Vorstellung Einer Gegend Des Gestirnten Himmels ... December
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An attractive star chart, one of twelve monthly maps, each extending from the German horizon to about 45 degrees altitude. This particular example looks from northwest to northeast. The map shows many of the important constellations as well as naming some of the brightest stars on the chart. The Great Bear and Little Bear (Ursa Major and Ursa Minor) are most prominent, clearly showing 'The Big Dipper' or 'The Plough' at the large bear's tail. At the end of Ursa Minor's tail, and at top centre of the map, is the very important 'Polaris' - the North or Pole Star. The reason Polaris is so important is because it is almost directly over the North Pole which means it can be used like a compass. For years, sailors relied on the Pole Star for navigating at sea, with the help of instruments like quadrants and astrolabes. Johann Elert Bode was a self taught astronomer whose texts and atlases on the subject were, and remain, hugely influential.
region: Celestials / Star Charts
mapmaker:
J. E. Bode
place and date of publication:
Berlin 1801
medium and colour:
copperplate, Coloured
ref:
41797
size in mm: 155 by 195mm (6 by 7.75 inches). literature: cf.Warner, The Sky Explored, p.34. Price: £ 100 |
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