Discover the ultimate glossary of globe and astronomy terms—from analemmas to zodiac signs. Whether you're a globe enthusiast, student, or stargazer, this guide will help you understand key geographical and celestial concepts with ease.
There's something undeniably magical about globes—they’re not just decorative spheres but windows into the world’s history, geography, and our celestial neighborhood. As you read through terms like analemma, cartouche, and armillary sphere in our glossary, you're uncovering the fascinating language that underpins both classic and contemporary globe design.
And speaking of contemporary—the whisper-quiet motion and luminous finishes of a MOVA Globe are today’s modern twist. Powered solely by ambient light and the Earth’s magnetic field, MOVA Globes bring vocabulary to life: they rotate with subtle precision, turning every word into a visual dance. Ready to see some of these definitions—and designs—in motion?
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Analemma | An analemma is a curve representing the angular offset of the sun from its mean position on the celestial sphere, as viewed from Earth. It typically forms a figure-eight shape (sometimes elliptical) and is commonly found in the Pacific Ocean. By accounting for the Earth's axial tilt, the analemma can precisely calculate mean time (the time we set our clocks to) and mark solstices and equinoxes. |
| Armillary Sphere | An armillary sphere is an instrument with concentric rings used to show the orbits of planets, the zodiacal band, and the circles of terrestrial and celestial measurement, such as the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, and the equator. Sometimes, an armillary sphere is equipped with a solar system model or is mounted as a garden sundial. |
| Axial Tilt | The Earth's axis is tilted 23.5 degrees relative to its orbital plane. |
| Axis | The Earth's axis is the rod or shaft positioned at the Earth's center. The ends of this axis are the North Pole (top) and the South Pole (bottom). The Earth's rotation occurs around this axis. |
| Cartouche | A cartouche is a decorative emblem on a globe or map that identifies the manufacturer and its location, sometimes including the globe's model and date of manufacture. The design of the cartouche varies according to the cartographer and the period's style. |
| Cradle Mounting | Cradle mounting is a type of mounting that allows the globe to be removed from its base for close inspection. The globe is fixed within a cradle, allowing it to spin freely in any direction without an axis. |
| Degree | The unit of measurement used in globes, representing 1/360 of the circumference. |
| Diameter | A line passing through the center of a sphere, measuring the diameter. If the radius of the sphere is known, multiplying it by 2 will give the diameter. The radius is the distance from the center to the edge of the sphere. |
| Hemisphere | Any half of the Earth's surface (i.e., Northern Hemisphere, Southern Hemisphere, Western Hemisphere, Eastern Hemisphere). |
| Equator | A major circle around the Earth, midway between the poles, dividing the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. |
| Equatorial Band | A band covering the equator, often covering the seams of machine-pressed globes. |
| Equinox | Twice a year, usually around March 21 and September 23, the sun's rays are perpendicular to the equator, resulting in equal day and night lengths worldwide. |
| Earth | The only true world map, produced in the form of a spherical globe. |
| Fixed Mounting | A type of mounting where the sphere and the full meridian cannot be removed from the base. |
| Globe | A mounted sphere displaying the world. |
| Greenwich Meridian | Also known as the Prime Meridian, it is the reference point for measuring east and west longitudes. The Prime Meridian (0 degrees longitude) passes through Greenwich and serves as the basis for standard time calculation. |
| Grid | The network of latitude and longitude lines on the Earth's surface. |
| Horizon Ring | A ring on a globe representing the horizon, dividing the globe into hemispheres. It is usually calibrated in degrees, miles, hours, compass directions, days of the month, and zodiac signs. |
| International Color Scheme | A method of coloring contour layers on maps and globes to display elevation, where green represents lower elevations, yellow represents medium elevations, and orange and brown represent higher elevations. |
| International Date Line | An imaginary line marking the start and end of a day. With some local deviations, it generally follows the 180-degree meridian. |
| Latitude and Longitude | Latitude and longitude help locate points on the Earth and are used as a navigational system. They are the horizontal and vertical lines that cover the globe, collectively known as the grid. |
| Meridian | A metal band encircling the globe halfway or entirely, usually attached to the poles and the base. |
| Mounting | The structure to which the globe is attached, holding it in place. See definitions for various types of mounts (simple mounts, cradle mounts, fixed mounts). |
| Parallel of Latitude | East-west lines on the globe parallel to the equator. |
| Polar Caps | Polar caps are most common on European globes. The poles are no longer covered with paper but with circular pieces of paper (polar caps), rather than traditional triangular paper sections. |
| Rotation | The spinning of the Earth around its axis. |
| Scale | The numerical relationship between actual distances on the Earth and the distances represented on the map. |
| Simple Mounting | A globe mounted on a base without any form of meridian. |
| Solstice | Around June 21 and December 22 each year, the sun's rays reach the boundary of the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. |
| Southern Hemisphere | The half of the Earth's surface south of the equator. |
| Sphere | Another term for a globe or a ball. See also "Orb." |
| Time Dial | A fine metal ring, divided into 24 parts, often found on the top of 20th-century American globes, engraved or stamped with hours of day and night. It can be used to calculate the time difference between various locations on Earth. |
| Western Hemisphere | Generally refers to half of the Earth, including North and South America. |
| Zodiac | An imaginary band in the sky extending 8-9 degrees on either side of the ecliptic, divided into 12 parts, each represented by a symbol. |
Click on the images to explore more!
By exploring the glossary, you've journeyed through the terminology that shapes how we view and talk about globes—from the equator and grid to decorative elements like the cartouche. But globes aren’t just educational tools—they can be pieces of kinetic art, too. If you've ever wondered how a globe can spin silently, powered only by light—take a closer look at our MOVA Globes.
With their cordless, battery-free rotations and rich, artistic surfaces, they’re conversation starters and elegant décor all in one. So why not explore the collection? Let these globes transform your space—and your vocabulary—in motion.
🌍MOVA Globes FAQ
How Does it Work?
Do MOVA Globes Need to be Outdoors Since They Are Solar-Powered?
Although MOVA Globes contain solar cells, they are designed as indoor decor items and actually operate best in ambient light. It is best not to keep MOVA Globes exposed to direct sunlight for long periods, as this can lead to the graphics fading.
Why do MOVA Globes Cost More Than Regular Globes?
MOVA globe prices reflect their unique patented technology that enables continuous rotation using only ambient light and Earth's magnetic field. Unlike regular globes, they require sophisticated internal mechanisms, precision engineering, and high-quality materials that justify the premium pricing.