Newton
Orrery planetary model by Newton & Co., 1851-1856
Dated to the middle of the nineteenth century this planetary model was made by the London instrument makers Newton and Company. Called an orrery or planetarium, it is a demonstration model to show the motions of the Earth, Moon and planets around the Sun. Such devices became popular during seventeenth century especially after Sir Isaac Newton published his universal theory of gravity. To reproduce the motions of the solar system this model employs a hand crank to drive gear wheels. Models of this sort were commonly employed in schools or colleges to teach astronomical principles.
from: http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objects/astronomy/1869-48.aspx?keywords=planetary
Year made :1851-1856
This planetary model was made by the London instrument makers Newton and Company. Called an orrery or planetarium, it is a demonstration model to show the motions of the Earth, Moon and planets around the Sun. This example has a wooden base with paper calendar scales and eight planets (Mercury to Neptune - the ninth, Pluto, was not discovered until 1930) on long rod-arms.
Picture Reference: 10196360
Subject: NATURAL WORLD > Astronomy > Solar System, Models, Orreries"
Inventory No.: 1869-0048
Credit: Science Museum
Picture Reference: 10196360
Subject: NATURAL WORLD > Astronomy > Solar System, Models, Orreries"
Inventory No.: 1869-0048
Credit: Science Museum