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Finely colored example of an Armillary Sphere, with accompanying models and symbols.
This mid-19th century print depicts an intricately detailed armillary sphere, a scientific instrument used since ancient times to model the celestial sphere. The sphere is beautifully illustrated, showing various astronomical circles such as the equator, ecliptic, and horizon lines. Each ring is meticulously labeled with annotations for degrees and celestial coordinates, enhancing the sphere's utility as an educational tool.
The central part of the armillary sphere features a terrestrial globe, positioned at the intersection of the celestial rings. This globe is aligned with the Earth’s axis, tilted in relation to the ecliptic plane, mirroring the actual orientation of the Earth relative to the Sun.
Below the sphere, the print includes additional diagrams explaining the fundamental celestial and terrestrial coordinate systems. These diagrams depict the poles, zenith, nadir, and the divisions of the Earth into zones by the equator and meridians, further providing a comprehensive understanding of geographic and astronomical concepts.
Also featured are symbols of the zodiac signs along the bottom of the print, each denoted by both its symbol and its Latin name, such as "♈ Aries" (the Ram), "♉ Taurus" (the Bull), and so forth. This inclusion connects the practical use of the armillary sphere in tracking the sun's apparent path through the zodiac throughout the year.
![[ Phases of the Moon ] Phasis Lunae Adultae, observata Viennae Anno MDCXCVI Die 6 Nove intra 5 et 6 p [and] Phasis Lunae ad Oppositionem vergentis, observata Segedini Anno MDCXVI die 12 Iulii, hor 10 pomer.](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/95539.jpg)
![Planisphere pour Servir a L'Explication de L'Apocalypse [No. 20]](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/81787.jpg)
![[ Cygnus ]](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/83197.jpg)
![[Bootes]](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/83178.jpg)