Photographischer Stern-Atlas

astronomy

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June 17, 2026

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The Photographischer Stern-Atlas is a photographic atlas of the entire sky, published between 1962 and 1964 by German astronomer Hans Vehrenberg. It covers the sky in 464 sheets, each 12° square. This atlas has been widely used due to its quality and affordability.1

Astronomical maps and atlases are essential tools for locating and identifying celestial bodies, especially fainter ones not visible to the naked eye. Early astronomical charts depicted constellations, with the first printed planispheres appearing in 1515. The advent of telescopic astronomy and later, photography, significantly advanced the precision and scope of star mapping. Notable photographic atlases include the National Geographic Society–Palomar Observatory Sky Survey and the Franklin-Adams Charts.23

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Atlases for stargazing
The German astronomer Hans Vehrenberg’s Photographischer Stern-Atlas (1962–64), covering the entire sky in 464 sheets, each 12° square, has probably reached wider use than any other photographic atlas because of its quality and comparatively modest cost.
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The German astronomer Hans Vehrenberg’s Photographischer Stern-Atlas (1962–64), covering the entire sky in 464 sheets, each 12° square, has probably reached wider use than any other photographic atlas because of its quality and comparatively modest cost.
Read More