Translation guide
A star map is a chart or representation of the night sky, showing stars, constellations, and other celestial objects. In Japanese, the most common term is 星図 (seizu), but other words like 星座早見盤 (seiza hayamiban) for a planisphere and 天体図 (tentaizu) for a celestial chart are used depending on context.
A general map or chart of stars, often used in astronomy or for stargazing.
The standard term for a star map or star chart. Used in both amateur and professional astronomy contexts.
この星図には北半球の主な星座が載っています。
This star map shows the major constellations of the northern hemisphere.
Literally 'celestial body chart', used for maps that include not only stars but also planets, nebulae, etc. Slightly more technical.
天体図を使って、今夜見える惑星の位置を確認した。
I used a celestial chart to check the positions of the planets visible tonight.
Specifically a constellation chart, focusing on the patterns of constellations rather than individual stars.
子供向けの星座図には、神話のイラストが描かれている。
Children's constellation charts have illustrations from mythology.
A physical device with a rotating disk used to find which stars are visible at a given time and date.
The common term for a planisphere. Literally 'constellation quick-view disk'. Widely used in education and by hobbyists.
星座早見盤を回して、今夜の星空を調べた。
I turned the planisphere to check tonight's starry sky.
Shortened form of 星座早見盤, often used in product names or casual conversation.
この星座早見はとても使いやすい。
This planisphere is very easy to use.
A digital application or software that displays a star map, often with interactive features.
Common term for a constellation or star map app on smartphones.
星座アプリをダウンロードして、星空観察を楽しんでいる。
I downloaded a star map app and enjoy stargazing.
More general term for an astronomical observation app, which may include star maps.
天体観測アプリで星の名前を調べられる。
You can look up star names with an astronomy app.
A decorative or historical representation of the sky, often with artistic elements.
Refers to old or historical star maps, often from ancient or medieval times.
この古星図は江戸時代に作られた。
This old star map was made in the Edo period.
A celestial globe map or a flat representation of the celestial sphere, often used in historical contexts.
天球図には黄道十二星座が描かれている。
The celestial sphere map depicts the twelve zodiac constellations.
星図 (seizu) is the most common and general term for a star map. 天体図 (tentaizu) is more technical and includes all celestial bodies. 星座図 (seizazu) focuses specifically on constellations and their patterns.
When talking about a physical planisphere, 星座早見盤 is the standard term. It's often used in educational settings and by amateur astronomers.