Armillary sphere

Armillary sphere. The primary sphere consists of eight brass rings, two of which are fixed perpendicularly to each other and represent the colures. The colures are labelled and there are graduated scales at the rim of the rings; the numbers are located at the side. Five parallel brass rings are fixed perpendicularly to the colures and represent the polar circles, the tropics, and the equator. Both polar circles are labelled twice. The equator is labelled twice underneath the ring, it is graduatred and in the first, second, and last quadrant the numbers are reversed. Finally, a zodiacal band is connected to the colures. It is graduated and shows the pictures of the signs of the zodiac. In the centre of the primary sphere, there is a gilt terrestrial globe, mounted on the polar axis. The globe is almost identical to that in Caspar Vopel's armillary sphere of 1543 (see Vopel AST0616). The globe shows a fantastical random distribution of lands and seas, with 'SPAGNA' and 'FRANCIA' at the North Pole and 'SIBERIA' and 'NORVEGIA' at the South Pole. For further information about the cartography and construction of this armillary sphere please refer to the related publication, Globes at Greenwich.

Object Details

ID: AST0617.1
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: 180 mm
Parts: Armillary sphere