Pair of Antique Celestial Astronomy Charts – Nebulae, Comets & Star Clusters by Elijah Burritt, 1856

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A striking pair of original 19th-century astronomical lithographs from Elijah Hinsdale Burritt's celebrated Atlas Designed to Illustrate the Geography of … Read more A striking pair of original 19th-century astronomical lithographs from Elijah Hinsdale Burritt's celebrated Atlas Designed to Illustrate the Geography of the Heavens, published circa 1856.

Titled “Double Stars and Clusters” (Map VIII) and “Clusters, Nebulae, and Comets” (Map IX), these fascinating celestial charts document the astronomical discoveries and observations of the 18th and 19th centuries.

Each plate features an intricate grid of astronomical illustrations set against dramatic black backgrounds, depicting remarkable celestial phenomena as observed through early telescopes.

Featured astronomical subjects include:
Double stars and stellar clusters
The Horse Shoe, Spiral, and Dumbbell nebulae
Halley's Comet and the Great Comets of 1680, 1811, and 1843
Planetary nebulae and distant celestial formations
Historic telescopic observations spanning three centuries

American astronomer and educator Elijah Hinsdale Burritt (1794–1838) created his influential celestial atlas to make the study of astronomy more accessible. First published in 1835 and subsequently issued in later editions, the atlas became a popular educational reference during the 19th century.

Condition: Very good antique condition with natural paper toning consistent with age. A small water stain is visible in the upper right corner, along with minor wear to the lower right corner, which can be concealed with matting.

Dimensions: 15" x 16" each; approximately 38" x 16" displayed as a pair. See less