An Improved Apparatus for Displaying Astronomical Phenomena of the Solar System.
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application, 7th July, 1899 -Accepted, 20th Jan., 1900
An Improved Apparatus for Displaying Astronomical Phenomena of
the Solar System.
I, WILLIAM HENRY ADAMS, of 64, Parma Crescent, Lavender Hill, London,, S.W.,
Gentleman, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner
the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and
by the following statement:—
The invention consists of an improved apparatus for displaying astronomical
phenomena of the solar system:
By means of this apparatus the principles of astronomy and the nature and
causes of the plienomena and functions of the solar system and its individual
members can be more easily and successfully demonstrated or taught by one
apparatus and not as heretofore by means of many diagrams and' instruments.
The apparatus may be conveniently described in two. sections (a) the fixed
and (b). the moveable..
(a) The fixed portion. This consists of a plane surface (hereinafter called
"the surface") which can be placed on a table or other support and which is
formed from a piece of wood of convenient thickness circular in form upon which
either with or without a covering affixed of linoleum cardboard canvas or paper
are drawn the degrees of right ascension radiating from the centre and having
the Equinoctial and Solstitial Colures emphasised, the whole being numbered
on the orbit of the earth and named and displayed as in star-maps-as shewn
on Sheet 1.
Upon the surface so marked are produced the orbits of the planets the centre of
the surface being treated as the position of the sun. These are drawn to scale
so far as the size of apparatus adopted will allow but in small sizes the orbits of
the outer planets will be placed near the edge in relative positions only and this
without interfering with the value or effect of the apparatus. The position
of the Zone of Asteroids will be shewn approximately in one orbit illustrative
of the whole.
Upon each orbit the position of the ascending and descending nodes the points
of aphelion and perihelion and the names and signs of the planet will be distinctly
shewn.
Upon the surface within the orbit of Mercury. the degrees of right ascension
equal to the position of the 12 signs of the Zodiac will be colored with varying
colours the four signs which illustrate Keplers law of planetary motion being
colored alike.
The Zodiac is shewn within the orbit of the earth its 12 signs being named
and signed on a band of distinctive colors for each sign corresponding with those
used within the orbit of Mercury.
Adjoining the outer edge of the Zodiacal Band is displayed upon another band
1

page_text: the days and months of the year-each month being treated as consisting of
80 days. The colors used should correspond with those already used and so
placed (as to dates also) that the Vernal Equinox is in its true position.
Embracing the orbit of the earth is produced the planetary aquare-whose
sides shall coincide with those portions of the orbit as are upon the Equinoctial
and Solstitial Colures.
A planetary-square is produced around the orbit of Mars its sides in each case
coinciding with the parts of the orbits as are near the ascending and descending
nodes and the points of aphelion and perihelion.
The 32 points of the compass are shown around the outer edge of the surface,
the North point being set on the 90th degree of right ascension.
(b) The moveable portions of the apparatus are as follows:-
1st set of models of the sun and planets (other than the earth)-each consists
of a globe (as shown on Sheet 2 Fig. 1) of celluloid wood or other material so
placed upon a wire or rod that it can rotate and move up and down (Sheet 2
Fig. 1). They can if made suitably be illuminated from within if desired.
The wire or rod is vertically fixed upon the angle of a square base (Sheet 2
Fig. 1) or support weighted to balance. In height the wire or rod should not
exceed the height of the equatorial rod from the surface. In the models of Mars
and Saturn the rod or wire should be jointed at or near the base (as in Sheet 2
Fig. 2) in order to give the proper inclination of the axis of the planet. The
globes are distinctively colored (one hemisphere light and the other dark) and
also chewing the known markings of each approximately and having the respective
satellites and appendages properly attached but it may be found convenient in
smaller sizes to omit the satellites and appendages. Each base should have
upon it the sign of the planet represented.
2nd set of models. These are made as before but the height of the vertical
wire or rod is twice as great as in the first set and they should be so placed on a
circular base Fig. 2b as to rotate upon the wire or rod and move up and down it
Fig. 2 If convenient the 2nd set of models of Uranus and Neptune can be
omitted and in lieu thereof a second small representation of cach can be placed
upon those in No. 1 set by means of a sliding tube and a bent arm bearing the
second representation. In this second set the model of the sun should be pierced
on the under part of the base to permit its being placed upon the centre pin
hereafter mentioned. Each should bear a pointer upon the base as in Fig. 2
1st model of the earth. This should be a globe of material upon a jointed
wire or rod as the other models before mentioned and placed in the centre of a
circular weighted base. The globe should not be colored but should be marked
with the Equator Ecliptic and Colures.. Upon the upper side of the circular base
are shewn the 12 signs of the Zodiac colored as on the surface. Each marked
with its distinctive sign and name.
Across the base upon the line of the Solstitial Colure is fixed a wire pointer
projecting one to two inches over each edge of the base with an arrow head
pointing North.
2nd model of the earth. This consists of a terrestrial globe of any convenient
size supported upon a jointed axis (Sheet 2 Fig. 3) inclined as is the earth's
axis made and placed upon a circular base (Sheet 2 Fig. 3b) carrying a bead in
the centre and a pointer and weighted to balance so that the globe rotates
upon the axis in such manner that an imaginary line drawn through the globe.
at the uppermost point of Arctic Circle produced at the opposite point of the
Antarctic Circle will reach the centre of the base.
The Polar regions within the Arctic and Antarctic Circles are colored distinc-
tively white and red.
The base is divided into sections by the Colures properly marked. Upon the
upper projecting portion of the axis being the North Pole is fixed an arm (Sheet 2
Fig. 3) extending 234 degrees from the North Pole and bearing upon its outer
extremity à divider or Fig. 3 circle of metal of convenient breadth hung upon

page_text: a pivot vertically to surround the globe and divide it into two equal parts. One
side of the divider is brightened and the other colored black. An aperture in
the divider must be made to permit it to pass the supporting axis and make a
complete revolution and an incision made in the uppermost portion. Upon the
outer edge of the base and affixed to it by 4 wires or rods of unequal length is
placed horizontally an ellipsoidal flange (Sheet 2 Fig. 3) or ring of metal
representing the orbit of the moon around the earth proportional in size to the
size of the globe, used for the earth. Upon this flange is displayed in proper
order the signs of the Zodiac and divided and numbered into 30 parts repre-
senting 30 days-as partly indicated in the drawing.
3rd model of the earth.-Made as described for No. 2 except that its axis is
placed vertically so that the globe rotates upon the centre support. Through
the Equator of this model at the Equinoctial Colure is placed horizontally the
equatorial rod being a stout wire or rod sufficiently long to be carried over the
Ecliptic Circle hereafter described to reach the outer circle on the surface. Each
extremity of this wire carries a flange or wing of metal fixed upon it vertically.
upwards. At right angles to the equatorial rod is a pointer reaching over and
inclined towards the hour circle hereafter mentioned. The base of this model
is circular and has the Colures displayed as in No. 2. Resting upon the base
on the centre support and below the globe is a model of the sun. The base is
pierced in the centre to rotate upon the centre pin and should have a moveable
pin to place through a hole made in the base and surface to prevent rotation
when desired..
Model of the moon. This should be made as the models. in the first set but
its base should be crescent shaped to enable it to be moved around the earth..
Centre pin. In the centre of the surface is placed a moveable pin upon which
the models can be placed to rotate as need requires.
Hour circle. A flat ring or circle of metal is made of a size sufficient to bo
placed horizontally round the outer edge of the 2nd model of the earth upon
which is marked the 24 hours of the day in two sets from 1 to 12 each.
Ecliptic Circle.-At each intersection of the orbit of the earth with the Equinoc-
tial Colure is a moveable support of a tubular form placed vertically to receive
the Ecliptic circle which is a circle of stout wire equal in extent with the orbit
of the earth having upon its under side pins or other projections to insert in the
tubular supports.
Zodiacal constellations.-Around the outer edge of the surface are displayed
as occasion requires representations of the zodiacal constellations formed by
means of wires and beads representing the principal stars of them properly placed
in relation to each other, and each constellation being affixed by means of a
vertical wire or rod of sufficient height to represent the proportionate altitude
of the constellations.
ii
Orbital loops. To display the apparent looped paths of Mare, Jupiter and
Saturn when in opposition there is for each planet a set of loops of the known
form constructed of wire upon a vertical support and weighted base upon which
looped wire is placed a moveable bead or globe representing the planet in
question.
Transit orbit Upon a base of the kind already described weighted for balance
is placed upon its outer edge a short vertical standard or rod upon which is placed
an outer tubular standard of slightly greater height capable of being moved up
and down upon the inner standard or rod. Upon the top of the moveable tubular
standard is fixed at right angles and projecting on either side a carrying tube
through which is placed a wire carrying a globe or bead. The ends of this
wire are afterwards joined into an ellipse equal in extent to the orbit of Mercury
as displayed upon the surface. This is so placed in the carrying tube that the
inclination of the wire ellipse to the surface can be varied. The globe or bead
is colored light on the inner hemisphere and dark on the outer.
:
This apparatus will be used in shewing the transits of Mercury and can-
n-be

page_text: equally well applied in shewing the transits of Venus but if so desired a separate
transit orbit can be made for Venus in the manner described except that the
wire ellipse must correspond in form with the orbit of Venus in shape and
extent.
Eclipse phenomena. For displaying the eclipse phenomena the apparatus
required is as follows: For the eclipses of the sun an additional model of the
moon on a jointed axis and weighted base as the models described in the 1st set.
Around the hemisphere of the moon which will be directed from the sun is
fastened' a cone of metal (the base around the model) the apex of which is cut
off. A moveable point to complete the apex is however made to place upon and
complete in conical form the fixed cone as occasion requires. This fixed cone
represents the umbra.
Around the same portion of the hemisphere and capable of being placed over
the cone already described is a truncated cone of wire gauze or similar open
material having its base directed outwards equal in extent to the fixed cone
without the moveable point. This truncated cone represents the penumbra.
For shewing eclipse phenomena of the moon a wire support upon a weighted base
is made upon which is placed a tubular standard (capable of being raised or
lowered) upon which is fixed a circle of wire gauze-representing the penumbra
having in its centre a smaller circle of thicker gauze representing the umbra.
Sunspot rotation. An additional model of the sun made in the same manner
as that described in the 1st set of models but in addition its standard being
jointed at the base to give the inclination of the suns axis. Upon the globe
sliould be marked strongly the position of the suns equator and upon the appro-
priate portions of the globe should be placed a convenient number of representa-
tions of sunspots as actually observed from time to time or occupying positions
as heretofore observed and recorded.
Planetary squares. The planetary square of the earth is as before described
placed at the points of coincidence of the orbit with the Equinoctial and Solstitial
Colures. If it is desired to have it placed with extreme accuracy it should coincide
with the points of aphelion and perihelion and the accending and descending
nodes respectively but the system I have adopted is equally efficacious and renders
the display of the phenomena more easily. In like manner the planetary square
of Mars is placed near instead of on the correct points on its orbit above referred
to for the reason and with the result also stated above. The planetary square
of the earth will serve for the orbit of Saturn also. The planetary squares are
devised so as to correctly display the phenomena of the seasons on the respective
planets to whose orbits they refer and in the case of Saturn the varying position
and visibility of his rings (care being had to use for this purpose a model bearing
those appendages). To display these phenomena the model of the planet used is
placed upon its orbit in correct position and its pole properly inclined and having
the pointer arrowhead always directed towards the North point of the compass
(shewn on the outer edge of the surface).
The succession of movements of the model around the orbit equal to the periods
of time requisite to shew the various seasons will be found to necessitate the
careful adjustment of the pointer so that it describes a right angle to one side
of the planetary square and is parallel to the succeeding side of the square, this
is necessary in order that the true portion of the planets surface may be directed
towards the sun continuously, and cannot be produced except by use of the
planetary square. The same movements of the model of Saturn referred to the
planetary square of the earth will shew the varying positions and visibility
of the rings as well as the seasons of that planet care being taken that its axis is
kept properly inclined to the south.
Generally. Where no indication is given of size or distance it is to be assumed
that the sizes or distances are to be suitable to the scale of the apparatus used
and there will be no difficulty in arriving at any of the positions dimensions or

page_text: forms inasmuch as the same are well known and can be seen froin any elementary
work on astronomy.
For the purpose of a large scale apparatus for use in the open air or a large
hall the same results can be arrived at without a continuous surface. drawn in
the manner described by using circles of webbing canvas or similar material
for the orbits of the planets the squares and other markings but the Equinoctial
and Solstitial Colures and the degrees of right ascension should be respectively
shewn upon the orbital circles:
Such models with their appendages or apparatus as occasion requires are placed
in proper position upon the surface and operated by hand to display-the-phenome-
non or series of phenomena to be demonstrated according to their known move-
ments and effects.
The advantages claimed for the novelties improvements and apparatus above
described are chiefly (a) the use of one set of apparatus for displaying practically
the whole range of astronomical phenomena whereas heretofore nearly every
separate phenomena has been illustrated by a separate instrument diagram and
apparatus (b). The avoidance of intricate mechanism and clockwork as a means
of moving the models and the possibility of the demonstration being made by
the teacher or exponent with the aid and assistance of the pupils or persons to
whom the illustrations are given being therefore most valuable as an adjunct
to education (c) The illustration of phenomena not heretofore the subject of
actual demonstration by means of moveable apparatus such as (1) the geocentric
and heliocentric variations in the real and apparent position of planets (2) the
illustration of the causes of the apparent looped paths of the planets with their
apparent retrograde and other movements shewn in comparison with their actual
forward continuous movement upon their orbits (3) The demonstration of eclipse
phenomena upon a terrestrial globe whereby the actual path of an eclipse of the
sun upon the earth is shewn in all its features (4) The illustration (by means
of the 2nd model of the earth and its appendages) of the seasons
day and night and variation of time throughout the world (5).
The demonstration (by means of the 3rd model of the earth and the model of
the moon) of the phases of the lunations and the apogee and perigee of the
moon (6) The transits of Mercury and Venus. (7) The phenomena of sunspot
rotation (8). The occultation of stars by the moon and the varying positions of
the planets in and near the zodiacal constellations (9) The seasons of Mars and
Saturn and the varying position and visibility of the rings of Saturn (d) The
cost of such an apparatus as is hereinbefore described will be very much less than
has to be paid for modern orreries and similar instruments which do not shew a
title of the phenomena displayed with ease by my apparatus which latter is in
consequence far more valuable and will be within the reach of many more
persons or bodies and capable of extending greatly the knowledge of and interest
in the phenomena referred to and astronomical science generally-(e) By the
use of an ephemeris of the planetary movements such as can be found in the
Nautical and other almanacs the apparatus can be effectively used without delay
by a person acquainted with the elementary principles of astronomy and a person
not so acquainted can quickly and easily acquire the knowledge required to do so.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what
I claim is the following novelties and improvements:-
(1.) The delineation and use of the planetary squares.
(2.) The separate moveable model representations of the sun and planetary
bodies with thoir various appendages as herein before described.
(3.) The appendages of the 2nd model of the earth and the hour circle used
therewith as hereinbefore described.
(4.) The ecliptic circle and the equatorial rod and appendages used in connection
with the 3rd model of the earth as hereinbefore described.

page_text: (5) The moveable zodiacal constellations.
(6.) The orbital loops and transit orbit as herein before described.
The apparatus for displaying the eclipse phenomena of the sun and moon
as hereinbefore described.
18 The sunsnot rotation apparatus.