Lunar Volvelle

thingiverse

A volvelle is a device consisting of rotating parts stacked on a central pivot that can be physically manipulated to set and read various conditions for different scenarios. A lunar volvelle depicts the Earth-Moon-Sun system. This recreation is based on three examples: http://www.bl.uk/catalogues/illuminatedmanuscripts/ILLUMIN.ASP?Size=mid&IllID=12771, http://bodley30.bodley.ox.ac.uk:8180/luna/servlet/view/all/who/Nicholas%20of%20Lynn/what/Manuscript?sort=Shelfmark, and http://www.bl.uk/catalogues/illuminatedmanuscripts/ILLUMIN.ASP?Size=mid&IllID=4136. A class handout detailing the functions and uses of the device can be found on my website: http://www.astrolabeproject.com/ at http://astrolabeproject.com/downloads/volvelle/LunarVolvelle_v1.pdf. There is also a simulator available at http://www.astrolabeproject.com/sim/lunarvolvelle/sim.html. **Parts:** * Two sheets of paper or card stock * Scissors, or x-acto knife * Thumbtack * Earring back **Construction:** 1. Print the two pdf files on color or B&W paper; card stock will yield a more durable result. 2. Leave the base intact and carefully cut out the three parts from the parts sheet. 3. The smallest piece, marked with a crescent moon symbol, features an offset circle centered at an 'x' that must be carefully cut out. 4. A standard flat head thumbtack serves well as a pivot; press it through the center of the base sheet and then attach the three pieces in descending order of size. 5. Finally, press an earring back over the point to secure everything together.