The armillary sphere (sphaera armillaris in Latin)

The free-standing CHRONOS armillary sphere measures 964 mm in height and 700 mm in diameter – a real eye-catcher. This fascinating instrument was originally designed as a "model of the heavens". It arouses the desire to investigate the motions of the heavens in detail.

The armillary sphere (Armillarsphäre in German)

The CHRONOS-Manufaktur is one of the very few places anywhere in the world where armillary spheres are made. Such instruments of bygone days have great rarity value. Today they are amongst the treasures in museums of natural science and horology, and large libraries.

The armillary sphere (sfera armillare in Italian)

This instrument is very closely based on historical originals. Its construction, function and form follow those of the earlier instruments. This armillary sphere combines clear astronomical information with the history of science. Perfect crafting fuses with the beauty of the precious materials.

The armillary sphere (sphère armillaire in French)

The CHRONOS-Manufaktur has decided to limit its production of armillary spheres to 96. This will preserve the fascinating unique nature of these precious astronomical instruments. Each instrument is numbered individually.

The armillary sphere (esfera armilar in Spanish)

In the 21st century armillary spheres are still excellent instruments for demonstrating the motions across the skies. Like today's planetariums, they reproduce exactly a geocentric view of the universe.

Observer's point of view

To the outside observer of the instrument, the centre point – the Earth – is like a tiny ball. If one imagines standing at this point within the model, one obtains a view of the fictitious celestial sphere. This corresponds exactly to the wonderful view of the natural heavenly vault.

Setting the latitude

The adjustable polar axis allows different degrees of latitude to be shown precisely. The armillary sphere is adjusted to the particular latitude that appears at the zenith on the meridian ring. This is shown more precisely on the opposite side. (Image)

The path of the sun (ecliptic)

The ecliptic is the apparent path of the sun across the firmament. It can be used to fix the sun's position for a desired day of the year. Information about the ecliptic co-ordinates and the width of the signs of the zodiac can also be read off at this point.

Showing the phases of the moon

If the moon is directly opposite the sun as shown here, this position is called "opposition". This is when a full moon occurs. All the other stages of the lunar cycle can be shown in a similar manner.

Lunar orbit and lunar nodes

This mechanism indicates the lunar orbit, which is angled at five degrees to the ecliptic. This enables one to demonstrate how the lunar nodes move round the ecliptic and explains how solar and lunar eclipses occur.

Time of day

The scale shown allows the time to be read from the fictitious rotation of the heavenly vault (true local time). The hours from 00.00 to 11.59 h are called "ante meridiem" (Latin for "before noon") and the hours from 12.00 to 23.59 h are "post meridiem" (Latin for "after noon").

A symbol of the Earth in bronze

Perfect craftwork: the Earth with an artistic patina. It nestles into the instrument. The Earth is encompassed by great circles representing the celestial equator, the tropics, the polar circles and the colures.

An artistic touch and the complex system of Nature; these bronze leaves represent the "earthly" result of the movements in the heavens. The sun's course throughout the year determines the arrival and passing away of the "leaf" on our Earth. The two aspects are inseparable.

The signs of the zodiac

The path of the sun (ecliptic) is encircled by a circular band of metal bearing bronze reliefs of the signs of the zodiac. These twelve symbols form the celestial backdrop across which the sun apparently traces its annual course. They are named after the constellations on the ecliptic, and are still used by astrologers today.

The sign of the zodiac Aries

This hand-made bronze relief is a unique work of art. The artist N.O. Kruch based it on ancient originals and cast it especially for the CHRONOS-Manufaktur armillary sphere in moulds that have been destroyed.

The sign of the zodiac Taurus

This hand-made bronze relief is a unique work of art. The artist N.O. Kruch based it on ancient originals and cast it especially for the CHRONOS-Manufaktur armillary sphere in moulds that have been destroyed.

The sign of the zodiac Gemini

This hand-made bronze relief is a unique work of art. The artist N.O. Kruch based it on ancient originals and cast it especially for the CHRONOS-Manufaktur armillary sphere in moulds that have been destroyed.

The sign of the zodiac Cancer

This hand-made bronze relief is a unique work of art. The artist N.O. Kruch based it on ancient originals and cast it especially for the CHRONOS-Manufaktur armillary sphere in moulds that have been destroyed.

The sign of the zodiac Leo

This hand-made bronze relief is a unique work of art. The artist N.O. Kruch based it on ancient originals and cast it especially for the CHRONOS-Manufaktur armillary sphere in moulds that have been destroyed.

The sign of the zodiac Virgo

This hand-made bronze relief is a unique work of art. The artist N.O. Kruch based it on ancient originals and cast it especially for the CHRONOS-Manufaktur armillary sphere in moulds that have been destroyed.

The sign of the zodiac Libra

This hand-made bronze relief is a unique work of art. The artist N.O. Kruch based it on ancient originals and cast it especially for the CHRONOS-Manufaktur armillary sphere in moulds that have been destroyed.

The sign of the zodiac Scorpio

This hand-made bronze relief is a unique work of art. The artist N.O. Kruch based it on ancient originals and cast it especially for the CHRONOS-Manufaktur armillary sphere in moulds that have been destroyed.

The sign of the zodiac Sagittarius

This hand-made bronze relief is a unique work of art. The artist N.O. Kruch based it on ancient originals and cast it especially for the CHRONOS-Manufaktur armillary sphere in moulds that have been destroyed.

The sign of the zodiac Capricorn

This hand-made bronze relief is a unique work of art. The artist N.O. Kruch based it on ancient originals and cast it especially for the CHRONOS-Manufaktur armillary sphere in moulds that have been destroyed.

The sign of the zodiac Aquarius

This hand-made bronze relief is a unique work of art. The artist N.O. Kruch based it on ancient originals and cast it especially for the CHRONOS-Manufaktur armillary sphere in moulds that have been destroyed.

The sign of the zodiac Pisces

This hand-made bronze relief is a unique work of art. The artist N.O. Kruch based it on ancient originals and cast it especially for the CHRONOS-Manufaktur armillary sphere in moulds that have been destroyed.

Detailed construction plan

Every stage in the production of our CHRONOS armillary spheres is planed down to the finest detail and executed with the greatest care. We choose the materials for the 296 individual parts in our instruments extremely carefully and work on them with the greatest precision.

A modern material for a historical instrument?

We say, why not! After all, aluminium considerably reduces the weight of the instrument. It more than meets our demanding standards concerning appearance. We use a special finishing technique to treat the surface of the aluminium for this purpose.

Who can escape the spell of shining gold?

Gold's visual shine and functional properties make it an excellent material for scales and mountings, which are all covered with a layer of gold. Unlike the underlying brass it does not oxidise and is therefore very easy to look after.

Part of the lunar node mechanism

We select our materials very carefully, even for parts that are not visible. We use only stainless steel and high-quality plastics. Here, too, the emphasis is on the mechanical properties of the material and its long lifetime.

Videoclip:

"Sternstunden - Wunder des Sonnensystems" Gasometer, Oberhausen