Star Spangled Globes p. 4

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Whitall Planisphere

Q: When I am in Maine, I have used a planisphere to determine what stars are viewable. Is this antique one the same thing?

A: Yes. The constellations come into view at different times of the year, and depending on where you are on earth. This American 19th Century planisphere shows the constellations on a revolving disc, and is designed so that by setting the revolving dial for month, day, and time at night, you know what stars are visible in the Northeast United States. This particular one, designed by Henry Whitall of Philadelphia in the 1870s, is calibrated for the latitude of Philadelphia and New York. If you were at a different latitude, you would need a different planisphere.

Dudley Adams Celestial Globe, made in 1798

Q: How long ago was the first celestial globe made? Do you have any early ones here?

A: Well celestial globes are thought to go back to the time of ancient Greece and Rome, though they only survive in images in sculptures and in frescoes. Here is the earliest one I have, an English globe by Dudley Adams, made in 1798. You can see here again, the beautiful Baroque representations of the stars and constellations as interpreted in classical mythology.