Catalog Archive
Auction 127, Lot 54

"Comet Melcher Anno 1680 und 1681 beobachtet worden", Zahn, Johannes

Subject: Celestial

Period: 1696 (published)

Publication: Speculae Plysico-Mathematico Historicaeā€¦

Color: Black & White

Size:
12.3 x 7.5 inches
31.2 x 19.1 cm
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This unusual copper engraved chart depicts the Great Comet of 1680 showing its movements though the heavens. Its relative location for approximately 50 days as it moved through the constellations and planets of the Northern Hemisphere is detailed. The extent and direction of the tail are shown for about 20 of those days. It also shows the Tropic of Cancer, the Equator and the planetary ellipse. Edmund Halley observed this comet at the young age of 24, which inspired him to devote much of his life to studying and developing theories on them.

References:

Condition: A+

Estimate: $160 - $200

Sold for: $160

Closed on 2/25/2009

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