Orrery

Description:

An orrery is a mechanical model of the solar system. The name derives from Charles Boyle, the fourth Earl of Orrery, for whom John Rowley in London made a model of the earth and moon orbiting the sun around 1713.

This elegant example shows the Sun and eight planets. It was thus made after the discovery of Neptune in 1846 and, was probably made before the discovery of Pluto in 1930.

Location: Currently on loan

Subject: AstronomyEducation

Subject:

See more items in: Medicine and Science: Physical Sciences, Science & Mathematics, Artifact Walls exhibit

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Credit Line: Gift of Vassar College

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: 1980.0318.04Accession Number: 1980.0318Catalog Number: 1980.0318.04

Object Name: Orrery

Physical Description: brass, nickel-plated (overall material)wood (overall material)iron (overall material)Measurements: overall: 65 cm x 64 cm x 28 cm; 25 9/16 in x 25 3/16 in x 11 inoverall: 25 1/8 in x 28 1/4 in x 10 13/16 in; 63.8175 cm x 71.755 cm x 27.46375 cm

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746aa-4e08-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_1187609

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