Credit: © The Royal Society
Image number: RS.10254
Looking for a special gift? Buy a print of this image.
Equatorial sextant at the Royal Observatory, Greenwich
Date
1676
Creator
Francis Place (1647 - 1728, British) , Painter
After
Robert Thacker (British) , Draftsman
Object type
Library reference
Tracts/X32/4
Material
Technique
Dimensions
height (print): 230mm
width (print): 350mm
width (print): 350mm
Subject
Content object
Description
Exterior scene showing a rear view of the 7 foot equatorial sextant with a telescopic sight designed for the old Royal Observatory by John Flamsteed (1646-1719) the first Astronomer Royal. The instrument is on an observing platform upon which can be seen stepladders and a lantern.
Plate 4 (right half detail) from Ichnographia speculae Regiae Grenovici exquisite facta (London, 1676) a series of engravings commissioned by Sir Jonas Moore, the leading force in the construction and equipping of the original Royal Greenwich Observatory. The plate bears the inscription: “Fanis Sextantis Posterior 7 ped: Rad:.”
Sir Jonas Moore (1617-1679) mathematician and patron of astronomy was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1674.
Plate 4 (right half detail) from Ichnographia speculae Regiae Grenovici exquisite facta (London, 1676) a series of engravings commissioned by Sir Jonas Moore, the leading force in the construction and equipping of the original Royal Greenwich Observatory. The plate bears the inscription: “Fanis Sextantis Posterior 7 ped: Rad:.”
Sir Jonas Moore (1617-1679) mathematician and patron of astronomy was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1674.
Associated place