The first detailed map of the Moon

An important map of the Moon, compiled from observations by Polish astronomer Johannes Hevelius (Jan Heweliusz, 1611-87), and also engraved by him. It details the craters and other features, as well as the libration (the variation in the visible surface over the course of the lunar month). It is decorated with four pairs of cherubs: the upper pairs hold up banners bearing the title and a quote from the Bible in Latin, 'Great are the works of the Lord; they are studied by all who delight in them'; the lower pairs use scientific instruments to take observe and take measurements. To compile this map Hevelius built not only his own observatory, 'Sternenburg' (Star Castle), but also a 46-metre refracting telescope. Such was the acclaim from his work that the Polish King John III Sobieski exepted him from paying tax on his family's brewing business, Edmond Halley visited his observatory, and he became the first Pole to be inducted into the Royal Society in London.