German armillary sphere, 1542

Made:
1542 in Cologne
maker:
Caspar Vopel
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Armillary sphere brass with wood globe on brass stand
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum, London

Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum, London

Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Armillary sphere brass with wood globe on brass stand, diameter of base 2 1/2 ins, outside diameter of meridian 4 1/2 ins, by Caspar Vopel of Cologne, German dated 1542

Made in 1542 by Caspar Vopel of Cologne, Germany, this brass armillary sphere encloses an early example of a terrestrial globe. A broad band, finely engraved with the star patterns of the Zodiac encircles the instrument. The armillary sphere is a demonstration device to explain the movements of the Sun, Moon, stars and planets across the sky. Its interlocking rings can be used to teach astronomical principles in same manner as a celestial globe or act as a model the universe. Based on the premise of an Earth centred universe, the armillary sphere was modified in the seventeenth century to teach the theory that the Earth orbits the Sun.

Details

Category:
Astronomy
Object Number:
1880-48
Materials:
brass and wood
type:
armillary sphere
credit:
Fulgence, Mons. (Paris)