The night sky has long held a fascination for mankind, and has been used for navigation throughout the ages. It hasn't always been considered in the same way though. Originally it was thought that it was the Earth which was at the centre of the Universe. The Polish Astronomer Copernicus disputed that in the 16th Century. Various models have been made to represent the transit of the planets in relation not only to the Sun, but to each other. The name for one of these models is an orrery.
If you look at the night sky, you will observe that most stars stay in position relative to their neighbours. In ancient times it was noted that some objects in the night sky didn't follow the same pattern. These were named as wandering stars by the ancient Greek philosophers. The Romans also held these nomadic stars in high regard, and named them after important Gods.
As more people became interested in the movement of these heavenly bodies, it started to become more of a science. The theories from ancient times explaining how the solar system orbited the Earth were so convincing that they were held to be true. It must have taken a huge amount of courage to challenge that long held theory.
Today everyone agrees that the Sun is at the centre of the solar system. It is this bright star that all of the planets orbit round. Once people understood this idea they began to wonder how to demonstrate such a theory.
The first problem that was faced was the scales involved. These planets were different sizes and obviously different distances away from the Sun. To help to overcome this different size gears were incorporated. Early models were operated by a hand crank.
The next power source was clockwork, and this seemed to work very well. The main figures responsible for this advancement were a pair of clock makers from London. Graham and Tampion designed the first complete solar system model, as it was known to be at the time.
From these two clock makers the design was sent to John Rowley. He was a highly skilled instrument maker. It just so happened that the gentry were getting involved with Astronomy at that time, as it was deemed appropriate. Rowley was commissioned to create a working model following the designs given to him. This first working model was presented to Prince Eugene of Savoy. A further model was also to be created for Rowley's patron, a Charles Boyle.
Since their creation these devices have been invaluable teaching aids. The earliest versions could use a lit candle in the Sun's position. This enabled people to actually see how sunlight affected the various planets, and how things like lunar and solar eclipses occurred.
Even today these devices are used in education, and the children are often encouraged to make their own devices. There are still some professional manufacturers, and the power source has progressed from clockwork to electricity. Many people wonder why these devices have such an odd name. The answer can be found with Charles Boyle, he was also the 4th Earl of Orrery, hence the name.
If you look at the night sky, you will observe that most stars stay in position relative to their neighbours. In ancient times it was noted that some objects in the night sky didn't follow the same pattern. These were named as wandering stars by the ancient Greek philosophers. The Romans also held these nomadic stars in high regard, and named them after important Gods.
As more people became interested in the movement of these heavenly bodies, it started to become more of a science. The theories from ancient times explaining how the solar system orbited the Earth were so convincing that they were held to be true. It must have taken a huge amount of courage to challenge that long held theory.
Today everyone agrees that the Sun is at the centre of the solar system. It is this bright star that all of the planets orbit round. Once people understood this idea they began to wonder how to demonstrate such a theory.
The first problem that was faced was the scales involved. These planets were different sizes and obviously different distances away from the Sun. To help to overcome this different size gears were incorporated. Early models were operated by a hand crank.
The next power source was clockwork, and this seemed to work very well. The main figures responsible for this advancement were a pair of clock makers from London. Graham and Tampion designed the first complete solar system model, as it was known to be at the time.
From these two clock makers the design was sent to John Rowley. He was a highly skilled instrument maker. It just so happened that the gentry were getting involved with Astronomy at that time, as it was deemed appropriate. Rowley was commissioned to create a working model following the designs given to him. This first working model was presented to Prince Eugene of Savoy. A further model was also to be created for Rowley's patron, a Charles Boyle.
Since their creation these devices have been invaluable teaching aids. The earliest versions could use a lit candle in the Sun's position. This enabled people to actually see how sunlight affected the various planets, and how things like lunar and solar eclipses occurred.
Even today these devices are used in education, and the children are often encouraged to make their own devices. There are still some professional manufacturers, and the power source has progressed from clockwork to electricity. Many people wonder why these devices have such an odd name. The answer can be found with Charles Boyle, he was also the 4th Earl of Orrery, hence the name.
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