Celestial table globe

Celestial table globe. It forms a pair with the anonymous terrestrial globe, GLB0127. Astronomical details on the sphere include stars that are inaccurately located. There is no magnitude table but the stars are marked by four different symbols. The Milky Way is labelled, and a total of 16 stars and two star groups are named. The 48 Ptolemaic constellations are drawn, but some are spelt incorrectly and not all of them are labelled. There are three noteworthy aspects in respect of the style of the constellations, including, for example, Hercules shown fighting with a complete lion.

The features of the mapping of the globe show that it was copied from the edition of the celestial map by Peter Apian. The numerous errors indicate a maker who was not familiar with celestial mapping. The terrestrial globe is based on a map or globe from about 1725. The lettering of the two spheres is completely different but the stands are by the same maker. Such inconsistencies suggest a probable date of production of the 19th century. For full details about the cartography and construction of this globe please refer to the related publication.

Object Details

ID: GLB0128
Collection: Astronomical and navigational instruments; Charts and maps
Type: Table globe
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Unknown
Date made: 19th century
People: Apian, Peter
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Caird Collection
Measurements: Overall: 245 x 225 mm; Diameter of sphere: 150 mm