The Bowl Of Night Spherical Concepts Stargazer Astronomy Globe

Description

The Bowl Of Night Spherical Concepts Stargazer Astronomy Globe.
Conceived and designed by H.A. Rey, beloved children’s author of the “Curious George” series, this free-blown acrylic “Bowl of Night” model was crafted by Norman Sperling and George Lovi of Spherical Concepts, Inc (King of Prussia, PA, circa 1981). This is an early example dating to the early 1980s and includes all instructions / original paperwork and the Spherical Concepts box.
Lightweight free-blown acrylic design (just over one pound), including a clear circular “ring” stand measuring 7.5″ in diameter, and two semicircular hemispheres nested inside one another, both 14″ in diameter.
The outer section in deep blue with white print has an all-sky constellation pattern with elliptic and month/day calendar. The other section has an oblate viewing window complete with a horizon line which includes buildings and trees in black ink. When rotated, the constellations for a given season and time of night come into view through this transparent window.
To use, simply line up the date on the rim of one hemisphere to the time of night on the other, yielding the proper position of the stars relative to Earth for that time being shown in the clear window.
The clear acrylic stand allows the piece to sit stably on a surface. However, this piece can additionally be used outside by placing your head in the planisphere to gain a better understanding of the celestial sphere. Wonderful conversational piece that is both an instructional, scientific instrument and a unique decorative item.
The felt pads included lessen scuffs to the acrylic when rotated.