Armillary sphere
Armillary sphere. Inside the primary sphere, there are two movable brass rings connected to two short axes fixed at the North and South ecliptic poles of the primary sphere. These rings represent the orbs of the Sun and Moon. The larger ring carries the symbol of the Sun, the smaller one that of the Moon. In the centre, there is a small brass sphere representing the Earth. This armillary sphere appears to be composed of several elements which were not manufactured as parts of the same instrument. The various parts do not fit well together and the mounting of the zodiacal band is wrong. An investigation of the lettering shows that the numbers of the equator are engraved, while those on the other parts are punched. The punched numbers of the horizon ring have been identified as type 'NI' of the workshop of the Italian instrument maker, Giovan Battista Giusti (1556-circa 1575). For further information about the cartography and construction of this armillary sphere please refer to the related publication, Globes at Greenwich.
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Object Details
ID: | AST0626.1 |
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Type: | Armillary sphere |
Display location: | Not on display |
Creator: | Unknown |
Date made: | Unknown |
Credit: | National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Caird Collection |
Measurements: | Diameter: 180 mm;Overall: 190 mm |
Parts: | Armillary sphere |
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