Welcome to the Amazing World of
Mind’s Eye Astronomy
“…clearly the best tactile, simple, and reasonably sized device for conveying our position and movement on Earth, in the solar system, and in our Milky Way galaxy simultaneously.”
-Guy Ottewell, Astronomer, Artist, and Author
Discover Your True Path Through the Cosmos
You know you're on a planet spinning through space.
BUT DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOU’RE HEADED RIGHT NOW ON YOUR COSMIC JOURNEY?
As Earth rotates to the east, you’re being carried eastward 24 hours a day.
But WHAT’S THE PATH of Earth’s trajectory around the sun RIGHT NOW?
And in what direction RIGHT NOW are Earth and Sun being swept as the Milky Way Galaxy spins?
This amazingly simple and beautiful tool, the GALACTIC CONTEXT MODEL, reveals these nested celestial trajectories in real time, day or night, anywhere on Earth.
The guidebook accompanying the Galactic Context Model is unique in the study and enjoyment of astronomy. Its 72 pages are packed with interactive exercises, activities, and thought experiments, bringing the curious astronomer and astronomy students at ALL levels into a richer relationship, as never before, a deeper, personal, even visceral connection with the beauty and grandeur of our flight through space.
Carl Sagan encouraged us to try to develop a sense of awe appropriate to the grandeur we find ourselves immersed in. The GCM, in concert with this guidebook, is potent scaffolding for cultivating that level of awe, whether you are a beginner in astronomy, or a seasoned professional.
Nothing short of becoming an astronaut can give you such a feeling of participation in the celestial drama. There is absolutely nothing like it!
What Makes the GCM such a fabulous tool for enjoying your Cosmic Journey?
True 3D Visualization: Unlike flat charts or digital simulations, the GCM provides a three-dimensional experience of cosmic movement in real time, even for the sight-impaired astronomy enthusiast.
Precision: Earth's axis remains correctly tilted to the ecliptic throughout its orbit via our innovative timing mechanism.
Versatile Design: The GCM scales beautifully. Models have been developed that fit in a pocket, others are desktop size, perfect for home or classroom. Even large-scale installations are possible for museums and planetariums.
Beautiful Craftsmanship: Meticulously designed to be both scientifically accurate and aesthetically pleasing.
Constellations of the Zodiac are accurately positioned on magnetically-attached, removable bands.
Perfect For:
Educators: Bring astronomy to life for students of all ages
Planetariums & Museums: Enhance visitor understanding with interactive displays
Astronomy Clubs: Elevate your outreach and educational programs
Space Enthusiasts: Deepen your personal connection to the cosmos
Gift-Givers: Provide a truly unique present for the science lover in your life
What Astronomy Professionals Are Saying
Educators Love It:
"It's clearly the best tactile, simple, and reasonably sized device for conveying our position and movement on Earth, in the solar system, and in our Milky Way galaxy simultaneously. It does more than numbers and diagrams can to make us feel our cosmic journey." —Guy Ottewell, Astronomer, Artist and Author, The Astronomical Companion, The Annual Astronomical Calendars
"The Galactic Context Model provides a wonderful, three-dimensional way to help students visualize the three-dimensional relationships in the solar system and the galaxy." —Dr. John W. Weiss, Assistant Professor of Physics, Saint Martin's University
"The model you have designed will be a valuable tool to reveal our true place in the cosmos to people of all ages. I would love to own one for outreach programs and educational talks." —Mike Ellis, National Park Service, Death Valley Night sky interpretive programs
"...incredible and beautiful astronomy tool..." —Dr. Andrew Kerr, Planetarium Manager, The College of Southern Nevada
Astronomers Are Impressed:
"Here I hold in my hand a 3D representation of the picture I've been assembling in my head for years!...elegantly simple...astronomy educators like myself would find the Galactic Context Model ideal." —Mike Alexander, Director, Galloway Astronomy Centre, Scotland
"I've never seen anything quite like it. Beautiful model." —Dr. Woodruff Sullivan, Professor Emeritus of Astronomy, University of Washington
What's Included
Complete Galactic Context Model with blue, clear, or black movable Galaxy, Earth and ecliptic disc components
Detachable Zodiac Bands for expanded learning
Display stand
Comprehensive 72-page handbook with exercises and activities, pdf version. Paper copy available.
Pricing & Options
6-inch GCM: The 6 inch Galactic Context Model is perfect for home and educational use - $80 with pdf Guidebook. Visit our friends at Cloud Break Optics to purchase your 6” GCM https://cloudbreakoptics.com/products/galactic-context-model
22-inch GCM: The large Galactic Context Model is an impressive educational tool and showpiece- $800
Institutional GCM: Larger scale for museums and planetariums - Contact for pricing
Custom GCM: Specialized versions available upon request - Contact for consultation
Guidebook: PDF included with model purchase, or $14 for PDF only, $35 for paper copy, plus shipping
Contact us for custom orders or learn more.
We can't wait to help you discover your place in the cosmos!