Vorstellung Einer Gegend Des Gestirnten Himmels ... October
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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 southeast to southwest. The map shows many of the important constellations as well as naming some of the brightest stars on the chart. Central to the map is 'Wassermann' (Aquarius) constellation, as is the case with all of the zodiac constellations, Aquarius was recorded in the second century by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy. Its name means "cup bearer" or "water bearer" in Latin. To the right of the map is 'Antinous', a constellation no longer in use - The origins of this obsolete constellation date back to the year 132 and the Emperor Hadrian. He had this constellation placed in the sky to honour a favourite youth of his court, who according to myth sacrificed himself in order to prolong the life of the emperor. Later astronomers recognised this constellation as the youth Ganymede, who the Greek god Zeus had brought to Olympus by his eagle Aquila, in order to serve as cup-bearer to the gods. The stars of this constellation have since been given to the constellation of Aquila. Also prominent is Pegasus in the top left, with the star Markab at it's centre. Pegasus was the winged horse believed to have magical powers and is also one of the largest constellations in the sky. 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:
41799
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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