Celestial Star Globe

Grades 6-12

This model shows the apparent positions of the stars visible from earth. The 3D representation allows the relative angular positions of the constellations to be visualized and permits students to estimate which stars will be visible from different places on earth for any rotational position of the planet.

• Globe consists of two concentric spheres mounted on a common axle and supported on a frame with a base
• Inner sphere is 4 in. dia. and represents the earth
• The continents are marked on their correct relative positions
• Outer sphere is 12-1/2 in. dia. and has the constellations and stars marked on it. Yellow shading indicates the Milky Way
• Axle that carries both spheres allows them to be rotated independently
• An angle scale is marked on the frame that supports the axle. The angles are marked every degree and extend from 0 at the equator to 87° in both directions
• Frame is fixed to a round base so that the axle is held at an angle of 23.5° to the vertical, representing the inclination of earth's spin axis to the axis of its orbit around the sun