This vintage, illuminated lunar globe was published in GDR-era Leipzig by VEB Rathgloben-Verlag. It presents a remarkably detailed view of the Moon's surface, identifying craters, mountains, and maria. Lunar features are named according to the International Astronomical Union's official nomenclature. The depths of major craters, and heights of major mountains, are noted in meters. The maria are colored a striking blue-gray, and red is used to indicate landing or crash sites for various spacecrafts, including the Soviet Luna program, and the American Apollo, Orbiter, Ranger, and Surveyor programs.

The title cartouche is located along the shore of Oceanus Procellarum. It credits the editorial, cartography, and offset printing to VEB Hermann Haack, Geographisch-Kartographische Anstalt (Gotha/Leipzig), a successor to the great German publishing house Justus Perthes. Hellmuth Wolf is credited as editor, engineer, and cartographer.

The globe measures 13" (33 cm) in diameter. Scale is 1:10,500,000. It features an internal light, activated by an in-line cord switch on the 2-pin European plug. The bulb on this example still functions - impressive for a globe that is nearly 50 years old! The globe rests on an original wooden base and is supported by a metal half-meridian ring.

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Condition: B+

An attractive and functioning globe with clean gores. The globe surface is very good except for a narrow 2.5" scratch extending from Mare Tranquillitatis to Mare Crisium. Base and meridian are near fine. The internal light bulb still works (see images).