Article Outline
Globe, a model of Earth or of the heavens. Globes are a kind of map. Most globes are formed from a series of roughly triangular maps called gores, which are glued on the outside of a sphere.
Globes that represent Earth’s surface are called terrestrial globes. Most of these globes represent the political features or relief (physical) features of Earth by colors printed on a smooth surface. A molded three-dimensional surface is used on some relief globes to represent the surface of Earth with miniature mountains, valleys, and other physical features.
Globes are often made to rotate around a rod that pierces them at the poles. The rod, which serves as the axis of the globe, is attached to a stand. The axis is usually inclined at an angle of about 23.5°, the amount by which the axis of Earth is tilted off the axis of the Sun. Some globes are placed in a mounting, or stand, that cradles the globe and allows it to be turned in any direction so that any part of the world can be easily examined.
A celestial globe is one on which the relative positions of the stars are mapped without distortion. It is a model of the heavens as seen from Earth. Each star is plotted on the globe at the point corresponding to the spot on Earth where it appears to be directly overhead. Some celestial globes are large enough for observers to enter, stand in the center, and look out at the heavens as if they were standing at the center of Earth. Some such globes are transparent, and others have the stars displayed on their inner surface. Small celestial globes are viewed from outside, like a terrestrial globe, and display the star map turned inside out.
Unlike flat maps, globes can represent Earth’s curved surface without distortion. Globes are often used to plan long sea and air routes, called great-circle routes, and to determine the routes of satellites. They are also used to trace earthquake shocks and tsunamis (tidal waves). All of these routes are measured better on a globe than on a flat map because they are not straight lines: they follow Earth’s curvature.
Globes have some disadvantages. They are somewhat bulky and cannot be stored easily. In addition, globes would have to be gigantic to show small areas, such as those of a state in the United States, in great detail.
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