Reviewer: Clay Davies

I find the Orion DeepMap 600 Folding Star Chart the perfect travel companion. It fits in your jacket pocket, briefcase, glove compartment or carry on bag. If you favor a small, wide field telescope, or binoculars, it may be the only star chart it may be the only star chart you may ever need. The DeepMap 600 is made of tough plastic that is not damaged by dew, or even a spilled cup of coffee. Because it includes descriptions of hundreds of deep sky objects including size, limiting magnitude right ascension and declination, it is both helpful for creating a list of objects to look for, for finding the objects, and for identifying them once you have found them. I find the descriptions so helpful that I use the Orion Deep Map alongside the much larger, heavier Sky Atlas 2000 by Wil Tirion and Roger W. Sinnott. A single page map of almost the entire night sky can not possibly plot as much detail as a big chart book like the Sky Atlas 2000. That aside, the only significant weakness of the Orion DeepMap is the absence of the sky south of -60*. But this is of no consequence for observers north of 30* north latitude, and it is of little consequence anywhere in the northern hemisphere. For beginner astronomers, I suggest a Planesphere as a first tool to learn the constellations, and to understand how they move across the sky. And because of the wealth of information it provides plus it's superb portability and durability, I would suggest the Orion DeepMap 600 next - so you can discover a treasure trove of celestial treasures.

Reviewer: Umit Guneyi, M.D.

I simply love the star chart! I recommend it highly to anyone interested in serious sky observations. It's made out of non-tearable plastic. You can mark on it and later wipe it off. As an amateur astronomer myself, the only thing that I might be able to suggest for a later edition would be to mark the regions containing suspected black holes (e.g. Cygnus X-1). Otherwise, it's a great chart!!

Reviewer: Mark Saville

I have had this map for over a year now and love it. Anybody with a little common sense can figure out how to use it. I love having the RA and DEC coordinates on it. It is very durable and folds back up nicely.

Reviewer: Horst Birken

I am a novice at this astronomy game, and looking at this chart I must say there needs to be a little more information on how to use it. What is a celestial meridian. If I live in the geographic 42 deg. north latitude, is that my zenith point on the map. The hour scale above the date scale, how is that read. How do I read the map on Oct. 3oth. or Nov. 7. In it's present configuration this map is only useful if the user has some level of knowledge higher than a beginner.Another paragraph or two could bring this within our range as well.

Reviewer: Joe A David

As a reborn amatuer astronomer, I find it difficult to fully grasp the location of all the space objects I am interested in. Round Star Charts help, but don't give you the full picture. This map, folding like an Auto Map, provides an excellent depiction of the sky, making it easier to fit all the pieces together. It is easy to read, easy to fold/unfold, and makes an excellent reference when I am planning a nights' viewing. This map should be in any astronomer's kit, for certain if you are new to the hobby, and if not, then to help show your guests where things are in the sky relative to other objects. So far I have found nothing to dislike about this Map.

Reviewer: Terry

I recently purchased this map and I am very pleased with it. It is of good quality and easy to use and I find it easy to read under a red light. I purchased it to use when I leave my scope behind and go out with my binoculars. I was expecting it to be some what like a road map and that I would have trouble re-folding it but not so! It folds back up easily.

Reviewer: Burton Pond

Amazing! Wonderful! Truly an absolute piece of art! Five Stars! I can not believe the amount of detail and information Orion has been able to convey on something the size of a road map. It is literally a fold out book. I especially appreciate the terse but yet detailed astronomical descriptions of the Messier and NGC objects. I consider this an absolute must if you are interested in tracking down the Messier objects. However, I do not like the creases caused by the folds. I would really like to see this sky chart offered as an optional rolled version sold in a cardboard tube.

Reviewer: Rob Keefe

This star chart is a must have for any amateur astronomer. A friend loaned me one at a star party and my son and I were amazed at how easy we were locating stars, nebulae and galaxies. The chart is very easy to read with a great key at the top to verify the various symbols. My 14 year old was finding objects easily on his own.

Reviewer: joan seddon

I LOVE IT, EASY TO READ, AND UNDERSTAND, THANK YOU. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING WHAT IS OUT THERE, AGAIN , THANK YOU.

Reviewer: James Garrigan

I received my DeepMap 600 folding star chart yesterday along with a Accufocus for my Celestron C6-RGT and of course it was cloudy and about every hour I would check to see if it was clear. About 11:30 there was an opening so I rushed to set everything up and when I looked out I seen Procyon In Canis Minor which was easy to find on the map with out reading any instructions. Then I noticed the dates clearly marked. What a great tool what-ever level your at!!!