Night Sky Map: Southern Hemisphere · Nat Geo

Every culture has drawn pictures in the stars, creating constellations that represent animals or mythic figures. Ancient astronomers peered into the night sky and imagined glittering jewels set in a crystal sphere, slowly revolving around the Earth from east to west. The 88 constellations recognized today by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) are not just pictures but basic units that partition the sky.

Features of the Night Sky - Southern Hemisphere Stargazer Map and Guide

• Centered near Crux (the Southern Cross):
  The map is centered on Crux, which appears nearly fixed in place, with other stars on the chart rotating around it.

• Labeled constellations and stars:
  Constellations and brighter stars are labeled with their Latin names for easy identification.

• Star magnitude table:
  Includes a helpful table detailing star magnitudes or brightness levels.

Seasonal Charts for Year-Round Stargazing

As the Earth moves in its orbit around the Sun, the constellations visible in the sky change. To help you navigate the stars throughout the year, the Night Sky map includes four seasonal charts specific to spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

Built for Durability

Every Stargazer Map is printed on durable synthetic paper, making it:

• Waterproof
• Tear-resistant
• Tough, capable of withstanding the rigors of repeated outdoor use.

This map is designed to be your reliable companion for exploring the wonders of the Southern Hemisphere night sky!