Globes

A globe is a spherical model of a celestial body, most commonly representing Earth, or the heavens. Terrestrial globes depict landmasses, oceans, and often political or geographical details at a reduced scale, while celestial globes portray stars, constellations, and sometimes celestial coordinates. Globes are typically mounted on an axis to illustrate rotation and are marked with a graticule of latitude and longitude.

The practical use of globes developed after the concept of a spherical Earth gained acceptance in ancient and medieval astronomy. The oldest known surviving terrestrial globe is Martin Behaim’s Erdapfel, created around 1492 in Nuremberg. Celestial globes also have a long history, with early medieval and Renaissance traditions producing spheres that detailed stars and constellations for navigational and educational purposes. Over time, globes evolved to reflect new geographical discoveries and scientific knowledge, and became common educational tools as well as decorative objects.

Construction and features vary by type and purpose. Globes are made from materials such as wood, papier-mâché, plaster, metal, or plastic, with a printed or painted surface. A graticule of latitude and longitude is typically drawn on the surface. Terrestrial globes may include political boundaries, physical relief, and oceanographic features, while celestial globes emphasize star positions and constellations. Many terrestrial globes also feature an axis tilt to emulate Earth's rotation and, in some cases, a Prime Meridian marker.

Modern globes continue to serve education and research while also appearing as artifacts and decor. They coexist with digital globes and virtual globes, which provide interactive and data-rich representations of the world and sky.