#celestial maps

Happy Winter Solstice! This map shows winter constellations visible in Great Britain. Here are some of the featured constellations along with their affiliations to Greek mythology:

Cetus the whale (Cetus is a sea monster killed by Perseus)

Andromeda, who is in chains (she is chained to a rock to be eaten by Cetus, but she is saved by Perseus, her future husband)

Perseus, holding Medusa’s head (he is the son of Zeus and Danaë, the slayer of Medusa and Cetus, and the husband of Andromeda)

Auriga, holding a goat (he is often a charioteer)

Orion the hunter, holding a lion skin (he is the son of Neptune and is placed in the stars by Diana after she accidentally kills him)

Image from:

James Middleton's A celestial atlas containing maps of all the constellations visible in Great Britain... London: Whittaker and Co. ; Norwich: Jarrold and Sons, 1846?

Call Number: QB65 .M46 1846

Philippe de La Hire – Scientist of the Day

Philippe de La Hire, a French astronomer and mathematician, was born Mar. 18, 1640.

We’re studying up on our star charts at the RBML after winter break! This star atlas was published by Johann Bayer in 1603. Bayer created a new system for cataloging stars known as Bayer designation. He used Greek and Roman letters paired with the genitive form of the name of the constellation they are found in. This atlas features 12 new constellations that match stars in the southern parts of the sky, as well as detailed illustrations for many other constellations (though, as you can see from "Triangulum,” some constellations are a little more detailed than others).

In his work, Polymetis, Joseph Spence contemplates Classical Roman understanding of the natural and supernatural world. As he discusses their use of globes, he includes this 18th-century celestial sphere which shows the twelve zodiac signs as they appear in the night sky.

The maps are included in a science textbook for young ladies. Written in 1799, the author uses a mixture of science and religion to teach virtuous young minds.

Images from:

Murry, Ann. The sequel to Mentoria, or, The young ladies instructor... London: Printed for C. Dilly, 1799.

Call Number: AG104 .M98 1799