Products

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Amazon
Most products can be ordered from Amazon (click on blue links below). Sometimes Amazon has sales on our products but we have no control over that.

Directly
You can order directly from Ken Press but we cannot offer free-type shipping like Amazon. If you would like to order from Ken Press, email me, Ken Graun, or Text me at (520) 743-3200 with your request and phone number and I will get back to you.

School Orders
Large Group Orders
Astronomy Club Orders
Ken Press can provide discounts for quantity or non-profit organizations. Please email me, Ken Graun or Text me at (520) 743-3200 for more information.

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List of ALL Charts and Books with Amazon Links

Guide to the Stars
Star Charts

16-inch Northern Hemisphere,
Plastic. ISBN 1928771017 • $24.95 AMAZON

11-inch Northern Hemisphere
Plastic. ISBN 1928771033 • $17.95  AMAZON

11-inch Southern Hemisphere
Plastic. ISBN 1928771114 • $16.95  AMAZON

11-inch Equatorial
Heavy Paper. ISBN 1928771777 • $16.50  AMAZON

11-inch Northern Hemisphere
Heavy Paper, ISBN 1928771998 • $6.50  AMAZON

16-inch Northern Hemisphere in Spanish
Plastic. Only available directly thru Ken Press • $19.95

Books & Field Guides

Celestial Atlas Menor
Book. ISBN 1928771882 • $19.95 AMAZON

Atlas of the Heavens
Fold-out Reference. ISBN 1928771661 • $9.95 AMAZON

Messier's Objects
Fold-out Reference. ISBN 192877167X • $9.95 AMAZON

What's Out Tonight?
Book, ISBN 1928771149 • $39.95 AMAZON

Lunar Prospector
Book, ISBN 1928771319 • $44.95 AMAZON

Moonquake
Fiction Book by Alan Binder • $7.99 AMAZON

16-inch Northern Guide to the Stars

OUR BEST SELLER
The 16-inch plastic Guide to the Stars, Northern Hemisphere chart (technically called a planisphere) is our best selling chart.

Nearly 2,000 Amazon Reviews
4.5+ Stars

Guide to the Stars
Northern Hemisphere, 30° to 60° N
16-inches in Diameter
Plastic
ISBN 1928771017
Retail: $24.95

16-inch Guide to the Stars

Planet Note
Our solar system planets are NOT indicated on any of our charts because they move through the fixed constellations. Consult this site's free monthly chart for the location of the planets.

11-inch Southern Hemisphere

11-inch Equatorial

11-inch Northern Hemisphere

Or, near the Equator

Click for larger view Click for larger view Click for larger view

Star wheel is 11-inches in Diameter
Usable 20° North to 20° South
In English and Spanish
Heavy Duty Paper
Retail: $16.95
AMAZON
ISBN 1-928771-777

11-inches in Diameter
30° to 60° South
Plastic
Retail: $16.95
AMAZON
ISBN 1-928771-114

11-inches in Diameter
30° to 60° North
Plastic
Retail: $17.95
AMAZON
ISBN 1-928771-033

The 11-inch diameter plastic star chart is for use in the northern hemisphere and anywhere in the US. It is a smaller version of the 16-inch diameter chart. consists of two plastic circles riveted together that can be turned to find the stars for any hour or day of the year. Binocular and small telescope objects are noted on the chart. The back of the chart has additional information and facts.

The 11-inch diameter plastic star chart is for use in the SOUTHERN hemisphere (latitudes 30° to 60° South). Noted are numerous binocular and small telescope objects. The back has additional information including the annual meteor showers.

As far as Ken Press knows, this is the only star chart available for use around the equator (20°N to 20°S). The star wheel is visible on both side. You use one side of the chart when facing north and the other side when facing south. Over 80 telescope objects are indicated. The annual meteor showers are also provided. Made of heavy card-like paper that resists moisture.

Spanish Version
Northern Hemisphere

11-inch “Student” Star Finder

Click for larger view Click for larger view

Two sided Star Wheel • Beginners & Advanced
11 x 11 inches in Size
30° to 60° North
Made of Heavy Card Stock
Retail: $6.50
AMAZON
ISBN 1-928771-998

16-inch Diameter
30° to 60° North
Plastic
Retail: $19.95
Available only from Ken Press
ISBN 1-928771-19X

This 16-inch diameter plastic star chart was written by one of Spain’s leading astronomers and is similar to the English version. It can be used anywhere in the US. Binocular and small telescope objects are noted and the back is packed with information.

The price on this chart was kept to an absolute minimum in order to make it pocket friendly. However, the chart is not “dumbed down.” Telescope and binocular objects are indicated on the “advanced” reverse side of the white star wheel for those ready to explore the night sky with these instruments.

Field Guide Reference Charts
5-Panel Laminated Fold-Outs

Atlas of the Heavens • One side is shown

Click for larger view Click for larger view

Quick Reference Field Guide
4x8.5 inches Folded
8.5x19.25 Expanded
5 panels Front & Back
Plastic Laminated
Retail: $9.95
AMAZON
ISBN 1-928771-65X

Quick Reference Field Guide
4x8.5 inches Folded
8.5x19.25 Expanded
5 panels Front & Back
Plastic Laminated
Retail: $9.95
AMAZON
ISBN 1-928771-661

This celestial atlas maps the whole sky and indicates objects like Orion's Nebula and the Andromeda Galaxy.

Celestial Atlas / Almanac

ATLAS
SAMPLE
PAGES WOT
SAMPLE
PAGES

6 x 9 inches
Softcover
400 pages
Retail: $39.95
AMAZON
ISBN 1-928771-149

8.5 x 11 inches
Softcover
128 pages
Retail: $19.95
AMAZON
ISBN 1-928771-882

Celestial Atlas Menor is a reference and observing guide for those wanting to enjoy the exploration of the heavens with their eyes, binoculars or a 6 to 8-inch diameter telescope. It is for both beginners and more experienced observers. The magnitude limit of the charted stars is about +5.5 which is the limit of the naked eye, but the magnitude limit for celestial objects (like nebulae and galaxies) is about +11.5, which is the limit for a 6-inch to 8-inch diameter telescope, that is, popular-size scopes under reasonably dark skies. Throughout its 128 pages, beginners will find explanations of terms and concepts, as well as help with terms in the expanded glossary.

Celestial Atlas Menor includes:

▶︎ 26 detailed star charts of the entire sky with 14 additional close-up charts
▶︎ Comfortable chart scale that keeps whole constellations on a single chart (page)
▶︎ Simplified constellation outlines for easy identification of patterns in the sky
▶︎ Over 1,370 plotted objects (Deep Sky Objects: star clusters, nebulae and galaxies) and 360 double stars with 24 pages of descriptions. The Deep Sky Object magnitude limit is to +11.5
▶︎ Stars on charts plotted to the naked-eye magnitude limit of +5.5
▶︎ Cross-reference lists to find objects in constellations by type, designation or name
▶︎ Bimonthly Northern and Southern Hemisphere charts for identifying the stars and constellations in most night skies
▶︎ Tabs for the charts and listing of objects, and smartly placed reference pages
▶︎ Messier Deep Sky Objects (catalogue of 110 star clusters, nebulae and galaxies)
▶︎ Caldwell catalogue of Deep Sky Objects
▶︎ List of closest stars * List of stars with names
▶︎ Meteor showers
▶︎ Facts about the Sun
▶︎ Moon map and observing information
▶︎ Facts and observing information on the planets
▶︎ Observing tips for all objects, including double stars and Deep Sky Objects
▶︎ Black and white charts for use with red lights that preserve night vision
▶︎ Greek mythology
▶︎ Expanded glossary to define and/or explain terms and concepts
▶︎ A standard and convenient size (8.5x11 inches) for clipboards, 3-ring binders and one's lap
▶︎ Internet support for the location of the planets and other information (which is this site)

What’s Out Tonight? has been significantly revised for this 2006 edition. It has been expanded, updated and printed in full color on a durable paper. New sections include mythology, double and variable stars and the Messier catalog. Includes 185 photos, 65 separate tables, 40 illustrations and 18 star chart covering the northern and southern hemispheres. It retains its original ease of use with tabbed sections and heavy cross-referencing. Although written for the beginner and dabblers, it is a valuable resource for the more seasoned observer. Includes extensive information on observing every type of celestial object, a section on choosing a telescope, sunrise and sunset times for over 200 North American cities.

▶︎ Written especially for beginners, dabblers or budding amateur astronomers, high school to adult
▶︎ Loaded with color photos, illustrations and tables
▶︎ First page TOC, Tabbed pages, annotated glossary, index

Lunar Prospector, Against all Odds is the Principal Investigator’s, Dr. Alan Binder’s account of the triumphs, defeats, politics and ultimate success of his Lunar Prospector spacecraft mission that orbited the Moon from 1998 to 1999 accumulating data about the Moon’s surface composition. A most noteworthy finding was the first evidence of water or water ice around the Moon’s polar regions.

Lunar Prospector, Against all Odds is a report to the American taxpayer. Binder rightfully believes that since he worked for the taxpayers, they deserved an account of his mission. Not only does he provide the details for designing, building, launching, and monitoring his spacecraft orbiting the Moon, but readers are introduced to the interactions he had with NASA and aerospace industries. And, this is not complimentary because their behavior was not above board—something the American public needs to know.

WHO IS DR. ALAN BINDER?
He was trained as a planetary scientist but became very knowledgeable with spacecraft missions and as a spacecraft system’s engineer. As a doctoral student, he spent many nights at the McDonald observatory in Texas conducting research with his mentor, Gerald Kuiper (a leading planetary scientist of his time and who the Kuiper Belt was named after). Binder was one of a few Principal Investigators responsible for obtaining the first images of the surface of Mars from the Viking Lander in 1976. And, for over 10 years he was a professor in the German university system helping Germany develop their own lunar programs.

The Lunar Prospector mission was the first mission in the early 1990’s to be selected for the Faster, Better, Cheaper program to cut costs without sacrificing performance. Proposals were open to the general scientific community with the understanding that winners would have direct control and management of their mission. However, as you will read in Lunar Prospector, the contractual agreement was not honored as Binder repeatedly struggled with NASA and aerospace industries to successfully and timely complete his mission.

An important note, the Lunar Prospector mission came in at budget of $65 million, an on-budget accomplishment that has never been achieved with any NASA mission. It is estimated that if Lunar Prospector had been a NASA mission, the cost would have been closer to 10x Binder’s budget.

WHO IS THIS BOOK FOR?
Lunar Prospector, Against all Odds is a diary account by Alan Binder of all his activities, from conception to mission completion. He verbally recorded the transpired events on a very regular basis. Although there are technical discussions (not highly technical), the book can easily be read and understood by anyone. If your interests are the steps necessary for a successful spacecraft mission, then this book is for you. If your interest is in the personal interactions that can occur with NASA and the aerospace industry, then this book is for you. And, if your interest is space exploration and what it takes to design, build and test a spacecraft for a mission, then this book is for you. Finally, if you have an interest looking inside a failed organization, a failed federal governmental agency, then this is the book for you (and learn some science along the way).

This is a long book, over 1000 pages, but it is the complete story. The length might seem daunting, but the interest is kept. Find out the very petty reason NASA locked Binder out of a building. Discover the mediocrity of NASA and aerospace engineers, some barely competent. And, one NASA administrator that was a particular hindrance eventually was fired, but only to be replaced by another of similar nature. And, there are so many more “stories” that will have you shaking your head.

One goal of Dr. Binder’s in his execution of the mission was to show commercial viability. His ultimate goal was to stir the commercial section into action because commercial exploration of space and the Moon is feasible. He was a little ahead of his time, but his dream has started to come to fruition with SpaceX and others aiming for the stars.

Inside

Books by Alan Binder

6.75 x 9.75 inches
2.25 inches thick
Softcover
1100 pages
Retail: $49.95
AMAZON
ISBN 1-928771-319

A Science Fiction Story by Dr. Alan Binder
And, it is very scientifically accurate!

Moonquake
7 x 4.25 inches
Softcover
311 pages
Retail: $7.99
AMAZON
ISBN 1-928771-254

Moonquake, a SCIENCE-FICTION novel by Dr. Alan B. Binder who was the catalyst and brains behind the Lunar Prospector spacecraft mission to the Moon and the noted discoverer of water at the lunar poles. In this, his first science fiction novel, NASA has blown it again with another shuttle disaster. They are put on a short leash to establish the first lunar base. But, it is difficult for a moving behemoth to change direction. As might be expected, the moonbase does not meet the approval of everyone involved. Normally this might be okay but space is fraught with many unknowns and dangers so it is better to err on the side of robustness than “adequate.” Things get shaken up a bit and there is a race to avoid total calamity.

Sample
CHapter

Honest Opinion Review
Overall, this is a good science fiction read. It starts to really grab your attention once the crew gets to the Moon. However, most people will find the first part and “setup” of getting to the Moon a little slow and boring—this could be a turnoff to almost stop reading. I talked to the author about this. The setup is necessary and the backyard barbecue is something that really happens. To be honest, in real life, these types of events are not the most exciting. Once on the Moon, the book is diary like but it picks up and holds your interest and it is very scientifically accurate. Yes, there is a Moonquake disaster and things happen fast and the crew will need to leave the Moon. I liked the ending a lot and I think you will, too. // Ken Graun