Star Charts
Exploring the Night Sky
Whether you're completely new to astronomy or an experienced observer, the charts on this page can help you explore the night sky from Lewes. The first chart provides a simple view of what is visible above Lewes at a chosen time, making it ideal for beginners and casual stargazers. You don't need any equipment to go outside and find the constellations shown on the chart. The second chart provides a more detailed view of the entire sky, with additional controls for more experienced observers. Both charts can help you identify constellations, locate planets and become more familiar with how the night sky changes throughout the night and over the course of the year. These charts are best viewed on a big screen. You can check the weather forecast for Lewes today on our Weather page.
The Sky Over Lewes
This chart can show the sky above Lewes today and overnight at whatever hour you select. All times are local and are currently shown in ....
In Lewes, sunset today is at calculating.... The chart initially shows the sky at the current time. However, you can explore the sky at any hour today and overnight. You can even see what is in the sky during daylight hours. As the Earth rotates, the same stars circle across the sky every day of the year. They are there during daylight too, but are hidden from view by the brightness of the Sun. The stars visible at night depend on the time of year, because the celestial sphere rotates 4 minutes faster than the Sun each day.
You can discover this month's highlights and what to look out for by reading our Star Guide in the October edition of The Lewesian, the free community magazine. You can also read the Star Guide in our October Newsletter.
Planets above the horizon: calculating...
Moon: calculating...
The edge of the circle represents the horizon around Lewes, while the centre is the point directly overhead (the zenith). The cardinal points North, East, South and West are marked around the edge. If you stand facing south, east will be on your left, west on your right and north directly behind you. By default, the chart represents the sky with you facing south. Select N, E, S or W to rotate the chart so that the chosen direction is at the bottom, matching the direction you are facing.
Constellation names and outlines help you identify familiar patterns of stars, while coloured markers show the positions of the Sun, Moon and planets. The Moon is shown in its current phase, and our galaxy, the Milky Way, appears as the lighter band stretching across the sky. The ecliptic is the yellow line indicating the Sun's annual path across the sky. The Moon and planets are usually found close to the ecliptic.
There are 88 constellations recognised by the International Astronomical Union (IAU), some of which are too far south to ever be visible from Lewes. Traditionally, there were 12 zodiac constellations through which the Sun passed each year, and it was the constellation in which the Sun was located on the date you were born that defined your birth sign. That is the basis of astrology. Since the invention of the zodiac system more than 3000 years ago, the sky has changed, yet astrologers still use the old dates. The original zodiac constellations are no longer valid as birth signs, and astrology is regarded as nonsense, especially by astronomers!
Whole Sky Chart
This more detailed chart is intended for those who are already familiar with the night sky, or who would like to explore it in greater depth. By default, it shows the entire celestial sphere using a planar projection, rather like viewing a map of our world projected onto a flat sheet of paper.
Press "h" to switch between alternative projections. Click on the date to change it, click and drag to move around the chart, and double-click to view it full screen. To see all available options, click the ? button at the top right of the chart.