How Accurate Are Our Star Maps? Discover the Science Behind Star Maps UAE
Unlocking the Secrets of the Sky: Why Accuracy Matters
Ever wondered if a star map can truly capture the sky as it appeared on a special night? At Star Maps UAE, we craft star maps using real astronomical data so you can treasure your most meaningful moments, from proposals and anniversaries to a child’s birth - with confidence and wonder.
Let us take you behind the scenes to show you just how accurate and meaningful your custom star map really is.
The Data Behind Every Star Map
Powered by the European Space Agency’s Hipparcos Mission
We use stellar data from the European Space Agency’s Hipparcos mission, which created one of the most precise catalogs of star positions ever recorded.
Using this catalog, Star Maps UAE calculates the exact alignment of the stars for any location and date - whether in the past, present, or future.
Explore the ESA Hipparcos mission →
How to Verify the Accuracy Yourself
You can double-check the stars on your map using these trusted astronomy tools:
- Sky & Telescope's Interactive Sky Chart
- Stellarium – free, interactive astronomy software
They allow you to explore the night sky and confirm what you see on your printed design.
How Star Maps UAE Renders the Sky
Each map is individually rendered and customized using advanced calculations that factor in:
- The Earth's daily rotation
- Its yearly orbit around the sun
- The geographic location of your special moment
- The time of day you select
We display stars down to magnitude six, which includes all stars visible to the naked eye on a clear night. What you see on your map is what was (or will be) visible in the sky above you — no guesswork.
What Affects the Look of Your Star Map?
Time Zones and Similar Skies
Two star maps from different cities can sometimes look similar. Why? Because when it's 10 PM in New York, it's only 7 PM in San Francisco. As the Earth turns, the same stars gradually pass overhead - just at different times.
To see different results for the same date, adjust the time setting in our Advanced Options while designing your star map.
Small Time Differences, Big Sky Changes
Even for the same location, changing the map’s time by just an hour or two can result in a visibly different sky. If you’re ordering multiple maps (for siblings, anniversaries, etc.), try to keep the time consistent unless you want to capture a precise moment.
A Quick Astronomy Lesson: How the Stars “Move”
The stars themselves aren’t moving in ways we can easily see - you are. Earth’s rotation and orbit make the stars appear to shift across the sky each night and throughout the year.
- At midnight, you’re looking away from the sun, out into space
- Over months, Earth’s position changes, so your view of the sky changes too
- Your location on Earth affects which stars are visible overhead
Think of the sky as a giant dome - your star map shows exactly what was visible within that dome on your special night.
Why Some Star Maps Look Identical Months Apart
It’s not uncommon for two maps to look similar even if they’re from different months. A mother once ordered star maps for her two children, born nearly three months apart — and the maps were nearly identical!
Here’s why:
- Earth’s orbit repeats a similar star view at different times of day
- A 6 AM sky in March may mirror a 4 AM sky in April
That’s the magic of orbital movement - and our maps reflect it beautifully.
A Scientific Work of Art
At Star Maps UAE, your star map is not a template or generic design. It’s:
- Rendered with real star data
- Fully customized to your chosen time and location
- Designed to reflect your most meaningful memories
- Created with accuracy and care
Even though we call them “wall art,” they’re backed by serious astronomy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you ensure accuracy?
We rely on ESA's Hipparcos star catalog and our custom-built algorithms to calculate the exact positions of stars for your chosen time and place.
Why do some maps look the same?
Due to Earth’s orbit and rotation, two different locations (or times) can show similar skies — especially if they’re nearby or within the same time window.
Why might maps for the same date look different?
It usually comes down to the time selected. A 9 PM sky is different from a midnight sky. For repeat orders, we recommend using the same exact time.
Create a Star Map That’s Truly Yours
A star map from Star Maps UAE is a one-of-a-kind keepsake. It’s a fusion of art and science, created just for your story — whether you’re celebrating love, life, or legacy.
