Title: Neuester Himmels - Atlas zum Gebrauche für Schul- und Akademischen Unterricht, nach Flamsteed ... [et.al.], in einer neuen Manier, mit doppelten schwarzen Stern-Charten bearbeitet; durchgehends verbessert, und mit den neuesten astronomischen Entdeckungen vermehrt
Author: Goldbach, Christian Friedrich, 1763-1811.
Imprint: Weimar, Industrie - Comptoirs, 1799.
Description: 1 p.1., [8] p., 30[i.e., 56] leaves of plates : cheefly maps, ill., 26 x 32 cm.
Book location: QB65 .G55 1799 Rare Book Room

Christian Goldbach (1763-1822) was a mathematician, best known today for his contributions to Euler's theories on prime numbers. He was acquainted with many important scientists, but rather than make a career as a scientist or mathematician, his popularity led him into a career as a tutor to the Russian court, rather than as a scientist This atlas was his one foray into astronomy. This digital book is from the first edition of Neuster Himmels published in 1799. It contains fifty-six maps, 15.8 cm x 20.5 cm. Twenty-six of the maps depict the major constellations. The print style and technique was unusual. White stars are shown against a black background. The first pressing was made before the constellation figures and text details were added. These prints looked like a night sky. Then the finished plate was printed once more, providing a comparison with figures. The copper plates were printed in relief rather than the more common intaglio. While not the first to use this technique, his atlas was very influential on those that followed. His maps represent the stars with a Flamsteed projection.

Sources:

•  Dictionary of Scientific Biography
•  The Sky Explored: Celestial Cartography, 1500-1800, Deborah Jean Warner.
•  Out of This World: The Golden Age of the Celestial Atlas by William Ashworth and Bruce Bradley.