Globe

Globes: A Spherical Journey Through Time and Space

Imagine holding the world in your hands—literally! That’s what a globe is all about. It’s more than just a toy; it’s a miniature representation of our planet, or even the cosmos itself. But have you ever wondered why globes are so special? Let’s dive into this fascinating subject and explore their history and significance.

The Basics: What Is a Globe?

A globe is a spherical model of Earth or a celestial body, serving purposes similar to maps but without the distortions that come with flat surfaces. Unlike maps, which can only show one perspective at a time, globes give you an all-encompassing view of our planet or the universe.

Types of Globes: Terrestrial and Celestial

Globes come in two main types: terrestrial (Earth) and celestial spheres. A terrestrial globe is like a map that wraps around a sphere, showing landmasses, water bodies, nations, cities, latitude and longitude lines, and sometimes even raised relief for mountains. Think of it as a 3D atlas! On the other hand, a celestial globe shows stars, constellations, and astronomical objects, giving you a glimpse into the night sky.

A Historical Journey Through Globes

The word ‘globe’ comes from Latin, and its history is as rich as the stories it tells. The first known mention of a globe dates back to 150 BC in Strabo’s description of Crates’ Globe. Fast forward to 1492, when the oldest surviving terrestrial globe, the Erdapfel, was created. And let’s not forget the Farnese Atlas from the 2nd century Roman Empire, which still sits proudly atop its celestial sphere.

Standard Features and Innovations

Globes have many standard features, such as showing north at the top. Some globes even allow for axis swiveling to view southern portions, helping us explore our planet from different orientations. This capability is crucial in counteracting the ‘north-up bias’ that conventional map presentation can create.

From Ancient Times to Modern Innovations

The sphericity of Earth was established by Greek astronomy in the 3rd century BC, and the earliest terrestrial globe appeared from that period. Early globes depicting the entirety of the Old World were constructed in the Islamic world, with the first known example being the Farnese Atlas. The Erdapfel, made in 1492 by Martin Behaim, is considered the oldest surviving terrestrial globe.

China also made significant advancements but did not create terrestrial globes until 1276 when a Persian astronomer introduced one. Other notable early globes include the Hunt–Lenox Globe from around 1510 and the facsimile globe showing America by Martin Waldseemüller in 1507.

Modern Globes: From Space to Earth

While traditional globes were made by gluing paper maps to wooden spheres or printing flat disks that were molded into hemispherical shapes, modern globes are often made from thermoplastic and usually have a rotation axis of 23.5° to visualize seasonal changes.

Status Symbols and Educational Tools

Small pocket globes in the 1800s were status symbols, while larger ones became educational tools. Examples include the Unisphere in New York (37m diameter), Wyld’s Great Globe in London (18.39m diameter), Eartha in Yarmouth, Maine (12m diameter), and The P-I Globe in Seattle (30ft diameter). Crafted from Portland stone, it spans about 3 meters (10 ft) in diameter.

Conclusion

Globes are more than just tools for navigation or education; they are windows to our world and the universe. From ancient times to modern innovations, globes have played a significant role in shaping our understanding of geography and astronomy. So next time you hold one, remember that it’s not just a toy—it’s a piece of history and a journey through space and time.