A map of the starry night sky on a significant date can be the perfect gift for an anniversary or engagement. You’ve probably seen these mesmerizing Star Maps on social media, capturing the constellations in their precise positions right down to the exact hour. And the best part? You can actually create your own star map for free! In this article, we will guide you through the process of making your own star map in just six easy steps.
Contents
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
Before you begin, make sure you have the necessary materials on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Frame
- Microsoft Word or similar text editor
- Ruler
- Pencil or Pen
- Large paper card (black or white)
- Computer & printer
Step 2: Latitude and Longitude Research
To start creating your star map, you’ll need to determine the latitude and longitude coordinates for the desired location. Use a reliable website like [insert website name] and enter the city name and postal code for accurate results. Whether it’s the idyllic location of your wedding or your first home, simply input the address into the search bar to obtain the exact coordinates you need. For example, I found the coordinates for my location to be 41.382490 Latitude and 2.173620 Longitude. Scroll down to get the exact GPS coordinates as well (in my case, 41° 22′ 56.964” N 2° 10′ 25.032” E).
Step 3: A Little Astronomy
Now comes the magical part. At Under Lucky Stars, we have developed our own star charting algorithms audited by a third party. However, there are also free online programs that can assist you in this process. One such tool is Your Sky, which can be accessed through [insert link]. Keep in mind that Your Sky uses Universal Time (UTC), so you’ll need to determine the time difference between UTC and your observation location from Step 2. A site like Time.is and their Time zone converter tool can help you with this. Input your location, select the date and time, and compare it with UTC.
Next, input the coordinates obtained in Step 1 into the “Observing Site” section on Your Sky. Be sure to copy and paste the coordinates accurately. Also, remember to select North or South for Latitude and East or West for Longitude.
Step 4: Customize the Look
In the settings of Your Sky, below the date and time input, select any additional visual elements you’d like and choose a reasonably large image size. For optimal resolution, we recommend at least 150 pixels per inch of print width (our professional maps are printed at 300 DPI). For example, if you’re printing on an A4 paper, the image should be at least 1200 pixels wide. Finally, decide if you want a black background with white stars or vice versa. Make your selection and hit the Update button above the inputs to generate your star map. Double-check all the information for accuracy. Once you’re satisfied with the edits, right-click on the map and save it to your desktop.
Step 5: Print Your Star Map
Printing your star map is the next step. If you’re using your own printer, insert the map into a Microsoft Word document or any other text editor. Adjust the margins and enlarge it as much as possible. Setting all the custom margins to zero will maximize the available space. Once you’re ready, hit CTRL+P to print. However, for better quality and larger sizes, it’s recommended to visit a local printing shop. They offer a variety of paper options and can print larger sizes than a standard printer, such as our largest size of 24×36 inches. Choose from glossy paper, heavy silk, or recycled papers. Prices will vary depending on the size and paper quality.
Step 6: Customize and Frame Your Star Map
Here’s where you can let your creativity shine. Cut out your star map and paste it onto a colorful card. Add text with a marker, apply stickers or glitter, and let your imagination run wild. You can even combine the map with printed photos or newspaper cutouts. Once you’re satisfied with the customization, it’s time to frame your masterpiece. You can find affordable poster frames on Amazon or at IKEA. Hang your star map in a place where it will be admired by all. Et voila! You have just created your very own Star Map.
**Total Time: 5 hours*
Total Cost: $45**
*Based on a reasonable work pace and mid-range printing and framing prices.
For the Best Results, Trust the Professionals
If creating your star map seems too complicated or you encounter roadblocks along the way, don’t worry. You can always order one of our professionally made star maps. Our maps are astronomically verified, printed at the highest quality, and crafted with utmost precision. Check out our website to see the stunning star maps we offer. We won’t tell anyone!
Watch our video to see how easy it is:
And look how beautiful it is:
You can also find more inspiration on our Instagram.
