Maker

N/A

Model

N/A

Serial Number

N/A

Dimensions

Length 500mm, Width 500mm, Height 30mm

Image

Description

This instrument is basically a map of the southern sky which was compiled from information in the "Star Almanac for Surveyor's"  in 1951, and was therefore used as a means of "astronomical navigation" using the stars as reference points. The Planisphere consists of (1) The base, (2) The Star Chart and (3) The Altitude-Azimuth Grid. The star chart is the larger of the two circular disks, as shown in the image, and is marked with a few prominent stars and constellations, and a date scale. The chart is simply made to correspond with the orientation of the night sky, and the time is given against the appropriate date.

History & comments

This instrument was prepared by direction of the Surveyor-General's Department of Crown Lands and Survey, Melbourne in 1954.

Conservation

Wooden case

Condition

Good

• This Planisphere chart is one of two in the collection (see also 0115)
• Catalogued by T. Ko
• Updated by F. Pall

Dates

Manufactured in 1954. Catalogued in 1997