This Ptolemaic Armillary Sphere was crafted in 1660 in Italy by Franciscus Aldinus. Made of wrought iron, the central Earth contains outlines of each continent. Surrounding it, a freely rotating ring with the lunar crescent on an epicycle, and another with equinoctial and solstitial colures. The equator is divided every 2°, and the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, and the Arctic and Antarctic circles are present. The ecliptic band is divided 0-30° and every 2° 12 times with zodiacal symbols. The order of the signs is correct, but the degrees are backwards.
The sphere has an external equatorial axis and rotates within a meridian. The uncalibrated horizon ring is supported by 3 arms. The turned pedestal has wrought-iron scrollwork ornamentation at the top and scrolling feet with tripod brace and internal finial at the bottom.
Internal ecliptic axis. Central earth with outlines of continents. Sphere with equinoctial and solstitial colures. This Armillary Sphere (M-8) consists of multiple parts, some located on 25/2.
Inscription/Sig.
"FRAN. ALDINVS FECIT ANNO 1660" on underside of horizon circle.
