AstroMedia Table Planetarium

For centuries, until the invention of the telescope, astronomers used the armillary sphere: the classical instrument to observe and calculate the position of celestial bodies. In the center of such an armillary sphere is the earth and with it the imaginary observer. Movable concentric rings illustrate the meridian (celestial equator), the ecliptic (solar orbit) and the horizon, their graduation enables the assignment in an astronomical coordinate system. The geocentric world view has been disproved in the meantime, but as always an armillary sphere demonstrates very clearly the position and movement of the heavenly bodies - even today armillary spheres are used in astronomical teaching for demonstration purposes.

It takes only a few hours of time and the usual patience of a hobbyist until you have a functional instrument with the table planetarium, constructed on the model of the classic armillary sphere. The ecliptic - equipped with a date and degree scale - takes into account all annual positions of the sun and also maps the areas of the zodiac constellations and signs; the meridian can be adjusted to all degrees of latitude. The hour ring allows you to read the true local time as well as the lengths of the day and night and the twilight hours. Viewed at any time from any place on Earth, you can use it to trace the position and movement of the sun and planets of our solar system as well as the (fixed) stars above and below the horizon, and demonstrate, among other things, the formation of the seasons and solar and lunar eclipses.

It's best to have crayons or opaque paint ready to paint the sun and planetary spheres before you start assembling. You will also need all-purpose glue, a craft knife and some fine sandpaper. The tabletop planetarium comes with easy-to-understand assembly instructions, which also explain in detail how to adjust and use the armillary sphere.