Turner, Ralph Group of 4 iterations of Turner's Phobos globe based on Mariner IX imagery, each
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TURNER, RALPH. B.1935.
4 models of the Martian moon Phobos at different stages of development, Sheridan, OR, c.1976-1978, comprising:
1. Initial tri-axial ellipsoid, the surface white with triangular grid in black lines, with raised wire mesh suspended over part of the model, and transparent plastic overlay.
2. Topographically accurate model, gray, with lines of latitude and longitude and features labeled in black.
3. Another model similar to the above, but unmarked.
4. The finalized model, correct in topography and color.
Various media including fiberglass, resin, plaster, paint. Dimensions irregular but around 380-440 mm. Scale 1:60,000.

"My scale model of Phobos, developed using the special analog lighting system developed at the [Lunar and Planetary] Lab remains the only serious model of that celestial body. The work was published in Icarus in 1978 and several casts were sold internationally, including Japan and Germany as well as nationally. This activity changed my outlook on the future, on what was art, and encouraged me to pursue science to some extent" (biography on fineartamerica.com). The model is based on photographs from Mariner IX. A total of ten casts of the final version were made in plaster, among which were two for JPL, one for the Smithsonian Institute, one for Cornell University, and some for private persons such as Carl Sagan (Corneille p 192).
Illustrated: Turner 1978; Register-Guard, Eugene, OR, July 21, 1977, p 3D; Corneille p 193.
Sold for US$ 10,000 inc. premium

Category: Space / Space History


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