Known as ‘Selenographia’, the globe shows the nearside of the Moon visible from Earth. It has a mechanical mounting which demonstrates lunar libration, and which also features a miniature terrestrial globe.
The mechanism was designed to demonstrate lunar libration, the slight wobble of the Moon as it rotates. The globe was based on Russell’s accurate measurement and observation of the Moon made using a micrometer and telescope.
Financed through private subscription only small numbers were ever produced. Even fewer were mounted on the intricate mechanical stand. Russell produced an explanatory pamphlet to accompany the Selenographia apparatus; the copy acquired with this instrument is in the Science Museum’s Library collections.
Location: The Science Museum, London, England
Date: 1796
Medium: Paper and brass
Dimensions: 19.9 x 16.5 inches
You can find more information on The Science Museum website here.
