Best Celestial Globes in the World
by Mark Jeffery, globemaker at goodwoodglobes
Traditionally, globemakers have offered matching pairs of globes, one terrestrial, showing the continents and the oceans here on Earth, the other celestial, showing the stars in the sky. Today, many globemakers offer celestial globes, often with elaborate depictions of the constellations.
Here’s a curated collection of the best celestial globes you can buy from around the world.
GyroGlobe Stars – Waypoint Geographic
In contrast to celestial globes that cost thousands of dollars, this compact, 4-inch, swiveling, tilting children’s globe from Waypoint Geographic will set you back a mere $12.99.
The simplicity of the design places an emphasis on the stars themselves, rather than the mythical creatures traditionally used to represent the constellations.
Price: $12.99
Nicholas Bion Celestial Globe – Lander & May
This 13-inch diameter facsimile of a circa 1700 celestial globe by the Parisian astronomer and instrument maker Nicholas Bion is made using the same traditional techniques as all Lander & May globes.
Price: £465 (around $620)
Celestial Globes – The Little Globe Co
While most celestial globes are highly ornate, Loraine Rutt’s hand-crafted celestial globes are small, simple and striking.
Prices: £350 – £595 (around $470 – $800)
Bellerby & Co Globemakers
Every globe in the Bellerby & Co globes collection is exquisite, and the celestial globes are no exception. Whether you choose the 8½-inch or 14-inch diameter orb, with a traditional desk mount or a contemporary ring stand, you’ll get the same hand-painted constellation based on an early twentieth-century Philips design.
Prices: £1,499 – £3,599 (around $2,000 – $4,800)
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