We have been designing, producing and publishing planispheres since 1985, but our ‘build-it-yourself’ Star Wheels (1986) and Sundials (1987) are almost as ‘old’! 

The Dutch version of the Star Wheel (STW-NL) has now been changed, using a full colour design (as opposed to the standard blue and black designs we used until now).

The reason for this change is the development in the world of printing: full colour printing is not much more expensive than two-colour printing! For the creative person that opens new horizons and the STW.NL is the first to try a new combination of colours, which will possibly be the new look for all reprints and new prints of our planispheres. 

The background of the night sky is now very dark, like the real thing. All the names of stars, constellations and objects are yellow and the lines and circles are in grey.  Bright stars may be given more realistic colours (Betelgeuse in red etc.) and objects may also be given colours to stand out more. If this will be done is not sure at this stage. It may also depend on the advise and suggestions from users (see Super Planisphere).  

Customers who order customised versions of our planispheres of BIY star wheels may of course also use these colours for the designs we make for them.

          
The new looks of the STW-NL                                                         Detail of the new STW-NL
Click for enlarged version