Objects
Welcome to the archived version of the MIT Museum's online collections portal! This site was used to test features and content for the newly redesigned MIT Museum Collections site, which has now launched with over 106,000 objects. Please use the new MIT Museum Collections site for further research and discovery. Webmuseum.mit.edu remains online during the transition period but will not receive new updates or content.
Figura observat, Cursus Cometae Anno 1665 etc. No. 21
Named collection: Allan Forbes Collection
Object type: engraving
Maker: Gerardi, G.
Place made: Netherlands, North Holland, Amsterdam
Date made: 1668
Materials: ink; laid paper; mounting
Measurements: 10 3/4 in x 14 in
Nomenclature: astronomical
Classification: whales
Book page illustrating an uncolored celestial map, showing both the figural representations of the constellations and the stars of which they are composed. The progress of a comet through this area of the sky is demarcated, with the date of each observed position noted: dates begin 30 December 1664 and end 6 April 1665. Comet passes through Cetus, the whale; Delphinus is also visible at top right. Entitled "Figura observat. Cursus Cometae Anno 1665 mense Aprili factar. a Iohanne Hevelio ad ejusdem Communicat pertinens."; plate no.21. From "Theatrum Cometicum", a 1668 text about comet sightings throughout history and their meanings.
AF-AX-1069