Islamic globe

Islamic globe. Astronomical details on the sphere include stars but no constellations. A total of 19 stars are labelled. The ecliptic longitudes of a number of stars have been determined. By comparing these values for the longitudes with the Ptolemaic catalogue for AD 137, and using the Arabic rate for precession, the epoch for the stars on the globe has been determined as is 1761, with an uncertainty of 22 years. For full details about the cartography and construction of this globe please refer to the related publication.

Object Details

ID: GLB0006
Collection: Astronomical and navigational instruments; Charts and maps
Type: Islamic globe
Display location: Display - ROG
Creator: Unknown
Date made: circa 1761
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Caird Collection
Measurements: Overall: 95 x 72 mm; Diameter of sphere: 50 mm