The Solar System — Twentieth Century Atlas of Popular Astronomy (1908)
A kaleidoscope of orbits, colours, and curiosity. First issued in 1908 for Thomas Heath’s Twentieth Century Atlas of Popular Astronomy, this richly coloured plate gathers the planets and their paths into a single, wonderfully legible chart. It’s pure early-modern science communication—confident, didactic, and beautifully designed—equally at home in a study, classroom, or living room.
Why it captivates
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Turn-of-the-century science — a vivid snapshot of how the solar system was taught in 1908.
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Colour that sings — carefully balanced hues for planets, belts, and orbital tracks.
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Readable at a glance — clean legends, uncluttered grids, and crisp typographic labels.
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Decor + discovery — looks stunning on the wall and rewards close inspection.
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Conversation spark — perfect for space lovers, teachers, and design aficionados.
What you’ll see
Concentric planetary orbits arrayed around the Sun; labeled tracks for Mercury through Neptune; proportional planet glyphs and neat colour bands; tidy scales and keys; and that unmistakable early-20th-century lithographic charm—ink laid down in confident, saturated layers that still glow today.
Choose your finish
🌟 Heavyweight Paper (160 gsm matte)
Archival-grade, smooth matte stock ideal for framing under glass. Crisp linework, minimal glare.
💎 Laminated (True Encapsulation)
Sealed in 2 × 80-micron gloss laminate, edge-to-edge. Durable, wipe-clean—perfect for busy spaces and classrooms.
🪵 Laminated + Timber Hang Rails (Ready to hang)
Lacquered natural timber rails with fitted hanging cord; no frame required.
Please allow up to 10 working days for hang-railed delivery.
🏆 Archival Canvas (395 gsm HP Professional Matte)
Museum-quality texture with pigment-based, fade-resistant inks for rich colour and fine detail.
🪵 Canvas + Timber Hang Rails (Gallery-ready)
As above, supplied with lacquered natural timber rails and hanging cord.
Please allow up to 10 working days for hang-railed delivery.
Size (W × H)
841 × 664 mm (approx. 33.11 × 26.14 in)
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Orientation: Landscape
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Aspect ratio: ~1.267 : 1
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Nearest standard frame: 70 × 100 cm (landscape) with a custom mat window cut to ~837 × 660 mm (2–3 mm overlap).
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Framing tips:
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Classic: warm off-white mat, slim black or walnut frame.
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Contemporary: float-mount in a 70 × 100 cm or A0 frame for generous negative space.
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Custom sizing: Available on request (alternative aspect ratios or added white border).
Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | The Solar System — Twentieth Century Atlas of Popular Astronomy |
| Creator | Thomas Heath |
| Date | 1908 |
| Print Size | 841 mm (W) × 664 mm (H) |
| Available Finishes | Paper, Laminated, Laminated + Timber Hang Rails, Canvas, Canvas + Timber Hang Rails |
| Paper Weight | 160 gsm archival matte |
| Laminate | 2 × 80-micron gloss (true encapsulation) |
| Canvas Weight | 395 gsm HP Professional Matte Canvas |
| Inks | Pigment-based, fade-resistant |
| Optional Hang Rails | Natural timber, lacquered; fitted hanging cord (allow up to 10 working days) |
| Origin | Printed in Australia |
Who it’s for
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Space enthusiasts & educators
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Design lovers drawn to bold vintage colour
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Students & curious minds building a learning wall
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Gift-givers seeking something bright, clever, and timeless
Our Commitment
Every print is produced locally in Australia on premium substrates with careful colour management, then checked and packed by hand so it arrives ready to impress. From studio to wall, we stand behind the craftsmanship and historical integrity of your piece.
Bring a century-old universe to your wall—order your 1908 Solar System chart today.
