Celestial globe, 1747.
© Science Museum / Science & Society Picture Library
This miniature celestial globe was made by Richard Cushee, a London globe maker. The globe can be rotated and adjusted on its bras mounting with respect to the small Moon and Sun orbs attached by curved arms. The celestial globe is a three-dimensional model of the heavens on which the stars are plotted on the outside of a sphere. Originating in the Ancient World, it was probably inspired by the discovery that the Earth was round. The globe could be used to teach and demonstrate various astronomical principles. Until recently most celestial globes were ornate with decorative figures obscuring the stars.