L2009-4053Lord EgremontSpots on the Sun1610 (8 December)London106016Harriot, Thomasmaker36456Syon House, Hounslow, Greater London, England, United Kingdom, Europe, WorldmadeThomas Harriot’s sunspot drawingswww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/L2009-405336456Syon HousemadeThe top drawing on this page records Thomas Harriot’s first view of sunspots. He was one of several astronomers to independently discover them around the same time. Harriot risked blindness by using his telescope to view the Sun directly with only mist to shield its fierce glare. We now know that these dark spots moving across the Sun’s face are caused by strong magnetic fields that keep some areas slightly cooler than their surroundings.1923-668PurchasedGalileo's spyglassScience Museum London11722/hommedia.ashx?id=11722&size=MediumOriginal c. 1610FlorenceLunaMoonIoJupiterEuropa98213Galilei, Galileouser98213Galilei, Galileomaker (original)98213Galilei, GalileoSAC3400Ciprianimaker (replica)2455Florence, Firenze, Tuscany, Italy, Europe, Worldmade (original & replica)overallcardlensglassoverallleatheroverall: 970 mm 60 mm, 0.345kgoverall4imaginary flash filehttp://10.100.0.24:81/richmedia/flash/cosmosandculture/Flashs/m102Galilean.swfhowTelescope by Galileo (replica)www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/1923-668This is a replica of one of only two surviving telescopes made by Galileo. He made his first telescope after hearing descriptions of a new device that had begun circulating around Europe in late 1608. He refined the design into a powerful tool for astronomy. The ornate decoration on the wood and leather tube suggests that Galileo made this telescope for demonstration to his patron Cosimo de Medici, rather than for regular use.E2009.44.2Science Museum Library (O.B. GAL GALILEI)The starry messengerScience Museum, London11730/hommedia.ashx?id=11730&size=Medium1610VeniceJupiter IVCallistoGanymedeEuropaJupiterIoLunaMoon98213Galilei, Galileomaker107006Thomas Baglionipublisher107006Thomas Baglioniprinter2099Venice, Venezia, Veneto, Italy, Europe, Worldmade2099Venice, Venezia, Veneto, Italy, Europe, Worldused2689Padua, Padova, Veneto, Italy, Europe, WorldusedSidereus nunciuswww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/E2009.44.22099VenicemadeIn this book Galileo reported the astronomical capabilities of his new spyglass. His drawings of the pitted lunar surface and Jupiter’s moons provided evidence to support theories of a Sun-centred Solar System. Sidereus nuncius could also be considered Galileo’s job application for a position at court in Florence. He called his newly discovered satellites of Jupiter ‘Medicean stars’ to impress the Grand Duke Cosimo II de Medici.1924-209PurchasedNewton does it with mirrorsScience Museum London11727/hommedia.ashx?id=11727&size=MediumOriginal 1668-71Cambridge9544Agate, F.L.maker (replica)73718Newton, Sir Isaacmaker (original)73718Newton, Sir Isaacuser201England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldmade (replica)792London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldused1753Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldmade (original)160mm x 275 mm x 295mm ( Weighs 1.5Kg)overall6imaginary flash filehttp://10.100.0.24:81/richmedia/flash/cosmosandculture/Flashs/m104Newtonian.swfhowIsaac Newton’s reflecting telescope (replica)www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/1924-209This is a replica of the first successful reflecting telescope, built by Isaac Newton. It used mirrors instead of lenses to focus light, giving a better performance for a smaller instrument. The circular mark near the front of the telescope tube shows that Newton tried out where the eyepiece would go, but filled in his first attempt and made a new one.E2009.124.1Science MuseumThe world's biggest telescope?European Southern Observatory11841/hommedia.ashx?id=11841&size=Medium2009Science Museum48497Science Museummaker48497Science Museumuser792London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldmade792London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom, Europe, WorldusedRepresentation of E-ELT mirror segmentwww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/E2009.124.1792LondonmadeThe world’s largest optical telescope, the European Extremely Large Telescope, is due to begin operations in 2018. It will consist of 984 hexagonal segments of this size, fitted together to make a mirror 42 metres across – around the length of five London buses. A telescope this big could examine the oldest stars and galaxies, and search for Earth-like planets that might harbour life.1937-615PurchasedTycho Brahe's star castleScience Museum London11725/hommedia.ashx?id=11725&size=Medium1634Amsterdam18326Brahe, Tychoassociation8925Blaeu, JohannesSAC8925Blaeu, Johannesmaker1266Hven, Scania, Sweden, Europe, Worldassociation1733Amsterdam, North Holland province, Netherlands, Europe, Worldmadeoverallcolour wash, gilded details, on paperoverall: (he.) 470 mm x 575 mmoverallStjerneborg Observatorywww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/1937-6151733AmsterdammadeNobleman Tycho Brahe was one of the foremost astronomers of the pre-telescopic age. His underground observatory on the Danish island of Hvaena was shielded from the wind, allowing him and his assistants to measure the stars accurately using a variety of instruments. Tycho called the observatory Stjerneborg, or ‘star castle’. Data from his observations were later used to develop the laws of planetary motion that supported Copernicus’s theory of a Sun-centred universe.1981-1380PurchasedA vital toolScience Museum London11845/hommedia.ashx?id=11845&size=Medium901-1100Syria8541Unknown makermaker40Middle East, Worldused167Syria, Asia, Worldmadebrassoverall: 160 mm x 10 mm, 120 mm, 2kg (Est.)overallIslamic astrolabe (shown in parts)www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/1981-1380167SyriamadeKnowing the time for prayer and locating the direction of the holy city of Mecca is a key part of Islam. Medieval Islamic scholars developed the original Ancient Greek design for an astrolabe to create a highly sophisticated instrument. Many 11th-century mosques employed their own muwaqqit or astronomer-timekeeper who was responsible for using an astrolabe like this one to determine the essential prayer times and directions.1878-11PurchasedStar catcherScience Museum London11844/hommedia.ashx?id=11844&size=Medium1607-18Antwerp, BelgiumLyraCor LeonisAlpha LeonisRegulusAquila9585Arsenius, Ferdinandmaker2172Antwerp, Antwerpen, Flanders, Belgium, Europe, Worldmadeoverallbrasscompassglasscompassironoverall: 475 mm x 340 mm x 55 mm,overallEuropean astrolabewww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/1878-112172AntwerpmadeThe astrolabe was the main astronomical instrument before the telescope. It could be used to tell the time, determine star positions at particular latitudes and predict future astronomical events. Each curly pointer corresponds to a bright star. On this astrolabe you can see a tulip shape in the framework – the signature style of the renowned Arsenius family workshop in Flanders.1987-1162PurchasedAnalysing lightScience Museum London11787/hommedia.ashx?id=11787&size=Medium1868LondonSolSun23415Norman Lockyer Observatoryassociation99186Lockyer, Sir Normanuser1740Browning, JohnSAC1740Browning, Johnmaker26961Solar Physics Observatory, South Kensingtonassociation201England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldmade792London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldused (SPO.SK)1819Sidmouth, Devon, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldused (NLO)overallbrassoverallsteelopticsglassoverall: 120 mm x 350 mm x 280 mm, 3kg (Est.)overallNorman Lockyer’s seven-prism spectroscopewww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/1987-1162201EnglandmadeThis seven-prism spectroscope was designed to bend light into its different colours, allowing Norman Lockyer to identify different elements in stars. When observing the Sun he noticed the signature of a mystery element unknown on Earth. He named it ‘helium’ after the Greek word for Sun, helios. This element was only found on Earth decades later.L2009-4033Rutherford Appleton LaboratorySeeing through cosmic dustScience Museum, London11733/hommedia.ashx?id=11733&size=Medium1990s Rutherford Appleton Laboratory23821Rutherford Appleton Laboratorymade (assembled)23821Rutherford Appleton Laboratoryuser1352Chilton, Oxfordshire, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldused1352Chilton, Oxfordshire, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldmade (assembled)overall: 255 mm x 385 mm x 260 mm,overallLong-wavelength spectrometer from the Infrared Space Observatory (identical spare model)www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/L2009-4033Cosmic dust between the stars blocks out visible light, but it can be penetrated by infrared. Scientists study the infrared radiation emitted by gas molecules to find out more about cooler areas of space where stars have yet to form, or have died. This instrument is identical to one flown on the Infrared Space Observatory, launched in 1995. This satellite revealed the presence of water in many parts of our galaxy.2007-1PurchasedJapanese star mapScience Museum, London11776/hommedia.ashx?id=11776&size=Medium1677Japan97054Shibukawa, Harumimaker87Japan, Asia, Worldmade87Japan, Asia, Worldusedoverall (print alone): 1050 mm x 550 mm; overall (with mount & hanger): 1820 mm x 800 mmoverall (with mount & hanger)overall (print alone): 1050 mm x 550 mm; overall (with mount & hanger): 1820 mm x 800 mmoverall (print alone)Tenmon Bun’ya no zu (map showing divisions of the heavens and regions they govern)www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/2007-187JapanmadeThis star map was made by Harumi Shibukawa, official astronomer to the Japanese Edo court. He was one of the first people to use a telescope in Japan after the instrument was introduced by European traders. The map combines Shibukawa’s systematic observations with concepts from Chinese astrology, so that the stars could be used to predict events in different regions of Japan.1930-682Science MuseumSorting galaxiesScience Museum, London11772/hommedia.ashx?id=11772&size=Medium1930London21077Hubble, Edwin Powellassociation details6978Mount Wilson Observatoryphotographer48497Science Museumpreparer21078Jeans, Sir James Hopwoodsupplier792London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldused792London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldmade (copy)1194Mount Wilson, Los Angeles county, California, United States, North and Central America, Worldphotographs takenoverallglassoverall: (he.) 385 mm x 310 mm x 5 mm,overallGlass positive of Hubble’s classification of ‘nebulae’www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/1930-682The famous astronomer Edwin Hubble showed that ‘spiral nebulae’ were actually galaxies of stars beyond our own galaxy, the Milky Way. He devised a system of galaxy classification that is still widely used today. These galaxy images were taken at the Mount Wilson Observatory in California and show some of the different types of spiral galaxy.1986-850European Space AgencyStar-mapping spacecraftScience Museum, London11728/hommedia.ashx?id=11728&size=Mediumc. 1985Netherlands118European Space Agencymaker (model & original)135France, Europe, Worldmade (original)136Netherlands, Europe, Worldmade (model)overallwood (unidentified)overallplastic (unidentified)overallmetal (unknown)overall: 400 mm x 750 mm x 610 mmoverallScale model (1:6) of the Hipparcos (High Precision Parallax Collecting Satellite) astrometry spacecraftwww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/1986-850Hipparcos was the first space mission designed to map stars. It measured the positions, distances and motion of over 2½ million stars to new degrees of precision. The satellite’s name acknowledges the Greek astronomer Hipparchus, who systematically mapped over a thousand stars with the naked eye around 150 BC. In 2010 a new mission called Gaia will launch, aiming to map over a billion stars.E2008.173.1Astrophysical Research ConsortiumMapping the cosmosScience Museum, London11783/hommedia.ashx?id=11783&size=Mediumc. 2000University of Washington, USA107000University of Washingtonmaker107429Apache Point Observatoryuser2539Seattle, King county, Washington, United States, North and Central America, WorldmadeAluminium spectroscopic plate from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS)www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/E2008.173.12539SeattlemadeThe Sloan Digital Sky Survey is the largest astronomical survey ever completed. Between 2000 and 2008 it created a 3D map of over a million stars and galaxies, covering a quarter of the night sky. This plate is one of about 4000 custom-built to fit the telescope. Each plate carries a unique pattern of 640 holes, used to select hundreds of stars and galaxies for each exposure. The circled guide stars marked on the plate help astronomers align it to the sky.2009-43University of CambridgeDiscovering pulsars Jocelyn Bell Burnell11840/hommedia.ashx?id=11840&size=Medium1967CambridgeCP 1919PSR B1919+21The first pulsar106179Hewish, Prof. Antonydesigner106179Hewish, Prof. Antonyuser97000Bell-Burnell, Dame Jocelynuser1753Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldmade1753Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England, United Kingdom, Europe, WorldusedParts from the Cambridge Interplanetary Scintillation Arraywww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/2009-431753CambridgemadeThis is part of the four-acre radio telescope used in one of astronomy’s most famous chance discoveries. In 1967, student Jocelyn Bell noticed a ‘bit of scruff’ on the telescope’s data charts. Astronomers realised that the unusual signal, which repeated regularly, came from a new class of cosmic object. Initially, these objects were nicknamed LGM, for ‘little green men’. But rather than aliens, they are rapidly spinning dense stars. They are called pulsars and over 1800 are now known.L2009-4026University of CambridgeA new kind of starScience Museum, London11784/hommedia.ashx?id=11784&size=Mediumc. 1969CambridgeCP 1919PSR B1919+21The first pulsar106179Hewish, Prof. Antonydesigner31927Cavendish Laboratorymaker106179Hewish, Prof. Antonyassociation97000Bell-Burnell, Dame Jocelynassociation1753Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldmade1753Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England, United Kingdom, Europe, WorldusedModel of a pulsarwww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/L2009-40261753CambridgemadeAntony Hewish used this model to teach people about pulsars – the new kind of star he and Jocelyn Bell discovered in 1967. The orange ball at the centre represents a neutron star, the incredibly dense remnant of a supernova explosion. The curved wires show magnetic field lines. The foil tubes represent beams of radiation from the neutron star. As the star rotates, the beam turns in the direction of the Earth, and astronomers detect radio pulses. Hewish’s first version of the model was driven by a gramophone motor.1927-124The Royal SocietyPhotography comes to astronomyScience Museum, London11661/hommedia.ashx?id=11661&size=Medium1857Clerkenwell, LondonSolSunLunaMoon207Kew Observatoryuser8109Royal Observatory, Greenwichuser3407The Royal Societyowner23567Ross, AndrewSAC21045Rue, Warren de laSAC21045Rue, Warren de ladesigner21045Rue, Warren de lauser23567Ross, Andrewmaker3118Greenwich, Greenwich borough, London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldused3161Cranford, Hounslow, Greater London, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldused3172Kew, Richmond upon Thames, Greater London, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldused3258Clerkenwell, Islington, London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldmadetubewoodstandsteelfittingsbrassoverall: 2380 mm x 1700 mm x 1100 mm, 300kg (Est.)overallKew Photoheliographwww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/1927-1243258ClerkenwellmadeThis is the first instrument that was purpose built for astronomical photography. It was used at Kew and Greenwich to take daily photographs of the Sun. Warren de la Rue took this instrument to Rivabellosa in Spain to photograph the solar eclipse of 18 July 1860. The photographs were compared with ones taken 500 km away and proved that the prominences visible during an eclipse are part of the Sun, rather than an effect of the Earth’s atmosphere.1982-684Mrs E WhippleTracking sunspotsScience Museum, London11775/hommedia.ashx?id=11775&size=MediumSeptember 1870Kew, LondonSolSun207Kew Observatoryphotographer207Kew Observatoryuser3172Kew, Richmond upon Thames, Greater London, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldmade3172Kew, Richmond upon Thames, Greater London, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldusedeach image: (he.) 125 x 110 mmimagePhotographs of sunspots taken with the Kew Photoheliographwww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/1982-6843172KewmadeThese photographs are from a series taken in September 1870 with the Kew Photoheliograph, the large instrument at the very right of this showcase. Astronomers used it to take daily photographs of the Sun. Comparing the photographs day by day showed how features such as sunspots moved. We now know these dark spots are caused by magnetic activity on the Sun’s surface.1862-122Mr Warren De la RueObserving the Sun and MoonScience Museum, London11839/hommedia.ashx?id=11839&size=Medium1860-62Kew, LondonLunaMoon21045Rue, Warren de laphotographer3172Kew, Richmond upon Thames, Greater London, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldmadeoverallglasstapepaperoverall (estimate): 3 x 305 x 305 mmoverall (estimate)Diapositives of photographs taken with the Kew Photoheliographwww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/1862-1223172KewmadeThese photographs of the Sun and Moon were taken with the Kew Photoheliograph, the large instrument in the corner of this showcase. The Moon image, on the right, was taken at Kew Observatory. The Sun image, on the left, was taken during an expedition to north Spain to observe the solar eclipse of July 1860. It shows a partial eclipse as the Moon crosses the Sun before blocking it out completely.1876-951The Herschel Family ArchiveDiscovering invisible lightScience Museum London11770/hommedia.ashx?id=11770&size=Medium1795-1805London98220Herschel, Williamuser8541Unknown makermaker792London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldmade1612Slough, Slough, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldassociatedoverallcopper (alloy); brass (copper, zinc alloy)prismglassoverall: 140 mm x 160 mm x 60 mm; weight: 0.37kgoverall14imaginary flash filehttp://10.100.0.24:81/richmedia/flash/cosmosandculture/Flashs/m121HerschelIR.swfhowWilliam Herschel’s ‘infrared’ prismwww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/1876-951792LondonmadeThis may be the prism used by William Herschel when he accidentally discovered invisible radiation in 1800. Using the prism, he split sunlight into its different colours and measured their temperatures. He noticed that the temperature was highest beyond the red light, in a region now known as infrared.1961-159United Steel Companies LtdStars on the radioScience Museum, London11729/hommedia.ashx?id=11729&size=Medium1961Scunthorpe101822United Steel Companies Ltd.maker101822United Steel Companies Ltd.SAC48497Science Museumuser608Cheshire, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldmade (original)608Cheshire, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldused (original)792London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldexhibition (model)1286Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldmade (model)overallmetaloverall: 500 x 600 x 610 mmoverall15imaginary flash filehttp://10.100.0.24:81/richmedia/flash/cosmosandculture/Flashs/m122Jodrell.swfhowModel (scale 1:200) of the Jodrell Bank Lovell Telescopewww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/1961-159The 76-metre Lovell Telescope is the third largest steerable radio telescope in the world. It was originally built to track cosmic rays, high-energy particles from space, with radio waves. Designer Bernard Lovell drew on expertise he had developed for radar systems during the Second World War. The telescope has been used for a wide range of astronomical and space work, including the tracking of Sputnik 1, the world’s first artificial satellite. It is now a Grade I listed building.L2009-4035University of LeicesterSkimming X-raysScience Museum, London11731/hommedia.ashx?id=11731&size=MediumMid 1990sBosiso Parini, Italy107002Media Lario Technologiesmaker30261University of Leicester, Space Research Centreuser2359Leicester, Leicester, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldused16imaginary flash filehttp://10.100.0.24:81/richmedia/flash/cosmosandculture/Flashs/m123XMM.swfhowXMM-Newton grazing mirror (flight spare)www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/L2009-4035This is one of 58 cylindrical mirrors that nest together in each of the three telescopes aboard the XMM-Newton spacecraft. Incoming X-rays skim the inside of each mirror and come to a focus at the telescope’s detector. The mirror array helps make XMM-Newton the most sensitive X-ray observatory ever launched. It sends back huge amounts of data on a range of cosmic phenomena, including X-rays emitted by hot gas falling into black holes.L2009-4028Johns Hopkins UniversityCatching UV raysScience Museum, London11734/hommedia.ashx?id=11734&size=MediumMid 1990sNew York State106414John Hopkins University, Dept. of Physics & Astronomydesigner106414John Hopkins University, Dept. of Physics & Astronomyuser240New York state, United States, North and Central America, Worldmade2194Baltimore, Baltimore Independent City, Maryland, United States, North and Central America, Worldused (JHU)Mirror segment for FUSE (Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer) satellitewww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/L2009-4028240New York statemadeThis mirror segment has been left without its reflective coating to reveal its lightweight glass-ceramic structure. It was used in developing NASA’s FUSE satellite. During its eight-year run, each of FUSE’s four mirrors collected ultraviolet light emitted by gas atoms in deep space and focused them onto the spacecraft’s detector. FUSE mapped the distribution of deuterium, a heavy type of hydrogen formed during the Big Bang. By measuring how much deuterium still exists, scientists can learn more about how the young universe evolved.2009-60PurchasedViewing the violent cosmosScience Museum, London11778/hommedia.ashx?id=11778&size=Medium2009France106891AOF Maquettesmaker5571Madeira, Arquipélago damade (model)36452Namibia, Africa, Worldused (original)Scale model (1:30) of a single telescope from the High Energy Stereoscopic System (HESS)www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/2009-60Namibia’s HESS observatory studies some of the most violent events in the universe, including exploding stars and supermassive black holes. Its four identical telescopes detect high-energy cosmic gamma rays produced by these objects. Gamma rays are the most energetic form of light known. This model is one-thirtieth life size. Each of the four telescope dishes is actually 12 metres wide – 1½ times the length of this showcase.2009-44University of Durham, Department of PhysicsDetecting violent cosmosScience Museum, London11777/hommedia.ashx?id=11777&size=Mediumc. 2002Armenia48629University of Durham, Dept. of Physicsuser107001Kompasmaker2259Durham, Durham, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldused36638Armenia, Asia, WorldmadeSpare mirror segment for the High Energy Stereoscopic System (HESS)www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/2009-4436638ArmeniamadeThis is a spare mirror segment for one of HESS’s four gamma-ray telescopes. Gamma rays are given off in violent cosmic events, such as a star exploding. When these rays are absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere they produce flashes of blue light. The telescope’s mirror focuses this light onto a huge camera to be recorded. The scale model in front of this mirror shows you how 382 segments like this would be arranged on each telescope.L2009-4034University of LeicesterCatching cosmic explosionsScience Museum, London11785/hommedia.ashx?id=11785&size=Mediumc. 2000University of Leicester30261University of Leicester, Space Research Centreuser30261University of Leicester, Space Research Centresupplier2359Leicester, Leicester, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldmade2359Leicester, Leicester, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldused18imaginary flash filehttp://10.100.0.24:81/richmedia/flash/cosmosandculture/Videos/m127Swift.flvpeople_videohttp://10.100.0.24:81/richmedia/flash/cosmosandculture/Videos/m127Swift.xmlScale model (1:10) of Swift gamma-ray burst satellitewww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/L2009-40342359LeicestermadeThe Swift spacecraft responds to gamma-ray bursts – unimaginably large explosions that originate from all points of the cosmos. Scientists are not sure exactly what causes them. Within minutes of a gamma ray burst being detected, Swift can turn towards the source and catch the associated visible and X-ray light that is emitted, before it fades. Swift is named after the bird because of its ability to turn rapidly.1878-10PurchasedCelestial sphereScience Museum London11741/hommedia.ashx?id=11741&size=Medium1878ParisOphiuchusTaurusAries15570Nolin, J.P.association35306Deuvez, Arnoldassociation details25692Coronelli, Vincenzoassociation details2011Delagrave, Charlessupplier2011Delagrave, CharlesSAC2099Venice, Venezia, Veneto, Italy, Europe, Worldassociated2419Paris, Ville de Paris, le-de-France, France, Europe, Worldmade2419Paris, Ville de Paris, le-de-France, France, Europe, Worldassociatedoveralloak (wood)overallbrass (copper, zinc alloy)overallplasteroverallpaper (fibre product)overallwood (unidentified)overall: 1850 mm x (diam) 1070 mm, weight (estimated): 50kgoverallEuropean celestial globewww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/1878-102419ParismadeThis globe features beautiful constellation figures such as Taurus the Bull and Aries the Ram. The star patterns are the reverse of what we see in the night sky, because many celestial globes depict the sky as if you were outside a sphere, looking down. The illustrations are based on the work of 17th-century Venetian map-maker Vincenzo Coronelli. His globes became a lavish status symbol for royalty and wealthy noblemen across Europe.1988-1422/1PurchasedSphere of the heavensScience Museum London11751/hommedia.ashx?id=11751&size=Medium1830Wuyuan, ChinaThe GalaxyMilky Way23418Qi Mei-lumaker1404Wuyuan, Chiang-hsi, China, Asia, Worldmadeoverallbrass (copper, zinc alloy)overallgildingoverallsteel (metal)overallbronze (copper, tin alloy)overall: (he.) 340 mm x (diam) 345 mm, weight: 10.84kg; Globe: 210mmglobeoverall: (he.) 340 mm x (diam) 345 mm, weight: 10.84kg; Globe: 210mmoverall20imaginary flash filehttp://10.100.0.24:81/richmedia/flash/cosmosandculture/Flashs/m202ChineseGlobe.swfdetailClock-driven Chinese celestial globewww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/1988-1422/11404WuyuanmadeThis celestial globe has an internal clockwork drive so that it turns to represent the motion of the stars. On the surface you can see the stars grouped according to Chinese constellations. The Milky Way is shown by a band of dots, and five patches represent star clusters.1914-597Royal Astronomical SocietySilver starsScience Museum, London11740/hommedia.ashx?id=11740&size=Medium1601-1700Middle EastBenetnashEta Ursae MajorisAlkaidAlpha Ursae MajorisDubhe31943Royal Astronomical Societyassociation8541Unknown makermaker40Middle East, Worldmade792London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldprevious owneroverallmahogany (wood)overallsilver (metal)overallbrass (copper, zinc alloy)overallbronze (copper, tin alloy)overall: (he.) 235 mm (dia.) 230 mm, 2.17kgoverall21imaginary flash filehttp://10.100.0.24:81/richmedia/flash/cosmosandculture/Videos/m203ArabicGlobe.flvdetail_videohttp://10.100.0.24:81/richmedia/flash/cosmosandculture/Videos/m203ArabicGlobe.xmlArabic celestial globewww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/1914-59740Middle EastmadeThe silver stars on this globe are labelled with their Arabic names. We still use many Arabic names to describe the stars today – in the constellation of Orion the Hunter, the star Rigel is named after the Arabic word for ‘foot’. Arabic mathematicians would have used globes like this one to assist with astronomical calculations and to refine calendars.E2009.44.4Science Museum Library (F O.B. PTO)Ptolemy's great bookScience Museum, London11756/hommedia.ashx?id=11756&size=Medium1496VeniceEarthLunaMoonSolSun18709Claudius Ptolemyauthor106913Georg von Peurbachtranslator1411Regiomontanus, Johannestranslator17643Zimmermaker2099Venice, Venezia, Veneto, Italy, Europe, WorldpublishedEpitome of the Almagestwww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/E2009.44.4This book summarises Claudius Ptolemy’s theories – the basis of astronomy for over a thousand years. Around AD 150, Ptolemy wrote a work in Greek outlining known theories of astronomy. During the Middle Ages this was lost in Europe, but translated and widely used by Arabic astronomers who called it al-majisti (the greatest). Latin and Greek translations of Arabic works brought Ptolemy’s ideas back to Europe in the 1400s. This copy of the book shows an early example of recycling: it is bound in vellum that was originally used for church music.E2009.44.1Science Museum Library (Q O.B. COP)Copernicus changes the cosmosScience Museum, London11739/hommedia.ashx?id=11739&size=Medium1543NurembergEarthLunaMoonSolSun19703Copernicus, Nicolausauthor1691Nuremburg, Middle Franconia, Bavaria, Germany, Europe, Worldpublished22imaginary flash filehttp://10.100.0.24:81/richmedia/flash/cosmosandculture/Videos/m205Copernicus.flvpeople_videohttp://10.100.0.24:81/richmedia/flash/cosmosandculture/Videos/m205Copernicus.xmlDe revolutionibus celestium orbium (On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres)www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/E2009.44.1Nicolaus Copernicus’s book, published shortly after the author’s death in 1543, offered scholars a new vision of the cosmos. Making the Sun rather than the Earth the centre of the universe offered a solution to many puzzling observations of the planets, although it would be many years before the controversial theory was widely accepted. This is a first edition of the book, one of only about 260 that survive.E2009.44.9Science Museum Library (Q O.B. GAL)The book that led to Galileo's trialScience Museum, London11767/hommedia.ashx?id=11767&size=Medium1632Florence98213Galilei, Galileomaker106915Landini, Giovanni Battistapublisher2455Florence, Firenze, Tuscany, Italy, Europe, WorldmadeDialogo sopra i due massimi sistemi del mondo (Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems)www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/E2009.44.92455FlorencemadeIn this book Galileo compared the Earth-centred Ptolemaic and Sun-centred Copernican systems. He wrote in Italian, rather than the Latin of scholars, to reach a wider audience. Galileo clearly favoured the Copernican system, but he misjudged the reception the book would receive from the Catholic Church. He was tried for heresy, forced to recant his ideas, and ended his life under house imprisonment.E2009.44.3Science Museum Library (F O.B. KEP)Kepler's astronomyScience Museum, London11794/hommedia.ashx?id=11794&size=Medium1609PragueMars102523Kepler, Johannesauthor2205Prague, Stredocesk, Czech Republic, Europe, Worldwritten2342Heidelberg, Karlsruhe, Baden-Wrttemberg, Germany, Europe, Worldpublished23imaginary flash filehttp://10.100.0.24:81/richmedia/flash/cosmosandculture/Flashs/m207Kepler.swfpeopleAstronomia nova (New Astronomy)www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/E2009.44.3Johannes Kepler’s book, outlining his theories of planetary motion, made the radical claim that the planets move in ellipses, not perfect circles. Kepler’s work provided significant support for the Copernican theory of a Sun-centred universe. Kepler’s theories were based on data collected by astronomer Tycho Brahe. He had to make thousands of calculations to work out the peculiarities of Mars’s orbit, describing the experience as ‘my war with Mars.’E2009.44.5Science Museum Library (Q O.B. NEW)Newton's system of the worldSciece Museum, London11768/hommedia.ashx?id=11768&size=Medium1687Cambridge73718Newton, Sir Isaacauthor106914Streater, Josephpublisher30819Pepys, Samuelimprimatur61398Halley, Edmondfunded201England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldfunder792London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldpubished792London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldlicencee1753Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldwritten24imaginary flash filehttp://10.100.0.24:81/richmedia/flash/cosmosandculture/Flashs/m208NewtonPrincipia.swfhowPhilosophiæ naturalis principia mathematicawww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/E2009.44.5This book, first published in 1687, is one of the most important scientific works ever written. It outlined Isaac Newton’s law of universal gravitation. This law applied to everything, from why apples fall to the ground to why planets orbit the Sun. Principia provided a successful mathematical description of how the world works. It was the backbone of physics for more than 200 years, until Einstein published his general theory of relativity.1880-47PurchasedAn Earth-centred cosmosScience Museum London11742/hommedia.ashx?id=11742&size=Medium1500–99GermanyEarthLunaMoonSolSun8541Unknown makermaker153Germany, Europe, Worldmadeoverallbrassoverall: (he.) 450 mm (dia.) 274 mm,overallPtolemaic armillary spherewww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/1880-47153GermanymadeThis model depicts Ptolemy’s Earth-centred cosmos. The bands illustrate the motion of the Sun, Moon and stars. Armillary spheres were used in medieval times to teach priests how to calculate the hours of prayer at sunrise and sunset. Portraits of noblemen often included an armillary sphere to suggest wisdom and learning. More recently, novelist Umberto Eco chose the armillary sphere as a gruesome murder weapon in his 1983 book The Name of the Rose.1982-967/2PurchasedA Sun-centred cosmosScience Museum, London11748/hommedia.ashx?id=11748&size=Medium1807-46ParisLunaMoonEarthSolSun14208Delamarchemaker2419Paris, Ville de Paris, le-de-France, France, Europe, Worldmadeoverall: (he.) 470 mm (dia.) 285 mm, 1kg (Est.)overallCopernican armillary spherewww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/1982-967/22419ParismadeWith the Sun at the centre, this model demonstrates Nicolaus Copernicus’s vision of the cosmos. The central band shows the Sun’s apparent annual path through the zodiac, while the crossed bands mark the seasons. Copernican theory was firmly established by the time this model was made in the early 1800s. It includes recent discoveries such as the asteroids Ceres and Vesta. The model may have been used as a teaching aid or decorative item for a wealthy customer.L2009-4029The Herschel Family ArchiveThe telescope that found a planetScience Museum, London11796/hommedia.ashx?id=11796&size=Mediumc.1780BathGeorgium SidiusUranus98220Herschel, Williammaker1367Bath, Bath and North East Somerset, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldmade1367Bath, Bath and North East Somerset, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldusedoverall (frame & tube)mahogany (wood)overall (mirror)bronze (copper, tin alloy)overall (fittings)brass (copper, zinc alloy)overall: 1850 mm x 1850 mm x 400 mm (Est.)overallSeven-foot telescope made by William Herschelwww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/L2009-40291367BathmadeThis is William Herschel’s own telescope. It may be the one he used in his back garden in the spring of 1781 to study what appeared to be a comet. Repeated observation revealed it was a new planet – the first such discovery in written history. Today we call this planet Uranus.1971-465/2Royal Astronomical SocietyReflections of the starsScience Museum London11723/hommedia.ashx?id=11723&size=Medium1770-1820Slough98220Herschel, Williammaker201England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldmade201England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldusedoverall: (he.) 60 mm 180 mm, 2.5kg (Est.)overallSpeculum mirror made by William Herschelwww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/1971-465/2201EnglandmadeA mirror like this sits at the bottom of William Herschel’s telescope. It is made of highly polished speculum, a mix of copper and tin. Herschel was obsessed with making perfect mirrors to accurately gather light from faraway objects. His sister Caroline described having to force morsels of food into his mouth while he continued to polish for hours.1985-1135PurchasedThe planet 'Herschell' on the mapScience Museum London11749/hommedia.ashx?id=11749&size=Mediumc. 1781-1800Theobald's Road, LondonGeorgium SidiusUranus1289City of London, London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldpublishedoverall: (he.) 143 mm x 112 mmoverall‘Epitome of Astronomy’ or ‘A Compendius View of Our Solar System’www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/1985-1135This chart calls the seventh planet ‘Herschell’, after the man who discovered it in 1781. The name ‘Uranus’ only became common decades later. The distance table shows the new planet twice as far from the Sun as Saturn. William Herschel had doubled the size of the known Solar System.1950-55 Pt2Mr H D BlackOur Solar System growsScience Museum London11704/hommedia.ashx?id=11704&size=Medium1813-22London1 CeresCeres1 PallasPallasGeorgium SidiusUranus7891Fidler, Robertmaker3080Pearson, Williamdesigner792London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldmade792London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldmadeoverall: (he.) 610 mm 900 mm, 4kg (Est.)overall25imaginary flash filehttp://10.100.0.24:81/richmedia/flash/cosmosandculture/Videos/m214Orrey.flvdetail_videohttp://10.100.0.24:81/richmedia/flash/cosmosandculture/Videos/m214Orrey.xmlMean motion orrerywww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/1950-55 Pt2792LondonmadeThis orrery, or planetary model, shows six satellites around Uranus, the farthest planet then known. William Herschel discovered the innermost two, Titania and Oberon, in 1787. By 1798 he had reported four additional satellites. However, no other astronomer managed to see these and observations in the 1850s showed Herschel was mistaken. We now know of almost 30 Uranian satellites. All are named after characters from Shakespeare or Pope, following a tradition started by Herschel’s son John.L2009-4030The Herschel Family ArchiveMusic of the heavensScience Museum, London11846/hommedia.ashx?id=11846&size=Medium1778Bath106240Pye, W.publisher98220Herschel, Williamassociation1367Bath, Bath and North East Somerset, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldmade1367Bath, Bath and North East Somerset, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldusedoverallpaper (fibre product)Poster for a concert performance of Handel’s Messiah conducted by William Herschelwww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/L2009-40301367BathmadeBefore finding fame as an astronomer, William Herschel made a living as a musician. Caroline Herschel sang at this 1778 performance of Handel’s Messiah. She abandoned a soprano career to assist her brother in his astronomical research.L2009-4031The Herschel Family ArchiveBy royal appointmentScience Museum, London11761/hommedia.ashx?id=11761&size=Medium1800Windsor98220Herschel, Williamowner31694George IIIauthor1612Slough, Slough, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldassociated1812Windsor, Windsor and Maidenhead, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldmadeoverallpaper (fibre product)Salary letter from King George III to William and Caroline Herschelwww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/L2009-40311812WindsormadeIn 1800, William Herschel was paid £200 in annual salary as King’s Astronomer. His sister Caroline was paid £50 to act as his assistant, making her the first professional female astronomer. A note from Herschel’s wife Mary says that the handwriting is that of King George III himself.1930-680Science MuseumFinding PlutoScience Museum London11801/hommedia.ashx?id=11801&size=Medium1930Pluto30678Lampland, Carl Ottophotographer48497Science Museummaker9800Lowell Observatorysupplier24766Tombaugh, Clydeassociation (discoverer)2679Flagstaff, Coconino county, Arizona, United States, North and Central America, Worldmade (original)overallglassoverall: (he.) 305 mm x 205 mm x 3 mm,overall27imaginary flash filehttp://10.100.0.24:81/richmedia/flash/cosmosandculture/Videos/m217Pluto.flvpeople_videohttp://10.100.0.24:81/richmedia/flash/cosmosandculture/Videos/m217Pluto.xmlGlass positive of Pluto discoverywww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/1930-680From 1930 until 2006, our Solar System had nine planets. Tiny Pluto was discovered by Clyde Tombaugh, who was searching for a predicted ‘Planet X’ that might explain oddities in the orbits of Neptune and Uranus. Tombaugh’s photographs show the same patch of sky a few nights apart. One ‘star’ seems to have moved, indicating that it is actually a planet. Astronomers later discounted the idea of Planet X – Pluto had just been in the right place at the right time. It was controversially demoted to ‘dwarf planet’ in 2006.2001-320PurchasedLife on Mars?Science Museum, London11754/hommedia.ashx?id=11754&size=Medium1896-99Mars13923Antoniadi, Eugene Mariepublisher33876Bertaux, Emilepublisher33907Flammarion, Camilleassociation135France, Europe, Worldassociated2419Paris, Ville de Paris, le-de-France, France, Europe, Worldmadeoverallpaper (fibre product)overallplasteroverallbrass (copper, zinc alloy)overallwood (unidentified)overall: 290 mm x (diam) 150 mm, weight: 0.46kgoverallMars globewww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/2001-3202419ParismadeThis Mars globe shows surface details of the Red Planet observed and named by Giovanni Schiaparelli in 1877. Schiaparelli used the word canali to describe lines that seem to run between the darker areas. Some astronomers, particularly Percival Lowell, believed these to be irrigation channels and therefore evidence of intelligent life on Mars. But later studies revealed a barren planet, although scientists are still searching for evidence of bacterial life.E2009.123.1Science MuseumCalling ET1974LondonNGC 6205M13M1348497Science Museumprinter106965Drake, Frankassociation (signal)106966Sagan, Carlassociation (signal)50United States, North and Central America, Worldassociated (signal)792London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldmade9022Puerto Rico, North and Central America, Worldassociated (signal)29imaginary flash filehttp://10.100.0.24:81/richmedia/flash/cosmosandculture/Flashs/m222Arecibo.swfpeopleArecibo message illustrationwww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/E2009.123.1792LondonmadeThis is a graphical representation of the message sent in 1974 from the huge Arecibo radio telescope in Puerto Rico. The message, composed of binary digits, was the first deliberate attempt to transmit information to extraterrestrials. It carries information on DNA, human beings, the Solar System and the telescope itself. The message was beamed towards the M13 star cluster, but will never reach it – by the time the signal gets to that part of space, in about 25,000 years from now, the cluster will have moved.L2009-4037Queen’s University Belfast/Andor Technology BelfastPlanet hunterScience Museum, London11764/hommedia.ashx?id=11764&size=Medium2001–2009La Palma30173Queens University Belfast, Astrophysics Research Centreuser106958Andor Technology Belfastmaker8541Unknown makermaker87Japan, Asia, Worldmade1695Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldmade5580Umbuso weSwatiniused31imaginary flash filehttp://10.100.0.24:81/richmedia/flash/cosmosandculture/Flashs/m224SuperWasp.swfhowCamera from the Super Wide Angle Search for Planets (SuperWASP)www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/L2009-40371695BelfastmadeSuperWASP’s twin telescopes are searching for new planets outside of our Solar System. This ordinary-looking camera lens from SuperWASP-North (La Palma) helped the team find their first two planets in 2004. Each telescope has eight cameras that monitor millions of stars simultaneously, looking for telltale signs of planets orbiting other stars. In June 2009, SuperWASP’s count was up to 25, the most new planets discovered by any single project.1995-249PurchasedExclusive: Lunar lifeScience Museum, London11706/hommedia.ashx?id=11706&size=Medium1835France20124Herschel, Sir John Frederick Williamassociation15845Thierry Frèresmaker15845Thierry FrèresSAC135France, Europe, Worldmade1854Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa, Africa, Worldassociationoverallpaperimage (image alone): (he.) 273 mm x 383 mm; overall (frame): (he.) 515 mm x 585 mmoverall (frame)image (image alone): (he.) 273 mm x 383 mm; overall (frame): (he.) 515 mm x 585 mmimage (image alone)Print of New Discoveries on the Moonwww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/1995-249135FrancemadeThis picture of exotic creatures on the Moon was inspired by the Great Moon Hoax of 1835. The New York Sun reported that astronomer John Herschel had turned his powerful new telescope to the Moon and discovered man-bats, bipedal beavers and a sapphire temple. The bogus articles are thought to have been written by reporter Richard Adams Locke in an attempt to boost the paper’s circulation.L2009-4032Aardman Animations LimitedA cracking good alien?Science Museum, London. Credit: Aardman Animations Ltd11763/hommedia.ashx?id=11763&size=MediumMid 1980sUnited KingdomLunaMoon20307Cock, Hieronymusdesigner6292Aardman Animations Limiteduser2298Bristol, Bristol, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldmade2298Bristol, Bristol, England, United Kingdom, Europe, WorldassociatedMoon Machine from A Grand Day Outwww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/L2009-40322298BristolmadeThis little being is the actual Moon Machine that appeared in Nick Park’s first Wallace & Gromit film. The intrepid explorers found it on the Moon. Like many fictional aliens, it looks and acts very similar to things on Earth. It appears to be a cross between a robot and a cooker. It issues parking tickets, uses a policeman’s truncheon and dreams of a skiing holiday.L2009-4043On loan from the National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution, Washington DCStudying the Big Bang's echoScience Museum, London11736/hommedia.ashx?id=11736&size=Medium1980sGoddard Space Flight Center, Maryland, USA2181Goddard Space Flight Centermaker2181Goddard Space Flight Centeruser22617Greenbelt, Prince Georges county, Maryland, United States, North and Central America, Worldmade22617Greenbelt, Prince Georges county, Maryland, United States, North and Central America, Worldusedoverallglassoverallsteel (metal)overall: 305 mm x 610 mm x 305 mm,overallMirror mechanism of COBE spacecraft’s FIRAS instrument (engineering prototype)www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/L2009-404322617GreenbeltmadeBig Bang theory is scientists’ favoured explanation for how the universe developed. It states that space expanded from an initial very hot and dense state. Predicted remnant radiation from the early universe was detected in 1964. In 1990 the FIRAS instrument on board NASA’s COBE spacecraft measured the spectrum of this radiation. Its moving mirrors created interference patterns in a radiation beam, enabling the precise spectrum to be reconstructed.1920-18Royal Observatory, GreenwichProving Einstein's relativityScience Museum, London11709/hommedia.ashx?id=11709&size=Medium1919Sobral, BrazilHyades18108Einstein, Albertassociation details103185Eddington, Sir Arthur Stanleyassociation details8109Royal Observatory, Greenwichphotographer2165Sobral, Cear, Nordeste, Brazil, South America, Worldmade (original)overallpaperoverall (in mount): 260 mm x 310 mm 1kgoverall (in mount)Glass positive photograph of total solar eclipsewww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/1920-18In May 1919, British physicist Arthur Eddington organised a test of Einstein’s general theory of relativity. Two Royal Society teams observed a solar eclipse from Brazil and the island of Principe off west Africa. Photographs appeared to show that the mass of the Sun had bent light from distant stars, just as Einstein had predicted. This gravitational distortion could only be observed during a total eclipse, when the Sun’s own light was masked.2005-75Stanford UniversityTesting EinsteinScience Museum, London11837/hommedia.ashx?id=11837&size=Medium1995Stanford University, California, USAIM Pegasi95386Stanford Universitymaker792London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldused1293Palo Alto, Santa Clara county, California, United States, North and Central America, Worldmadeoverall: 60 mm x 60 mm x 60 mm (Est.)overallGravity Probe B gyroscope rotor and housingwww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/2005-751293Palo AltomadeThe Gravity Probe B experiment was designed to test predictions of Einstein’s general theory of relativity: that a massive body such as the Earth should warp and twist the space-time around it. Four spheres like this one – among the most perfect ever made – were set spinning on a spacecraft precisely pointed towards a guide star. Scientists are currently analysing the mission data to see if the angle of the spheres’ spin was altered by the warp and twist.L2009-4036University of Glasgow, Dept of Physics and AstronomyCatching gravity's wavesScience Museum, London11716/hommedia.ashx?id=11716&size=Medium2003USA8541Unknown makermaker9778University of Glasgow, Dept of Physics and Astronomyuser107427GEO-600 observatoryuser50United States, North and Central America, Worldmade2332Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom, Europe, Worlduser2699Hannover, Hannover district, Lower Saxony, Germany, Europe, Worlduser37imaginary flash filehttp://10.100.0.24:81/richmedia/flash/cosmosandculture/Flashs/m236GravitationalWaves.swfhowPrototype test mass from the GEO-600 gravitational wave detectorwww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/L2009-403650United StatesmadeThis piece of pure sapphire is a prototype test mass for the British–German GEO-600 experiment. Tiny movements of the experiment’s test masses would indicate the presence of a gravitational wave. These elusive waves are predicted by Einstein’s general theory of relativity. Caused by violent cosmic events, such as black holes colliding in distant galaxies, they stretch and squeeze space-time.L2009-4054Science & Technology Facilities CouncilSearching for space-time ripplesScience Museum London11759/hommedia.ashx?id=11759&size=Medium2008Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Didcot, UK23821Rutherford Appleton Laboratorymaker22580Ullmann, T.user (final detector)23821Rutherford Appleton Laboratoryuser (prototype)209Louisiana, United States, North and Central America, Worldused (final detector)216Washington, United States, North and Central America, Worldused (final detector)1352Chilton, Oxfordshire, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldmade1352Chilton, Oxfordshire, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldused (protoype)37imaginary flash filehttp://10.100.0.24:81/richmedia/flash/cosmosandculture/Flashs/m236GravitationalWaves.swfhowPrototype beam splitter for the Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO)www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/L2009-40541352ChiltonmadeThis is a prototype part for Advanced LIGO, one of the most sensitive experiments ever designed. It will split a laser beam down two paths, several kilometres long. Scientists will look for changes in the path lengths that might be caused by a passing gravitational wave. Gravitational waves are tiny, fleeting warps in the fabric of space-time, predicted by Einstein’s general theory of relativity. They are caused by moving bodies such as colliding stars.2009-59University of SheffieldSearching for missing matterScience Museum, London11843/hommedia.ashx?id=11843&size=Medium2001University of Sheffield, UK103164University of Sheffield, Dept of Physics & Astronomymaker106926Occidental Collegemaker106927Temple Universitymaker107423Boulby Underground Laboratoryuser50United States, North and Central America, Worldmade2389Sheffield, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom, Europe, WorldmadeDRIFT I dark matter detectorwww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/2009-592389SheffieldmadeDRIFT I was built by UK and US scientists to search for ‘dark matter’. This invisible matter, thought to make up around 23% of the universe, is known to exist because of its gravitational effects on ordinary matter in stars, galaxies and planets. Scientists think that dark matter is most likely to be previously unknown particles. DRIFT I ran between 2001 and 2004, 1.1 kilometres underground in Yorkshire’s Boulby Mine. It did not detect dark-matter particles, but its powerful successors continue the search.2006-213PurchasedScience Museum London11660/hommedia.ashx?id=11660&size=Medium98092Spurgeon, Chrisdesigner50United States, North and Central America, Worldmadeoverall: (he.) 76 mm x 253 mmoverallPluto bumper stickerswww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/2006-21350United StatesmadeOn 24 August 2006 the International Astronomical Union voted on a new definition of ‘planet’. The decision demoted Pluto to ‘dwarf planet’, reducing the number of planets in our Solar System to eight. This generated a flurry of worldwide news coverage about the changing status of our planetary neighbourhood. Internet ‘Save Pluto’ campaigns were quick to follow. These bumper stickers were among the first products to go on sale.2006-214PurchasedScience Museum London11660/hommedia.ashx?id=11660&size=MediumPluto8541Unknown makerdesigner50United States, North and Central America, Worldmadeoverall: 76 mm x 253 mmoverallPluto bumper stickerswww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/2006-21450United StatesmadeOn 24 August 2006 the International Astronomical Union voted on a new definition of ‘planet’. The decision demoted Pluto to ‘dwarf planet’, reducing the number of planets in our Solar System to eight. This generated a flurry of worldwide news coverage about the changing status of our planetary neighbourhood. Internet ‘Save Pluto’ campaigns were quick to follow. These bumper stickers were among the first products to go on sale.L2009-4049Imperial College Science Fiction Society106963Anderson, Paulauthor50United States, North and Central America, WorldmadeAstounding Science Fiction magazinewww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/L2009-404950United StatesmadeExtraterrestrial life has long provided a source of inspiration for magazines. Astounding Science Fiction is part of the world’s longest-running sci-fi magazine series. It started out as Astounding Stories in 1930 and became Analog Science Fiction and Fact in the 1960s. Arthur C Clarke, who became a famous sci-fi writer and futurist, devoured vast numbers of such magazines in the early 1930s – they were brought across the Atlantic as ship ballast!L2009-4050Imperial College Science Fiction Society106962Clements, Halmaker50United States, North and Central America, WorldwrittenAstounding Science Fiction magazinewww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/L2009-4050Extraterrestrial life has long provided a source of inspiration for magazines. Astounding Science Fiction is part of the world’s longest-running sci-fi magazine series. It started out as Astounding Stories in 1930 and became Analog Science Fiction and Fact in the 1960s. Arthur C Clarke, who became a famous sci-fi writer and futurist, devoured vast numbers of such magazines in the early 1930s – they were brought across the Atlantic as ship ballast!L2009-4045Imperial College Science Fiction Society106960Burroughs, Edgar Riceauthor50United States, North and Central America, WorldwrittenScience fiction paperbackswww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/L2009-4045With A Princess of Mars (1912) Edgar Rice Burroughs adopted a style and subject matter that influenced the sci-fi authors of the 1950s and beyond. One such was Ray Bradbury, who took us back to the Red Planet in 1950 with his tales of conflict in the Martian Chronicles. Three years later Arthur C Clarke’s alien Overlords visited Earth in Childhood’s End. In 1957 astrophysicist Fred Hoyle described a fictional cosmos when he wrote of The Black Cloud, a huge intelligent organism that threatened to block out the Sun.L2009-4046Imperial College Science Fiction Society106961Bradbury, Rayauthor50United States, North and Central America, WorldwrittenScience fiction paperbackswww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/L2009-4046With A Princess of Mars (1912) Edgar Rice Burroughs adopted a style and subject matter that influenced the sci-fi authors of the 1950s and beyond. One such was Ray Bradbury, who took us back to the Red Planet in 1950 with his tales of conflict in the Martian Chronicles. Three years later Arthur C Clarke’s alien Overlords visited Earth in Childhood’s End. In 1957 astrophysicist Fred Hoyle described a fictional cosmos when he wrote of The Black Cloud, a huge intelligent organism that threatened to block out the Sun.L2009-4047Imperial College Science Fiction Society18186Clarke, Sir Arthur Cauthor133United Kingdom, Europe, WorldwrittenScience fiction paperbackswww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/L2009-4047With A Princess of Mars (1912) Edgar Rice Burroughs adopted a style and subject matter that influenced the sci-fi authors of the 1950s and beyond. One such was Ray Bradbury, who took us back to the Red Planet in 1950 with his tales of conflict in the Martian Chronicles. Three years later Arthur C Clarke’s alien Overlords visited Earth in Childhood’s End. In 1957 astrophysicist Fred Hoyle described a fictional cosmos when he wrote of The Black Cloud, a huge intelligent organism that threatened to block out the Sun.L2009-4048Imperial College Science Fiction Society103277Hoyle, Sir Fredauthor133United Kingdom, Europe, WorldwrittenScience fiction paperbackswww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/L2009-4048With A Princess of Mars (1912) Edgar Rice Burroughs adopted a style and subject matter that influenced the sci-fi authors of the 1950s and beyond. One such was Ray Bradbury, who took us back to the Red Planet in 1950 with his tales of conflict in the Martian Chronicles. Three years later Arthur C Clarke’s alien Overlords visited Earth in Childhood’s End. In 1957 astrophysicist Fred Hoyle described a fictional cosmos when he wrote of The Black Cloud, a huge intelligent organism that threatened to block out the Sun.E2009.44.10Science Museum Library (523.2 FLA)Science Museum, London11718/hommedia.ashx?id=11718&size=Medium33907Flammarion, Camilleauthor106925Marpon et Flammarionpublisher135France, Europe, WorldmadeEarly popular science bookswww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/E2009.44.10135FrancemadeCyrano de Bergerac’s Comical History of the States and Empires of the World of the Moon and Sun is a satirical portrayal of trips to inhabited planets. Despite the satire, de Bergerac was keenly interested in 17th-century scientific developments and believed in a Copernican universe. Camille Flammarion, one of the foremost astronomers and popularisers of the 1800s, argued strongly that extraterrestrial life was a reality. In Terres du ciel he reviewed the forms of life to be found on each of the planets in the Solar System.E2005.322.2Science Museum Library (O.B. CYR DE BER)792London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldmade792London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom, Europe, WorldpublishedEarly popular science bookswww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/E2005.322.2792LondonmadeCyrano de Bergerac’s Comical History of the States and Empires of the World of the Moon and Sun is a satirical portrayal of trips to inhabited planets. Despite the satire, de Bergerac was keenly interested in 17th-century scientific developments and believed in a Copernican universe. Camille Flammarion, one of the foremost astronomers and popularisers of the 1800s, argued strongly that extraterrestrial life was a reality. In Terres du ciel he reviewed the forms of life to be found on each of the planets in the Solar System.1946-172 Pt1Ministry of Aircraft ProductionLessons from the starsScience Museum, London11746/hommedia.ashx?id=11746&size=Medium1930–45Jena, GermanyAlpha TauriAldebaranAlpha OrionisBetelgeuseBeta OrionisRigel98295Carl Zeiss Jenamaker69997Luftwaffeuser48497Science Museumuser1729Jena, Gera, Thuringia, Germany, Europe, Worldmade3201South Kensington, Kensington and Chelsea, London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldused36297Travemnde, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, Europe, Worldusedoverall: 1720 mm x 950 mm x 950 mm, 300kg (Est.)overallSmall Zeiss planetarium projector, model number 30www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/1946-172 Pt11729JenamadeThis object tells the story of two very different uses of astronomy. It was originally used to train Luftwaffe navigators and pilots in celestial navigation. Such knowledge enabled them to fly bomber aircraft towards Britain, with devastating consequences. After the war, the projector served a more enjoyable purpose as it was used in the Science Museum’s Star Dome in the 1960s.L2009-4044Ani O'NeillAncestral inspirationScience Museum, London11803/hommedia.ashx?id=11803&size=Medium2006Cambridge106177O’Neill, Animaker106936畍敳浵漠⁦湁桴潲潰潬祧愠摮䄠捲慨潥潬祧‬慃扭楲杤user48497Science Museumuser1753Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldmade1753Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldused3201South Kensington, Kensington and Chelsea, London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldused5013Cook Islands, Oceania, Worldcollectedoverallcoconutbeadsglassbellwireplastic (unidentified)bellwirecopper (metal)sequinsmetal (unknown)overallfeatheroverallraffiaoverall: 210 mm x 550 mm x 510 mm, Wt. (Est. 5-10kg)overall’etu iti (Little Stars) by Ani O’Neillwww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/L2009-40441753CambridgemadeArtist Ani O’Neill chose the theme of feathered stars and traditional craft techniques to represent the ancient skill of Polynesian sailors: ‘Our Pacific ancestors used the stars to navigate between the islands of the Pacific. Today our people have adapted to dramatic change and flourish in contemporary times, however I feel that we continue to see the stars for what they are – an integral part of our creative process.’1929-585Dr Howard CarterTimekeeping in EgyptScience Museum, London11715/hommedia.ashx?id=11715&size=Mediumc. 600 BCEEgypt8541Unknown makermaker88Egypt, Africa, Worldmade88Egypt, Africa, Worldusedoverallbronzeinlayelectrum (gold-silver alloy)Egyptian merkhetwww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/1929-58588EgyptmadeAncient Egyptian astronomer-priests used this instrument for timekeeping at night. They used a sighting stick to align the merkhet with the Pole Star, making a north–south line. Watching certain stars cross this line enabled them to determine the time. The inscription says that this merkhet belonged to a priest called Bes at the Temple of Horus in Upper Egypt. It was donated to the Museum by Howard Carter, the archaeologist who discovered Tutankhamun’s tomb.1987-541PurchasedImproving the calendarScience Museum London11750/hommedia.ashx?id=11750&size=Medium1870Rajasthan, India23416SivaladaSAC23416SivaladaSAC23416SivaladaSAC23416Sivaladamaker106183Ramasimhaowner332Rajasthan, India, Asia, Worldmade5325Bundi, Rajasthan, India, Asia, Worldassociationcopperoverall (hung): 930 mm x 670 mm x 40 mm, 700 mm, 5kg (Est.)overall (hung)Hindu astrolabewww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/1987-541332RajasthanmadeThis is believed to be the largest Hindu astrolabe outside India. Its large size made it more accurate, helping astronomers to gather new star observations and improve their calendars. Previous Hindu calendars had been based on tables of star positions collected by the ancient Greeks. The Sanskrit inscription on this astrolabe explains: ‘All trust in books was abandoned because of the many mistakes in them caused by scribes.’1887-2Colonial and Indian Exhibition (1886)Jaipur’s giant observatoryScience Museum London11708/hommedia.ashx?id=11708&size=Medium1884–86UnknownSolSun26752Jai Singh II, Maharaja of Jaipur, 1686-1743SAC26752Jai Singh II, Maharaja of Jaipur, 1686-1743maker26752Jai Singh II, Maharaja of Jaipur, 1686-1743association23405Jaipur Observatoryassociation1658Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, Asia, Worldmade1658Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, Asia, Worldmade (original)overall (without case): 330 mm x 1440 mm x 1760 mm, 20kg (Est.)overall (without case)1:24 scale model of the zodiacal dials (Rashivalaya Yantra) at the Jaipur Observatory, Indiawww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/1887-21658JaipurmadeThe giant stone observatory at Jaipur was built for accuracy, to help improve the calendar. In 18th-century India people used a combination of the lunar-based Muslim and the solar-based Hindu systems. Both relied on observations made centuries earlier, so became increasingly unreliable. Jaipur’s ruler, Jai Singh II, commissioned the new observatory. This model shows one instrument called the Rashivalaya Yantra, with sundials to track the Sun through each zodiac sign.1918-261 Pt2Mrs Philiss D LeeThe clock of the SunScience Museum, London11717/hommedia.ashx?id=11717&size=Medium1700-99IranSolSunAl AsadLeoAl Jawza'aGemini8541Unknown makermaker25732Lee, Johnowner40Middle East, Worldused82Iran, Asia, Worldmadeoverallwood (unidentified)overall (without case): (he.) 270 mm x 360 mm x 12 mm ( hung)overall (without case)42imaginary flash filehttp://10.100.0.24:81/richmedia/flash/cosmosandculture/Videos/m306Quadrant.flvhow_videohttp://10.100.0.24:81/richmedia/flash/cosmosandculture/Videos/m306Quadrant.xmlIslamic horary quadrantwww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/1918-261 Pt282IranmadeHorary quadrants determine the time from the altitude of the Sun. This Islamic instrument may have been used to calculate prayer times. Highly portable, it can be used from any location on Earth. The lines on the front represent the motion of the Sun across the sky.1903-80PurchasedNight-timeScience Museum, London11791/hommedia.ashx?id=11791&size=Medium1702BristolPolarisAlpha Ursae MinorisPole Star106276Dartnell, E.user106241Yeff, Robertmaker2298Bristol, Bristol, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldmade2298Bristol, Bristol, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldusedoverallbox (wood)overallbrass (copper, zinc alloy)overall: 20 mm x 100 mm x 270 mm, (Est.)overallNocturnalwww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/1903-802298BristolmadeThis nocturnal allows you to tell the time at night. As the Earth turns, the stars appear to move across the sky. Tracking their positions allows you to use the night sky as a giant clock. Set the date on the outer ring and view the Pole Star through the centre hole. Next, turn the long arm until it lines up with certain stars and read the time off the inner dial.1937-599Cambridge ObservatoryPrecision star-trackingScience Museum, London11719/hommedia.ashx?id=11719&size=Medium1832Cambridge97083Troughton and Simmsmaker21562Cambridge Observatoryuser792London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldmade1753Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldusedoverallbrassopticsglassoverallsteeloverall (assembled on stand): 3000 mm x 3000 mm x 1700 mm, 1500kg (Est.)overall (assembled on stand)Cambridge Observatory eight-foot mural circlewww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/1937-599792LondonmadeThe main job of many 19th-century astronomical observatories was making detailed observations to aid timekeeping and navigation. This instrument was used to accurately measure the height of stars crossing the meridian. Combined with readings from other instruments, this gave the star’s precise position. Tracking the motions of stars allowed observatories to keep accurate regulator clocks, which were then used to supply time to other users.1930-262PurchasedSkywatching at seaScience Museum, London11745/hommedia.ashx?id=11745&size=Medium1580-88SpainPolarisAlpha Ursae MinorisPole StarSolSun90398Elkington and Company Limitedmaker131Spain, Europe, Worldmade (original)792London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom, Europe, WorldmadeElectrotype replica of a 16th-century mariner’s astrolabewww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/1930-262792LondonmadeIn the 1500s sailors needed to measure the angle of the Sun or the Pole Star above the horizon to help determine their latitude – not an easy thing to do on a pitching deck. The mariner’s astrolabe has cut-out sections to prevent buffeting from the wind and a heavy brass ring to keep it steady. This replica is based on an original thought to have been on board a ship in the Spanish Armada of 1588.1999-851PurchasedCalculating longitudeScience Museum, London11793/hommedia.ashx?id=11793&size=Medium1880-85ParisLunaMoonSolSun6212Salleron, J.maker5880Hue, Profmaker2419Paris, Ville de Paris, le-de-France, France, Europe, Worldmadeoverallwoodoverallpaperoverallbrassoverall: 30 mm x 440 mm x 450 mm,overallLunar longitude calculatorwww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/1999-8512419ParismadeThis graph enabled sailors in the 1800s to calculate their longitude. First they would measure the angle between the Moon and prominent stars using a sextant. They then needed to do several calculations to work out their longitude – this graph helped to speed up the job. But it was still quite a laborious procedure, so when reliable chronometers were invented they soon became the preferred method of working out longitude.1928-924 Pt2Mr Thomas H CourtLocation, locationScience Museum London11744/hommedia.ashx?id=11744&size=Medium1770-80LondonLunaMoonPolarisAlpha Ursae MinorisPole StarSolSun98222Ramsden, Jessemaker98082Cook, Captain Jamesassociation details792London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldmadeoverallmetal; copper (alloy); brassoverallwood; mahoganyoverallglassoverall (flat): 110 mm x 440 mm x 435 mm, 2.575kgoverall (flat)44imaginary flash filehttp://10.100.0.24:81/richmedia/flash/cosmosandculture/Flashs/m311Sextant.swfhowSextantwww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/1928-924 Pt2792LondonmadeUntil satellite navigation became widespread, this type of instrument was a vital tool for sailors and aviators. It is called a sextant because the metal arc is one-sixth of a circle. Looking through the coloured glass filters, an observer could measure the altitude of bright objects such as the Sun or Moon without risking eye damage. Captain Cook used a sextant similar to this one to navigate around the Pacific islands in the 1770s.A658137Wellcome TrustCasting horoscopesScience Museum London11758/hommedia.ashx?id=11758&size=Medium1800-99Middle East and/or Central Asia8541Unknown makermaker40Middle East, Worldmade40Middle East, Worldused5879Central Asia, Worldmade5879Central Asia, Worldusedbrassoverall: (he.) 3 mm x (dia.) 160 mm, 0.3kgoverallDivination platewww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/A6581375879Central AsiamadeDivination plates such as this one are thought to have been used for casting horoscopes. In the inner ring you can see characters from the zodiac such as Leo the Lion, Taurus the Bull and Libra the Scales. Although this plate features verses from the Qur’an, casting horoscopes is generally discouraged as unlawful in Islamic cultures. We have no evidence on how it was used, so it remains a puzzling and mysterious object.A635141Wellcome TrustAstrology in TibetScience Museum London11757/hommedia.ashx?id=11757&size=MediumUnknownTibet8541Unknown makermaker397Tibet, China, Asia, Worldmade397Tibet, China, Asia, Worldproduction or association role production detailsivoryoverall (flat): ( he.)15 mm x 81 mm x 52 mm,overall (flat)Ivory Buddhist Tibetan talismanwww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/A635141397TibetmadeIn Tibet, small pocket-sized carvings like this one could be carried as a talisman against evil spirits. The design is based on the belly of a tortoise, with a magic square of nine numbers surrounded by the animals of the 12-year cycle, based on Jupiter’s orbit. Each of the tortoise’s four limbs carries a stick with an impaled frog, representing the four soil spirits of the Earth.A681631Wellcome TrustAstrology for kingsScience Museum London9807/hommedia.ashx?id=9807&size=Medium1870-1930England71848Charles Iassociation8541Unknown makermaker8Unknown place, Worldused201England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldmadeframeoakframeglassembroideryclothoverall: 292 mm x 317 mm x 33 mm, 0.82kgoverall45imaginary flash filehttp://10.100.0.24:81/richmedia/flash/cosmosandculture/Flashs/m315Embroidery.swfdetailFramed embroidered illustration of an astrologer/alchemistwww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/A681631201EnglandmadeAstrologers made a lucrative living casting horoscopes for royalty. Kings believed that what happened in the heavens foretold events such as war and famine on Earth. But by the 1600s, astrology’s failure to make accurate predictions caused it to fall from royal favour. This embroidery may be a political joke about the Protestant King Charles I being unduly influenced by his Catholic queen, Henrietta Maria. Although the label mentions the year 1621, many features do not match this period.1902-104Mr G M KeevilSolar System projectorScience Museum London11743/hommedia.ashx?id=11743&size=Medium1838Wales60249Clinton, A.C.designer8Unknown place, Worldmade2710Holywell, Flintshire, Wales, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldusedoverall: 20 mm x 260 mm x 180 mm,overallMechanical lantern slide of the Solar Systemwww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/1902-1048Unknown placemadeThis lantern slide projects the planets onto a wall, and has a geared system to illustrate their motion and relative speeds. A travelling astronomy lecturer called Mr Keevil used it in Holywell in Wales on 3 May 1838, in a dazzling show demonstrating eclipses, the planets and their moons. For this fashionable event gentlemen paid 2 shillings, while ladies only paid 1.1986-1392PurchasedThe first screen starsScience Museum, London11711/hommedia.ashx?id=11711&size=Medium1811-25Unknown8541Unknown makermaker8Unknown place, Worldmade8Unknown place, Worldusedoverall: 100 mm x 435 mm x 7 mm, 0.2kg (Est.)overallMagic lantern slideswww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/1986-13928Unknown placemadeThese slides were used to project colour images of the planets and the Great Comet of 1811. In the early 1800s travelling lecturers astounded their audiences with magic lantern shows. Astronomy was highly fashionable at the time, and lectures were a popular way to learn about the latest ideas.1980-930/6Science MuseumThe greatest show on EarthScience Museum, London11747/hommedia.ashx?id=11747&size=Medium1827Unknown8541Unknown makerprinter106887Bartley, Georgeassociation168Great Britain, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldused201England, United Kingdom, Europe, WorldmadeHandbill for an astronomy lecture by Mr Bartley on 30 March 1827www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/1980-930/6201EnglandmadeHere, Mr George Bartley advertises giant projections of the zodiac and a 40-metre moving model of the Solar System. Bartley was a comedian for most of the year, but when shows stopped during Lent he performed astronomy lectures to supplement his meagre income. Like today’s IMAX films, lectures were a popular way of enjoying science in the early 1800s. Travelling astronomy lecturers tried to wow their audiences with increasingly sophisticated special effects.E2009.44.6Science Museum Library (523.2 CHAMBERS)Patrick Moore's inspirationScience Museum, London11797/hommedia.ashx?id=11797&size=Medium1895London106474Chambers, George Fmaker8Unknown place, Worldused792London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom, Europe, WorldmadeThe Story of the Solar System, by G F Chamberswww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/E2009.44.6792LondonmadeSir Patrick Moore, the UK’s most famous astronomy broadcaster and author, was inspired to learn more about astronomy after reading a copy of this book when he was just 6 years old: ‘It belonged to my mother, who was mildly interested in astronomy. It wasn’t a boy’s book, but my reading was alright; I read the book and was “hooked”. I still have that book. It changed my life.’2009-57PurchasedCover story1995United States15227Time Incorporatedmaker1Worldused50United States, North and Central America, WorldmadeTime magazine ‘When did the universe begin?’ issue, American, 1995www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/2009-5750United StatesmadeWhile much scientific research goes unnoticed, astronomy has featured prominently in the media thanks to the Hubble Space Telescope. Beautiful and inspiring images regularly appear in mainstream newspapers and magazines. Since its launch in 1990, Hubble has taken over half a million exposures of 20,000 celestial objects. The images are originally taken in black and white, with colour added later to enhance detailed features. This data is shared across the internet with over 6000 astronomers worldwide.L2000-4378Prof Stephen HawkingHow Stephen Hawking communicatesScience Museum, London11798/hommedia.ashx?id=11798&size=Medium1985-95Cambridge94937Cambridge Adaptive Communicationmaker6595Hawking, Stephenuser1753Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England, United Kingdom, Europe, WorldmadeCustom-made speech synthesiser for Professor Stephen Hawkingwww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/L2000-43781753CambridgemadeDistinctive and instantly recognisable, the output from this speech synthesizer has enabled Professor Stephen Hawking to share his radical ideas about the universe with both his colleagues and the general public. He has also produced numerous popular books about his theories and has become a household name. As he comments, ‘People are fascinated by the contrast between my very limited physical powers, and the vast nature of the universe I deal with.’E2009.44.8Science Museum Library (523 HAWKING)Astronomy bestsellerScience Museum, London11762/hommedia.ashx?id=11762&size=Medium1988London6595Hawking, Stephenauthor792London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom, Europe, WorldmadeA Brief History of Timewww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/E2009.44.8792LondonmadeStephen Hawking’s trend-setting book has sold over 9 million copies worldwide. The theoretical astrophysicist was frustrated by the lack of books clearly explaining the origin and fate of the universe, and decided to write his own. Its runaway success made him a household name. The book covers complex topics such as quantum mechanics and black holes, but only contains one equation: E = mc2. Hawking’s editor advised him that every equation included in the book would halve its sales.1992-585PurchasedAstronomy in the classroomScience Museum London11752/hommedia.ashx?id=11752&size=Mediumc.1934London4298George Philip and Son Limitedmaker8Unknown place, Worldused792London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldmadeglobeglassfittingsbrass (alloy)standmahoganyoverall: 320 mm x 240 mm x 260 mm, 3kg (Est.)overallThe Astroglobewww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/1992-585792LondonmadeThis teaching aid uses a glass sphere filled with blue liquid to represent the horizon. Adjusting the curved latitude scale and round hour dial underneath sets the stars visible for any particular location on Earth. Stars obscured by the liquid are below the horizon, so they’re not visible at this time and location. The Astroglobe was not a success – expensive to produce and easy to break, it was ill-suited for classroom use.1979-351PurchasedCosmic cardsScience Museum London11705/hommedia.ashx?id=11705&size=Medium1829-31London106730Moon, Francis Grahampublisher106731J and G Pickettengraver8Unknown place, Worldused792London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldmadeoverallcardboardoverallpaperoverall: 35 mm x 70 mm x 100 mm, 0.1kg (Est.)overallAstronomical playing cardswww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/1979-351792LondonmadeThis pack of 52 astronomical playing cards reflects the fashion for educational toys in the early 1800s. The cards are divided into four suits according to the seasons, and contain a mix of planets and constellations. Changing the order of the planets generates a number of different games. The instruction book implies the game was designed for learning: ‘It requires silence, attention and the exercise of memory.’2009-13Purchased. MONOPOLY®, ™ & ©2001 Hasbro. All Rights Reserved.A universal game2001USA107316USAopolymaker50United States, North and Central America, Worldmadeoverallcardboardoverallpaperoverallzinc (metal)overall (box): 40 mm x 510 mm x 255 mm, 1.3kg; playing board: 3 mm x 490 mm x 490 mm,playing boardoverall (box): 40 mm x 510 mm x 255 mm, 1.3kg; playing board: 3 mm x 490 mm x 490 mm,overall (box)MONOPOLY®: Astronomy Editionwww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/2009-1350United StatesmadeThis is an astronomy version of the famous property game. Choose from a pewter sunlounger, binoculars or space telescope to make your way around the board. Take a risk and purchase a comet, planet or galaxy. If you are lucky enough to accumulate rent you can install telescope sheds and larger observatories. But be careful – causing light pollution will land you a $200 fine.1936-53Miss E DixonWorld in miniatureScience Museum London11807/hommedia.ashx?id=11807&size=Medium1824London99951Bleuler, Johnmaker8Unknown place, Worldused1289City of London, London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldmadeglobecardglobe & casepapercasefish-skincase: 85 mm; globe: 3 in.; 76.2 mmglobecase: 85 mm; globe: 3 in.; 76.2 mmcase48imaginary flash filehttp://10.100.0.24:81/richmedia/flash/cosmosandculture/Videos/m326PocketGlobe.flvdetail_videohttp://10.100.0.24:81/richmedia/flash/cosmosandculture/Videos/m326PocketGlobe.xmlPocket terrestrial and celestial globewww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/1936-531289City of LondonmadeThis miniature Earth globe comes with a spherical fish-skin case. The inside of the case shows how the constellations would appear in the night sky. Globes like this were popular accessories in the 1700s and 1800s. Some of the Earth globes showed the routes of famous explorers such as Captain Cook.2000-1230PurchasedThe comet fan clubScience Museum London11707/hommedia.ashx?id=11707&size=Medium1811-15France8541Unknown makermaker8Unknown place, Worldused135France, Europe, Worldmadeoverallpaperoverallrosewoodoverall (open): 10 mm x 360 mm x 220 mm (flat)overall (open)French folding fan with a satirical scene of the comet of 1811www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/2000-1230135FrancemadeThis fan was inspired by the Great Comet of 1811. The centre scene shows a seated lady with a comet-like headdress representing Venus, while spectators view the comet outside. The inscription says ‘today’s craze – Venus, or the pretend comet’. In America the spectacular comet was blamed for a devastating earthquake, while French wine-makers claimed it produced a particularly fine vintage.L2009-4038Peter Bealo and familyTulip or telescope?Science Museum, London11765/hommedia.ashx?id=11765&size=Medium1920sSpringfield, Vermont, United States106440Jones and Lamson Machine Companymaker106443Porter, Russell Williamsdesigner106438Bealo, Peteruser106438Bealo, Peterowner246Connecticut, United States, North and Central America, Worldused (school)36302Plaistow, Rockingham county, New Hampshire, United States, North and Central America, Worldused (Peter Bealo)overallbronze (copper, tin alloy)overallglassoverall: 1800 mm x 900 mm dia. (Est.)overallPorter Garden Telescopewww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/L2009-4038This bronze flower sculpture, now green with age, is also a fully functional reflecting telescope. The main mirror rests in a bowl of lotus leaves, while the observer looks through the eyepiece at the top of the stem. This is one of only 13 original Garden Telescopes known to have survived. The mirror is a later replacement – the telescope optics were designed to be removable for indoor storage, and the original was lost.1987-528/8PurchasedStowaway spyglassScience Museum, London11712/hommedia.ashx?id=11712&size=Medium1960-75Luton, England56509Dall-Kirkhamassociation details9980Dall, Horace Edwardmaker6South America, Worldused201England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldused2728Luton, Luton, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldmadeoverallmetal49imaginary flash filehttp://10.100.0.24:81/richmedia/flash/cosmosandculture/Videos/m329Dall.flvpeople_videohttp://10.100.0.24:81/richmedia/flash/cosmosandculture/Videos/m329Dall.xmlFolding telescope designed by Horace Dallwww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/1987-528/82728LutonmadeThis unusual reflecting telescope folds up and comes apart so that it can be stored in a small pouch. It was built by Horace Dall, a noted amateur astronomer and inventor. Dall travelled around the world with this telescope.L2009-4027Phil ShepherdsonDo it yourselfScience Museum London11788/hommedia.ashx?id=11788&size=Medium1968Yorkshire106178Shepherdson, Philmaker106178Shepherdson, Philuser106178Shepherdson, Philowner472Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldmade472Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldused50imaginary flash filehttp://10.100.0.24:81/richmedia/flash/cosmosandculture/Videos/m330Phil.flvpeople_videohttp://10.100.0.24:81/richmedia/flash/cosmosandculture/Videos/m330Phil.xmlPhil Shepherdson’s home-made nine-inch reflecting telescopewww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/L2009-4027472YorkshiremadeWhen 18-year-old Phil Shepherdson wanted a good telescope he decided to make one himself. Take a closer look at the tube – it is made of everyday items such as baked bean cans and wire coat hangers. Phil’s biggest challenge was making an astronomical-quality mirror. It took months of hard graft and experiment, but he managed to hand-polish a glass blank into an accurate reflecting surface. The finished telescope gave him ‘breathtaking’ views of the Moon and Jupiter.1999-1011Michael J ClarkViewing the 1927 eclipseScience Museum, London11713/hommedia.ashx?id=11713&size=Mediumc. 1927Britain106786Croisdalesupplier8541Unknown makermaker8Unknown place, Worldmade133United Kingdom, Europe, Worldassociated2347Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldsupplieroverallcardenvelopepaperfilmplasticoverall (case): 3 mm x 140 mm x 80 mm,; overall (viewer): 2 mm x 120 mm x 60 mm,overall (viewer)overall (case): 3 mm x 140 mm x 80 mm,; overall (viewer): 2 mm x 120 mm x 60 mm,overall (case)51imaginary flash filehttp://10.100.0.24:81/richmedia/flash/cosmosandculture/Videos/m331Eclipse.flvpeople_videohttp://10.100.0.24:81/richmedia/flash/cosmosandculture/Videos/m331Eclipse.xmlEcliptoglass eclipse viewerwww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/1999-10118Unknown placemadeThe best views of the 1927 solar eclipse were in the north of England. There were advertisement hoardings, special postage stamps and extra trains to Yorkshire. This eclipse viewer was purchased from Croisdale’s in Leeds (note the stamped address) and used by Frederick Irving and his parents.1999-1176Mr K L JohnsonLast eclipse of the centuryScience Museum, London11714/hommedia.ashx?id=11714&size=Medium1999Guernsey6867Eclipse 99 Limitedsupplier133United Kingdom, Europe, Worldused163Guernsey, Channel Islands, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldmademountcardfilterplasticoverall (open): 50 x 150 x 130 mmoverall (open)1999 eclipse viewerwww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/1999-1176163GuernseymadePeople watching the 1999 solar eclipse could shield their eyes with a truly scientific design. This viewer’s ‘lenses’ comprised aluminised Mylar film and were set into a cardboard mount. It came free with the Royal Greenwich Observatory’s ‘Guide to the 1999 Total Eclipse of the Sun'.1999-1221PurchasedCleaning up after the eclipseScience Museum London11753/hommedia.ashx?id=11753&size=Mediumc.1999Britain8541Unknown makermaker168Great Britain, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldused201England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldmadeoverallcottonoverall: (he.) 750 mm x 470 mmoverall1999 Eclipse tea towelwww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/1999-1221201EnglandmadeThis fetching tea towel is one of many commemorative souvenirs that could be purchased in celebration of the 1999 solar eclipse. It shows clearly the passage of totality over Cornwall and the tip of France.1999-1223PurchasedHave a lovely (dark) timeScience Museum, London11802/hommedia.ashx?id=11802&size=Medium1999Britain7421Headland Printers Limitedprinter106882Peters, Ashleysupplier168Great Britain, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldused1301Penzance, Cornwall, England, United Kingdom, Europe, Worldmadeoverallcardoverall: (he.) 105 mm x 150 mmoverall1999 Eclipse postcardwww.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/1999-12231301PenzancemadeThe 1999 solar eclipse drew large numbers of visitors to Cornwall in the southwest tip of England. This is one of many postcard designs produced for people to post to friends and family, or to keep as souvenirs.A39028Wellcome TrustScience Museum, London11634/hommedia.ashx?id=11634&size=Medium60239Wu, the Horsedepicted8541Unknown makermaker61China, Asia, Worldused61China, Asia, Worldmade (original)potterywoodoverall: 234 mm x 56 mm x 67 mm,overallCasts of Chinese zodiac figures (Tang dynasty)www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/A39028These figures depict the ox, dragon, horse and rooster of the Chinese zodiac. Each year in the calendar’s 12-year cycle, based on the orbit of Jupiter, is associated with a different animal. According to traditional belief, your character is influenced by the animal of your birth year. Each animal is also associated with months and days, and can be used for fortune-telling. Images of the animal cycle, perhaps intended to help the deceased in the afterlife, have been found in tombs in China dating back to the 524CE.A657792Wellcome TrustScience Museum, London11634/hommedia.ashx?id=11634&size=Medium49802Ch'endepicted8541Unknown makermaker61China, Asia, Worldmade61China, Asia, Worldusedpotterywoodoverall: 230 mm x 64 mm x 52 mm,overallCasts of Chinese zodiac figures (Tang dynasty)www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/A65779261ChinamadeThese figures depict the ox, dragon, horse and rooster of the Chinese zodiac. Each year in the calendar’s 12-year cycle, based on the orbit of Jupiter, is associated with a different animal. According to traditional belief, your character is influenced by the animal of your birth year. Each animal is also associated with months and days, and can be used for fortune-telling. Images of the animal cycle, perhaps intended to help the deceased in the afterlife, have been found in tombs in China dating back to the 524CE.A657793Wellcome TrustScience Museum, London11634/hommedia.ashx?id=11634&size=Medium49037Yuassociation details8541Unknown makermaker61China, Asia, Worldmade61China, Asia, Worldusedpotterywoodoverall: 233 mm x 63 mm x 46 mm,overallCasts of Chinese zodiac figures (Tang dynasty)www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/A65779361ChinamadeThese figures depict the ox, dragon, horse and rooster of the Chinese zodiac. Each year in the calendar’s 12-year cycle, based on the orbit of Jupiter, is associated with a different animal. According to traditional belief, your character is influenced by the animal of your birth year. Each animal is also associated with months and days, and can be used for fortune-telling. Images of the animal cycle, perhaps intended to help the deceased in the afterlife, have been found in tombs in China dating back to the 524CE.A658110Wellcome TrustScience Museum, London11634/hommedia.ashx?id=11634&size=Medium53374Chouassociation details8541Unknown makermaker61China, Asia, Worldmade61China, Asia, WorldusedpotterywoodCasts of Chinese zodiac figures (Tang dynasty)www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objectapi/cosmosculturepublic.svc/MuseumObjects/AccessionNumber/A65811061ChinamadeThese figures depict the ox, dragon, horse and rooster of the Chinese zodiac. Each year in the calendar’s 12-year cycle, based on the orbit of Jupiter, is associated with a different animal. According to traditional belief, your character is influenced by the animal of your birth year. Each animal is also associated with months and days, and can be used for fortune-telling. Images of the animal cycle, perhaps intended to help the deceased in the afterlife, have been found in tombs in China dating back to the 524CE.