Lot 369
A mahogany and brass Armillary library sphere
Auction: 24 September 2008 at 12:00 BST
Description
comprising a set of graduated rings representing circles on the celestial sphere, the meridian, equator, ecliptic horizon, tropics, and colures, the printed horizon with months and the signs of the zodiac, on an associated early 19th century stand with baluster column and inlaid splayed tripod base ending in brass paw caps and castors (adapted)
Dimensions
54cm diameter, 91cm high
Footnote
Note: Armillary spheres were used to track the path of the sun for any given day of the year. The instrument can determine a star's coordinates, and show relationships among important lines and points in the sky, such as the Celestial Equator, the Celestial Poles, the Ecliptic and the Vernal Equinox. The sphere at the centre of the armature represents the Earth.