Nauticalia Nautical Stellarscope Adjustable Star Finder

The Nauticalia Stellarscope 7070 Adjustable Star Finder is a handheld night-sky identification instrument that uses the selected date, time, hemisphere and latitude to display the stars and constellations visible from the user's location. Its focusing eyepiece allows the internal star map to be viewed with one eye while the real night sky is observed with the other.

The Stellarscope includes northern and southern hemisphere star-map inserts, latitude compensation adaptors and night illumination. It operates between latitudes of 20° and 60° north or south, and its perpetual maps identify more than 1,500 stars down to approximately fifth magnitude. Moving planets are not included because their positions change over time.

Product Identification

• Brand: Nauticalia
• Product name: Nauticalia Stellarscope Adjustable Star Finder
• Manufacturer part number: 7070
• Marine Scene SKU: NC-7070
• Product category: Handheld astronomical star finder
• Viewing method: Adjustable focusing eyepiece
• Sky-map system: Date-and-time adjustable internal star map
• Hemisphere compatibility: Northern and southern hemispheres
• Latitude range: 20°–60° north or south
• Map coverage: More than 1,500 stars
• Faintest mapped stars: Approximately fifth magnitude
• Night illumination: Included
• Overall length: 7.5in / approximately 19cm
• Viewing-map size: 1.5in / approximately 38mm
• Quantity supplied: One Stellarscope star finder

What Is the Nauticalia Stellarscope Used For?

The Stellarscope is used to identify stars and constellations visible at a selected date and time.

• Learning the principal stars and constellations
• Beginner astronomy
• Family stargazing
• Outdoor education
• Comparing a star map directly with the night sky
• Planning a stargazing session for a particular date
• Identifying stars while travelling between supported latitudes
• Use in either the northern or southern hemisphere with the correct map insert

The Stellarscope is a star-identification aid rather than a magnifying astronomical telescope.

What Is Included?

• One Nauticalia Stellarscope
• Northern hemisphere star-map insert
• Southern hemisphere star-map insert
• Latitude compensation adaptors
• Adjustable date-and-time tubes
• Focusing eyepiece
• Night-viewing illumination

What Is Not Included?

• Magnifying telescope optics
• Tripod or telescope mount
• Binoculars
• Smartphone or astronomy application
• Planet-position charts
• Camera attachment
• Protective carrying case unless specifically stated

How Does the Stellarscope Work?

The Stellarscope functions as an adjustable three-dimensional star chart. The external date and time scales are rotated until the required date aligns with the observation time. This positions the internal map so that the visible section represents the stars and constellations expected in the sky at that time.

1. Select the correct hemisphere map.
2. Fit the latitude adaptor that most closely matches the observation location.
3. Align the required date and time.
4. Hold the Stellarscope vertically.
5. Turn the east or west marking towards the corresponding horizon.
6. Slide the eyepiece in or out until the map is in focus.
7. Compare the internal map with the real sky.

Which Hemispheres Can the Stellarscope Be Used In?

• Northern Hemisphere: Use the northern star-map insert and the appropriate north-latitude adaptor.
• Southern Hemisphere: Use the southern star-map insert and the appropriate south-latitude adaptor.

The tubes are reversible so the sky's apparent movement can be represented correctly in each hemisphere.

What Latitude Range Does It Cover?

• Northern range: 20°–60° north latitude
• Southern range: 20°–60° south latitude

A latitude compensation adaptor adjusts the visible section of the map to suit the user's approximate location. Locations outside the 20°–60° range are not covered by the stated operating specification.

What Does “Perpetual Star Map” Mean?

The star maps are described as perpetual because they can be set for any day of the year without requiring an annual replacement chart.

The map is based on the repeatable apparent movement of the fixed stars and constellations. Moving planets are not plotted because their positions relative to the stars change continuously.

Which Stars Can It Identify?

The internal maps include more than 1,500 stars down to approximately fifth magnitude.

• The brightest stars are identified by name.
• Other stars are labelled with Greek letters.
• The lettering generally follows decreasing brightness within each constellation.
• Constellation patterns help the user connect individual stars into recognisable groups.

Actual visibility depends on local weather, cloud, atmospheric conditions and surrounding artificial light.

Does the Stellarscope Magnify Stars?

No. The Stellarscope is not a conventional optical telescope and does not magnify distant objects.

The eyepiece focuses the internal star chart so the user can compare it with the real sky. A separate astronomical telescope or binoculars are required for magnified observation.

What Is the Night Illumination Used For?

The integrated night-viewing light illuminates the internal star map so it can be read in low-light conditions. It is intended to assist map reading rather than illuminate the surrounding area.

How Do I Select the Correct Latitude Adaptor?

• Select the adaptor closest to the observation latitude.
• Disassemble the marked outer sections as instructed.
• Align the adaptor arrow with the 00:00 marking.
• Reassemble the date-and-time tubes.
• Confirm that all markings face the same reading direction.
• Fit the appropriate northern or southern star map.

How Should the Stellarscope Be Used?

• Choose a location with an unobstructed view of the sky.
• Allow time for your eyes to adjust to darkness.
• Set the correct local date and observation time.
• Confirm that the correct hemisphere map is installed.
• Select the nearest latitude adaptor.
• Hold the unit vertically.
• Point the east or west marking towards the corresponding horizon.
• Adjust the eyepiece until the internal map is clear.
• Compare prominent stars first before identifying fainter constellations.
• Avoid looking directly at the Sun through the viewing tube.

Care and Storage

• Keep the Stellarscope clean and dry.
• Wipe the exterior with a soft, dry cloth.
• Keep moisture away from the internal star maps.
• Do not use abrasive cleaners on the eyepiece.
• Protect the map inserts from creasing or scratching.
• Do not force the rotating tubes or latitude adaptors.
• Store away from excessive heat and direct sunlight.
• Keep small removable components together when changing hemispheres.

Key Features

• Nauticalia manufacturer part number 7070
• Handheld adjustable star finder
• More than 1,500 mapped stars
• Stars mapped down to approximately fifth magnitude
• Named principal stars
• Constellation identification
• Northern hemisphere star-map insert
• Southern hemisphere star-map insert
• 20°–60° north or south latitude range
• Interchangeable latitude compensation adaptors
• Adjustable date-and-time scales
• Sliding focusing eyepiece
• Built-in night illumination
• Perpetual annual star chart
• 7.5in / approximately 19cm long

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Nauticalia Stellarscope a telescope?
It is a handheld star finder rather than a magnifying astronomical telescope. The eyepiece focuses the internal star map but does not magnify stars or planets.

Can it be used in the Southern Hemisphere?
Yes. It includes separate northern and southern hemisphere star-map inserts and can be configured for either hemisphere.

What latitude range does it cover?
It is designed for locations between 20° and 60° north or south latitude.

How many stars are shown?
The star maps include more than 1,500 stars down to approximately fifth magnitude.

Does it show constellations?
Yes. The internal chart is designed to help identify stars and constellation patterns visible at the selected date and time.

Does it show planets?
No. Planet positions are not included because they continually change relative to the fixed star background.

Does the map need replacing each year?
No. The Stellarscope uses a perpetual star map that can be adjusted for any day of the year.

Does it have a light?
Yes. It includes night illumination for reading the internal map in low-light conditions.

How is the chart focused?
Slide the eyepiece in or out until the internal map appears clear.

Specifications

Select the appropriate hemisphere map and latitude adaptor before setting the date and time. The Stellarscope is a star-identification chart rather than a magnifying telescope, and moving planet positions are not included.

Select the appropriate hemisphere map and latitude adaptor before setting the date and time. The Stellarscope is a star-identification chart rather than a magnifying telescope, and moving planet positions are not included.