celestial planisphere with precession, 30°N, prototype
Date1998
Inventory Number1998-1-1674
ClassificationPlanisphere
Subject
Inventor
Milton D. Heifetz
born 1921
Maker
Learning Technologies Inc.
fl. 1997 - 2007
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensions26.9 × 25.5 × 0.1 cm (10 9/16 × 10 1/16 × 1/16 in.)
box: 4 × 37.8 × 30 cm (1 9/16 × 14 7/8 × 11 13/16 in.)
box: 4 × 37.8 × 30 cm (1 9/16 × 14 7/8 × 11 13/16 in.)
Material
DescriptionThis prototype consists of a celestial planisphere made from white paper adhered to two sides of stiff plastic. On top of this are 2 clear plastic volvelles.
The celestial map (on the base) shows constellations, principal celestial circles, and stars of different magnitudes. The limb of the base is marked with years from 12,750 BCE - 1- 12,750 CE.
The volvelle on top of the map is mounted concentrically and is marked with the equatorial circle, lines indicating the equinoxes. The limb has the civil calendar and lines of precession.
The volvelle above this is smaller than the one underneath. It is mounted eccentrically to the lower one. It has the projection of the horizon and meridian line with declinations. Around the limb are hours.
The reverse side of the planisphere is printed with instructions for its use. It has acknowlegements thanking Owen Gingerich and John Mosely. It is inscribed by the inventor and maker, Milton D. Heifetz, "To Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments, 12/8/98."
The celestial map (on the base) shows constellations, principal celestial circles, and stars of different magnitudes. The limb of the base is marked with years from 12,750 BCE - 1- 12,750 CE.
The volvelle on top of the map is mounted concentrically and is marked with the equatorial circle, lines indicating the equinoxes. The limb has the civil calendar and lines of precession.
The volvelle above this is smaller than the one underneath. It is mounted eccentrically to the lower one. It has the projection of the horizon and meridian line with declinations. Around the limb are hours.
The reverse side of the planisphere is printed with instructions for its use. It has acknowlegements thanking Owen Gingerich and John Mosely. It is inscribed by the inventor and maker, Milton D. Heifetz, "To Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments, 12/8/98."
Signedprinted on base on front: PRECESSION OF THE EQUINOXES / HISTORICAL PLANISPHERE© / By / Milton D. Heifetz / 30° N Latitude
Inscribedon yellow sticky square on front: PROTOTYPE / MISTAKES / M. Heifetz
printed on the reverse: PRECESSION OF THE EQUINOXES© / MILTON D. HEIFETZ
inscribed in pen on reverse: To Collection of Historical / Scientific Instruments / 12/8/98 Milton D. / Heifetz
Inscribed in ink on reverse: PRINTED BY DATALIZER SLIDE CHARTS / ADDISON ILL.
inscribed in ink on reverse: Prototype--developed / 6/98 -- Final / made / Nov/98
Curatorial RemarksStored in box with other Heifetz planispheres.
FunctionFor veiwing the phenomena of the precession of the equinoxes. Also for use as a regular planespheric star-finder. Allows veiwer to see the locations of major constellations visible from 30° north latitude for any time in a period of 25,500 years.
ProvenanceMilton D. Heifetz; gift of the author/maker in 1998.
Historical AttributesPrototype with mistakes (Autumnal and Vernal Equinoxes are reversed). CHSI has final corrected version, 1998-1-1675. Donated to CHSI by Milton D. Heifetz on 12/16/98.
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Date: 1999
Object number: 2000-1-0023
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Date: 1999
Object number: 2000-1-0043
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Date: 1993
Object number: 2000-1-0022
Leon Barritt
Date: 1906
Accessories: 1937 booklet in file
Object number: DW0650
Anthoine Mestrel
Date: 1551
Accessories: old velvet pouch
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