Planisphere

Planisphere. The projection is geocentric and equidistant from the North Pole to South 50°. Only the principle stars, connected by lines, are included. On the back, there is a magnitude table which is labelled. The Milky Way is is also labelled. A total of 21 stars and two star groups are named. Ptolemaic constellations above declination South 50° and two of the non-Ptolemaic constellations are drawn. Six of Hevelius are drawn as well as two of Lacaille.

The planisphere consists of a quadrangular cardboard base-plate and a circular disc with a celestial map, which can revolve around the North Pole in the centre. On top of the map is a horizon disc of cardboard covered with leather. The horizon disc has an oval cutaway, exposing the visible part of the sky at latitude S 35° - that of London - for which this planisphere is constructed. In the four decorated corners of the horizon disc there are apertures for reading the scales. These corners are fixed to those of the quadrangular base-plate, thus keeping the parts together. On the back of the base-plate, there is an 'EXPLANATION' with an instruction for use. For further information about this planisphere please refer to the related publication, Globes at Greenwich.

Object Details

ID: AST0589
Collection: Astronomical and navigational instruments
Type: Planisphere
Display location: Not on display
Creator: George Philip & Son Ltd
Date made: circa 1940
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Diameter: 260 mm
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