Armillary Spheres

So that's what they're called!

People are half right to call armillary spheres sundials-which means they're also half wrong.  Like sundials, armillary spheres use the angle of the sun to tell time.  They just do it with a bit more pizzazz.

Modeling the celestial sphere

Some armillary spheres are elegantly complex, but two points are common to all designs.  Every armillary has a stand and a celestial sphere.  Inside the sphere are interlocking rings holding the gnomon-the pointy part that casts a shadow on the face to measure time.

Lost in antiquity

Although no one person has been confirmed as the father of armillary spheres, history points to two contenders:

Anaximander:  Greek philosopher and mathematical genius (611-547 BC).

Hipparchus:  Greek astronomer and original Rhodes Scholar (190-120 BC).

Who, if either, was the first to construct an armillary sphere, history may never tell.  In any case, the great invention came of age a thousand years after its birth.  Throughout the Dark Ages, armillary spheres were improved, enhanced, and became an essential tool for observing the heavens.

Sit for a portrait

The armillary sphere was one of the first complex mechanical devices ever devised.  It was so popular during the Renaissance that scientists and sophisticates had armillary spheres included in their portraits.  Look for them in museum paintings.

Where are they now?

An armillary sphere can be hard to find, though they do turn up in parks or personal gardens.  In our yards, armillary spheres are interesting features certain to draw curiosity and commentary.  Several styles and sizes are available, from simple models costing around $30, up to extravagant wrought iron spectacles costing $1000.

Every yard and garden can be enhanced a beautiful armillary sphere.  An incredible combination of art, science, and history make armillary spheres unique additions to a variety of landscapes.

More information on sundials