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star atlas

star atlas

1 6.6
A book of maps that shows where stars and constellations are in the night sky
  • noun
  • /stɑr ˈæt.ləs/
translation icon : atlas estelar
  • They were illustrated in his star atlas called Firmamentum Sobiescianum, published posthumously in 1690.
  • star atlas and catalogs

Examples

  • I marked the comet's position not far from M74 on the star atlas.

    Academic text (1994)
  • Their acceptance was assured when Johann Bayer, a German astronomer, included them in his Uranometria of 1603, the leading star atlas of its day.

    Academic text (1990)
  • Indoor Astronomy: variable magnification high-resolution star atlas includes 6,000 stars and 2,000 deep-sky objects; more can be added; prints telescope finder charts.

    Academic text (1991)
  • Before going stargazing, make sure to bring your star atlas to help identify constellations.

  • Astronomy enthusiasts often rely on a detailed star atlas to find celestial objects in the night sky.

  • The library has a great collection of star atlases that show the positions of stars for every season.

Synonyms

star chart
vsstar atlas
6 4.5

A map that shows where stars and other things are in the sky

is a book of maps covering regions and times rather than a single map
uranometria
vsstar atlas
  • Archaic
9.9

A book of star maps used to study the night sky

is the general modern book of maps rather than an old historical reference
planisphere
vsstar atlas
  • Specialized
8.6

A circular star chart you turn to show the stars visible on a given date and time

is a book of maps organized by time or region rather than a disk
celestial globe
vsstar atlas
  • Specialized
8.1

A round model of the sky showing stars and constellations

is a book of maps by time or region rather than a spherical model

How Detailed

star atlas
1 6.6
planisphere
  • Specialized
8.6
star chart
6 4.5

Surface Forms

star atlas singular
star atlases plural

Morphology

star + atlas

The meaning ('a book of maps showing stars and constellations') is directly and compositionally derived from 'star' (celestial body) + 'atlas' (a book of maps). This is a regular noun compound following common English and cross-linguistic patterns, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily infer the meaning.

Etymology

Star atlas combines star and atlas and means a book that maps the night sky. Think of it as a road map for stars: each page shows where constellations are so you can 'find' them.