Custom Orrery Astronomical Model Unveiled
Complications

Custom Orrery Astronomical Model Unveiled

By dedestexhes · Jul 4, 2012 · 30 replies
dedestexhes
WPS member · Horological Meandering forum
30 replies3898 views4 photos
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Dedestexhes unveils the stunning final result of a commissioned orrery, a complex astronomical model. He shares intricate details from the maker about its precise mechanics, including accurate planetary orbits and unique features like Mercury's elliptical path and retrograde rotations for Venus and Uranus, inviting the community to appreciate this horological marvel.

Hi all, Some time ago a posted some pictures about the work in progress of the orrery I had commissioned. Now after 4 months of waiting I can show you the final result. I must say I'm thrilled by it. The maker added some features specific to this orrery as he only makes one off's. Some info from the maker: All ratios of the movement are correct. All moons rotate around the planets.I have added Mercury following an elliptical path whilst rotating accurately whilst it does. Venus is shown rotating on its axis in retrograde. Uranus is shown with its North pole pointing away from the Sun and the moons orbiting in retrograde. As with all Orrerys it is not possible to accurately scale down the universe,its just to big. However all the planets orbit times are accurate (much better then 1%). The moons are a little more difficult to portray. For example the moons of Mars, Phobos and Deimos are shown orbiting in correct relationship to one another a ration of approx 4-1. If they were to rotate at a correct'scale speed' to Mars then the inner moon would be whizzing round at about 1500 rpm.( based on an average earth orbit time of 90 seconds) and so I have slowed them down to a more manageable speed. Some more details: The Orrey has 178 gears in total + one 73 tooth drive worm wheel and worm. One revolution of the handle is equal five earth days. ie 365/73=5. 73 revolutions of the handle is equal to one full Earth year. It requires 18082 turns of the handle to make Pluto complete one orbit of the Sun. Height of the Orrery from the bottom of the feet to the top of the Sun approx 14" or 270mm. Centre line of the Orrery to the end of the Pluto arm 560mm. Centre line of the Orrery to the end of the Neptune arm with sufficient clearance to allow rotation of the moons 540mm. The Orrery legs fit inside a circle of 15" or 390mm. Weight with arms attached 24 LBS or approx 11 kilos. Hope you enjoy the pictures (even if not high quality)!













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AM
amanico
Jul 4, 2012

I am a big fan of this kind of astronomical opus, my friend. As you know, I spend my time the head in the stars, and each time i fall on this kind of wrok, I am as amazed as captivated. Thanks for this this ticket with stars! All the best, and huge congratulations. Nicolas

AN
Andy
Jul 4, 2012

It's actually much smaller than I had thought but no less detailed. I look forward to many more pics of this beauty and your thoughts on ownership in the months to come. Big congrats, Andy.

PA
patrick_y
Jul 4, 2012

That is a very nice orrery to add to any collection! Thanks for sharing the details about it!

NI
nickd
Jul 4, 2012

Many thanks for posting. I love things like orreries and complex astronomical clocks, which is strange as I don't like complications in watches. On a purely practical note: will you house it in something to keep clean? It's so large I have difficulty imagining it housed under a classic glass dome or similar, but at the same time all that fragile mechanics exposed to dust and the fingers of the curious makes me shudder. Alex

VM
VMM
Jul 4, 2012

Congratulations. Thanks for sharing this marvel with us. Vte :)

EL
elliot55
Jul 4, 2012

Hey, Dirk - That thing is fantastic. How about posting some videos of that thing in action. Tremendous effort! - Scott

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