Planisphere With Constellations
by Royal Astronomical Society/science Photo Library
Title
Planisphere With Constellations
Artist
Royal Astronomical Society/science Photo Library
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
Planisphere with constellations. This planisphere is from the astronomical atlas Astronomicum Caesareum (1540) by the German printer Petrus Apianus (1495-1552). This atlas was notable for its highly intricate wheel charts (volvelles), of which this planisphere is an example. A volvelle involves several layers of paper placed over each other, which are then rotated to produce the desired result. In this case, to show the appearance of the night sky for a given latitude, time and date. The constellations are represented by artworks of the mythical people and creatures for whom they are named. This view is centred on the Northern Celestial Pole, but extends into the southern hemisphere as well.
Uploaded
September 16th, 2018
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