Celestial Globe

Qing Dynasty, 1673
Ancient Observatory, Beijing

The celestial globe is a star map that shows the constellations and Milky Way on its surface, along with a grid of lines that represent the ecliptic, equator, celestial latitude, and celestial longitude. The globe is oriented within a horizon ring, such that its axis points to celestial north (the pole star). Using this information, the location of a star or constellation, and its rising and setting times if applicable, can be determined.

The constellations on the globe are named, and the size of each star is proportional to its brightness. Detailed photographs of this and the other instruments on the roof can be found on the Chinese Observatory website.