the night sky depends on the date and time the sky is viewed as well as the location you are viewing from. In addition, star maps can indicate the magnitude of the stars shown, name constellations, show asteroids and comets, identify planets and display features such as the celestial equator. The computational power of modern computers makes it possible to generate star maps almost instantaneously for just about any place, date and time of your choosing.

Instructions

- 1
  Visit the "Your Sky" star map generator at Fourmilab.ch/yoursky.
- 2
  Decide on a "Sky Map" or "Horizon View". The "Sky Map" is a full view of the night sky. while the "Horizon View" examines the sky close to the horizon.
- 3
  Enter the latitude and longitude for your position, if known. If not, use the "Set for nearby city" link to choose a city close to your location. Click the option to make a map after you have made your selection.
- 4
  Scroll down from the sky map displayed to the "Date and Time" field, where you can enter any date from the distant past to well into the future. Click "Update" to redraw the sky map for the new date and time.
- 5
  Adjust the map features that suit your interests. Note the many other features that can be adjusted on the map, such as constellation names, constellation outlines, color rendering and minimum magnitudes to display. Use the check boxes to change these features, and click "Update" to redraw the map.

Astronomy