Andreas Cellarius — Harmonia Macrocosmica (1660)

A detailed hand-colored celestial chart from the 17th century, likely by Andreas Cellarius. The central feature is a large circular diagram representing the celestial sphere in a planar projection. The sphere is defined by major astronomical circles: the Equator (labeled in Latin and Greek), the Ecliptic or Zodiac, the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, and the Arctic and Antarctic circles. Vertical and horizontal axes represent the celestial colures and the axis of the sphere. The diagram is densely annotated with astronomical terms describing coordinate systems such as latitude, longitude, and ascension. The surrounding frame is ornately decorated with clouds and eight cherubs (putti). At the top, two ornate pink banners contain the descriptive title. At the bottom, two female figures in classical dress sit holding smaller celestial diagrams. The chart uses a palette of pink, yellow, and blue.

PRIMARY MERIDIAN WHICH PASSES THROUGH THE ZENITH OF THE FORTUNATE ISLES Canary Islands

EQUINOCTIAL COLURE

AXIS OF THE SPHERE

SOLSTITIAL COLURE

Difference of longitude of these cities
Difference of latitude of two cities

Mediatio Coeli Right ascension or the point on the ecliptic culminating

Difference of Longitude
Difference of latitude
Right ascension


Longitude of this Star
Latitude of the Star
Star star symbol having Northern Latitude


Star star symbol having Northern Latitude


Difference of Latitude
Difference of Longitude


Star star symbol having Southern Latitude


Right ascension