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. The second 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.
The Sky Tonight
This chart shows the sky above Lewes at the selected time. The edge of the circle represents the horizon, 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, which is how the sky is represented in the chart, i.e. with you facing south.
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 with its current phase, and our galaxy, the Milky Way, appears as the lighter band stretching across the sky.
In Lewes, sunset today is at calculating.... The chart initially shows the sky after sunset today. However, you can use the time selector to explore the sky at any time today through to tomorrow morning. You can even see what is in the sky during daylight hours; the stars are there, but the sky is too bright to see them!
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 Planechart 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.