TitleArmillary Sphere - Planets and Solar SystemDatec 1807-1850About this objectThis armillary sphere with 3 rings is an example of a navigation instrument representing the lines of longitude, latitude and ecliptic. The centre of the sphere incude the solar system with celestial objects known at the time, including the planets Mercury, Venus, Mars, Saturn and Jupiter and Uranus, as well as the asteroids Juno and Vesta, considered as planets at the time. The revolution time of the planets around the sun is also indicated on each planet ring. The horizontal ring includes the months of the year as well as the zodiac constellations. Object No.88.63Physical descriptionThe base and the lower half of the ‘turned’ stem are composed of wood (fine grained, light colour). This has been stained and polished a dark brown colour.
Originally, the stem was attached to the base by a thread in the centre hole. Subsequent repairs have involved the use of a metal screw (55mm length) through the centre of the stem and base.
Three small holes (3mm wide) are drilled into the bottom of the base (appear recent).
The upper half of the stem is composed of a metal (copper based) axis, with bent semicircular metal bands rotating around the vertical pole. The metal is coated with a dark surface layer/paint, attached to each of the unsecured ends with 2 metal pins are flat, circular pieces of wood. The wood is covered with pieces of coloured printed paper (see later description).
At the centre of the pole is a small brass sphere. Rotating below this is a horizontal band with small paper coloured globe attached.
Radiating from the junction of the wooden and metal stem are curved wooden bands (forming a spherical framework).
The wood is covered with a printed paper layer - black ink media on white paper support. The paper surface appears to have been lacquered. Edge strips are painted a flat red colour, also covered with a lacquer layer.Inscriptions & marksMonths of the year in French (January to December) and Zodiac Constellations (Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces).DimensionsH: 430 mm Dia: 250 mmPlace madeFranceMaterialWoodBrassCopperAlloyPaperSourceLa Perouse MuseumCredit lineGift of Campagnie Générale Maritime.Acquisition date1988On displayYesTypeMuseum objectsOrganisations (Detailed entries)La Perouse Museum (La Perouse, N.S.W.)ThemesEuropean arrivalsScience and communication
Armillary Sphere - Planets and Solar System (c 1807-1850). Randwick City Council, accessed 15/01/2026, https://ourstory.randwick.nsw.gov.au/nodes/view/12314
