Stjärnkartor

Stjärnkartor, or star charts, are representations of the night sky. Historically, these were drawn or etched onto surfaces, depicting the positions of stars and constellations as observed from Earth. Ancient civilizations used stjärnkartor for navigation, timekeeping, and religious purposes. Early examples include Egyptian and Babylonian celestial maps.

The development of stjärnkartor accelerated with the invention of the telescope and advancements in astronomy. Johannes Bayer's Uranometria, published in 1603, was a significant work that standardized star naming conventions and introduced many constellations still recognized today. Later cartographers like Andreas Cellarius created elaborate and artistic celestial atlases.

Modern stjärnkartor are often digital, generated by computer programs that can display the sky from any location on Earth at any given time. These digital charts can be interactive, allowing users to zoom in on celestial objects, access detailed information about them, and simulate sky conditions from different eras. They remain valuable tools for amateur and professional astronomers alike, aiding in sky observation and education.