This armillary sphere is a second replica of a Ming Dynasty instrument. The functions are essentially the same as the armillary sphere in the courtyard, but the design is slightly different.
You can see the instruments on top of the main observatory taken on different days. Their changed positions indicate that they are still in working order. They would be used for demonstrations rather than current data collection. |
http://hua.umf.maine.edu/China/beijing2.html
Last update: September 2007
© Marilyn Shea, 2007