Spacer dome

Original wooden spacer dome for armillary sphere. Inside the primary sphere, there are two movable arcs of brass connected to an axis fixed at the North ecliptic pole of the primary sphere. These arcs represent the orbs of the Sun and the Moon. The larger arc carries a disc with the symbol of the Moon. In the centre, there is a small terrestrial globe. On the terrestrial sphere, Australia and New Zealand are drawn according to the Dutch discoveries and there is a hypothetical east coast of Australia. Other details on the cartography cannot be deciphered, due to the dark colours. For further information about the cartography and construction of this armillary sphere please refer to the related publication, Globes at Greenwich.

Object Details

ID: AST0622.1
Type: Spacer dome
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Hardy, Jacques
Date made: circa 1770- 1779
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Overall: 5 mm; Diameter: 11 mm
Parts: Armillary sphere
  • Spacer dome (AST0622.1)