Terrestrial hand globe

This terrestrial globe is supported by a metal rod at the south pole, which presumably once fitted an orrery or tellurium. The sphere is made of wood, covered with plaster and 12 paper gores, which are coloured and varnished. It is marked with meridians every 15 degrees, with the prime meridian labelled "Meridian of Greenwich". The equator is graduated 180 degrees E and W and labelled "Equinoctial Line". The ecliptic is marked and graduated and provided with the symbols of the zodiac. There are labels for the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn. Geographical details on the sphere show simple outlines of the continents. In the south polar region there are lab-els for 'Enderby L.d', 'La Terre Adele' and 'South Victoria'. A total of five oceans are named. For full details about the cartography and construction of this globe please refer to the related publication.

Object Details

ID: ZBA0150
Collection: Astronomical and navigational instruments; Charts and maps
Type: Hand globe
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Malby & Co
Date made: 1842
People: Royal Greenwich Observatory
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Diameter of sphere: 40 mm
Parts: Terrestrial hand globe