There are many things in this world that we still don’t understand. One of them is the solar system. What is it? Why is it called that? And what are all the different parts? In this blog post, we will answer all those questions and more!

We will start by discussing what exactly the solar system is. Then, we will talk about the sun and planets as a whole. But first, check out our inflatable solar systems that you can purchase online! Now let’s get right into it.

What Exactly Is the Solar System?

The solar system is basically a star and all of its orbiting planets. In our case, that star happens to be the sun. All of the planets orbit around the sun because of its gravity. The solar system also includes moons, comets, asteroids, dust, and gas.

It’s believed to have formed about a billion years ago! And beyond our solar system, there are many more out there. How many? We’re not completely sure but we estimate there are at least 100 billion in our galaxy alone. Who knows how many more there are in the universe?

Why Is It Called the Solar System?

The solar system is called the solar system because our sun (where we get the word solar from) happens to be a star that’s powered by nuclear fusion. This process causes our sun to give off light and heat, which we feel here on Earth. All the planets in our solar system orbit around the sun because of its gravity.

Solar System: Formation and Discovery

Our solar system is thought to have formed about 4.6 billion years ago from a huge, rotating cloud of dust and gas. Over time, the cloud began to collapse in on itself due to its gravity. As it did, it began to spin faster and faster. Eventually, the cloud became so dense that it began to heat up, igniting nuclear fusion in its core.

This caused the cloud to break apart, creating our sun and planets. The inner planets, such as Mercury and Venus, are thought to have formed from the dense materials that were closest to the sun. The outer planets, such as Jupiter and Saturn, formed from the colder, more diffuse materials that were farther away. We’ll talk about all the planets in greater detail later. Our planet Earth is thought to have formed from a combination of both types of materials. Thanks to these processes, we now enjoy the warmth of our sun and the beauty of our solar system!

The Sun

The sun is a star that’s powered by nuclear fusion. This process causes the sun to give off light and heat, which we feel here on Earth. All the planets in our solar system orbit around the sun because of its gravity. The sun is huge! It’s about 333,000 times the size of Earth and has a mass of about 99.86% of all the other objects in our solar system combined!

The sun is so huge and has so much gravity because it’s made up of about 70% hydrogen and 28% helium. It also has a very hot core with a temperature of about 27 million degrees Fahrenheit! The sun is so bright that it can cause damage to your eyes if you look at it directly for too long.

Planets of the Solar System

First of all, how many planets are there in our solar system? There are eight major planets in our solar system: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. We all learned in elementary school about these planets in our solar system. But what exactly is a planet?

This turns out to be a surprisingly difficult question to answer. According to the International Astronomical Union, a planet is a celestial body that orbits around a star, is massive enough to be rounded by its gravity, and has cleared its orbital path of debris.

However, this definition excludes several bodies that were traditionally considered planets, such as Pluto and Ceres. As a result, some astronomers argue that the definition of a planet should be expanded to include these objects.

Others argue that the definition should be tightened even further, to exclude bodies like Earth’s moon. So far, there is no consensus on the matter. In the meantime, we can still enjoy the beauty of our solar system’s many planets— even if we can’t always agree on how many there are.

The Differences Between a Planet & Dwarf Planet

As you can see, there’s a lot of debate on what exactly counts as a planet, but here’s the gist of it: a planet is a big hunk of rock or gas that orbits a star. A dwarf planet is, well, a smaller version of that. So basically, it’s like the difference between an SUV and a compact car— one’s just bigger than the other.

There are technically three types of planets: terrestrial (like Earth), gas giants (like Jupiter), and ice giants (like Neptune). Dwarf planets are usually found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, or the Kuiper belt beyond Neptune. As of right now, there are five officially recognized dwarf planets: Ceres, Pluto, Haumea, Makemake, and Eris.

So why all the fuss about whether something is a planet or not? Well, for one thing, it helps us understand our place in the universe. And for another, it satisfies our need to categorize things. After all, if we can’t put things into neat little boxes, how will we ever find anything in our sock drawer again?

Types of Planets in the Solar System

There are many different types of planets in the solar system, from the large and gaseous giants to the small and rocky planets. Each type of planet has its unique characteristics, and they all play an important role in the formation of our solar system.

The giant planets, such as Jupiter and Saturn, are made up mostly of gas and dust. They have large cores of rock and metal, but their atmospheres are dense and murky. These planets are often very bright in color, due to the reflecting nature of their clouds.

The terrestrial planets, such as Earth and Mars, are made up of solid rock and have much thinner atmospheres. They tend to be darker in color, with some exceptions like Venus which is wrapped in thick clouds of sulfuric acid. The final type of planet is the icy dwarf planet, such as Pluto and Ceres.

These worlds are small and cold, with surfaces that are covered in ice. They are often very dark in color, due to the absorption of light by their frozen surfaces. All of these different types of planets play an important role in the formation and evolution of our solar system.

Mercury

Mercury is the closest planet to the sun, and it’s also the smallest planet in the solar system. It’s only about a third the size of Earth, and it has a very thin atmosphere that doesn’t do much to protect it from the sun’s heat. As a result, Mercury experiences extreme temperature changes, from incredibly hot during the day to very cold at night. It’s also covered in craters, due to the lack of an atmosphere to burn up meteoroids before they hit the surface. All this is clearly visible on the Mercury Globe.

Venus

Venus is the second planet from the sun, and it’s very similar in size to Earth. It has a thick atmosphere that’s mostly made up of carbon dioxide, and this causes a greenhouse effect that makes the surface very hot— about 900º Fahrenheit, all this is well displayed on Venus Globe! The atmosphere also makes it very difficult to see the surface of Venus, which is why we don’t know much about it.

Earth

Earth is the third planet from the sun, and it’s the only planet that’s habitable for humans. It has a moderate atmosphere that protects us from the sun’s radiation, and it has just the right amount of water to support life. The surface of Earth is also very diverse, with mountains, deserts, forests, and oceans.

Mars

Mars is the fourth planet from the sun, and it’s one of the most interesting planets in the solar system. It has a thin atmosphere that’s mostly made up of carbon dioxide, and it has a surface that’s covered in craters. Mars is also home to the largest volcano in the solar system, Olympus Mons.

Jupiter

Jupiter is the fifth planet from the sun, and it’s the largest planet in the solar system. It’s made up mostly of gas and dust, and it has a large core of rock and metal. Jupiter also has a very strong magnetic field, which protects it from the sun’s radiation. Interested in buying a Jupiter globe? We don’t blame you. Do it!

Saturn

Saturn is the sixth planet from the sun, and it’s the second-largest planet in the solar system. Like Jupiter, it’s made up mostly of gas and dust, and it has a large core of rock and metal. However, Saturn’s atmosphere is much thinner than Jupiter’s, so it doesn’t have the same protective effect. As a result, Saturn is much colder than Jupiter, and its surface is covered in ice.

Uranus

Uranus is the seventh planet from the sun, and it’s very different from the other planets in the solar system. It’s mostly made up of ice, and it has a very thin atmosphere. Uranus is also the coldest planet in the solar system, with temperatures that can reach -357º Fahrenheit!

Neptune

Neptune is the eighth planet from the sun, and it’s very similar to Uranus. It’s mostly made up of ice, and it has a very thin atmosphere. Neptune is also the coldest planet in the solar system, with temperatures that can reach -355º Fahrenheit!

Pluto

Pluto is the ninth planet from the sun, and it’s the smallest planet in the solar system. Wait for a second, it’s not actually a planet anymore! In 2006, Pluto was reclassified as a “dwarf planet” because it’s only about a fifth the size of Earth. It has a very thin atmosphere, and it’s covered in ice. Pluto is also the coldest of all our solar system’s “planets” with temperatures that can reach -387º Fahrenheit!

It’s only about a fifth the size of Earth, and it has a very thin atmosphere that doesn’t do much to protect it from the sun’s heat. As a result, Pluto experiences extreme temperature changes, from incredibly hot during the day to very cold at night. It’s also covered in craters, due to the lack of an atmosphere to burn up meteoroids before they hit the surface.

Planet Nine

There’s a good chance that there’s another planet in the solar system, and it’s called Planet Nine. It hasn’t been directly observed yet, but there’s evidence to suggest that it exists. Planet Nine is thought to be about four times the size of Earth, and it’s believed to be orbiting the sun at a distance of about 20 times the Earth-sun distance. It would take Planet Nine about 20,000 years to complete one orbit around the sun, which means that it’s probably not going to be discovered anytime soon!

Final Thoughts

A solar system is an incredible place, and there’s still so much that we don’t know about it. We’ve only been able to directly observe a small fraction of what’s out there, and there’s a good chance that there are other planets that we haven’t even discovered yet. Who knows what else is out there, waiting to be discovered? We can’t wait to find out! Replogle Globes is the most trusted globe manufacturer on the internet. Explore our extensive collection of astronomy globes and find the best globe!

Do you have any questions about the solar system? Let us know in the comments below!

You may be a navigational whiz in your neighborhood or a surrounding city, but what if you take a step further? Let’s face it – in an unfamiliar place, it’s easy to get lost, even with an understanding of the landmarks. To remedy this, traveling merchants and explorers alike have developed several ways to navigate, despite the challenges our vast environment poses.

Since the beginning of time, the sun has been used as a means of direction based on the time of day it signifies. Since then, we have gathered more knowledge on the positions of the moon, stars, and planets that have further enhanced our understanding. The history of navigation goes way back, and the various instruments have developed greatly. To understand how we got from looking at the sun to world globes, to Google Maps, we are shedding light on the ancient navigation tools used through the years. Let’s dive right in!

Maps and Landmarks

World maps have been used for centuries as a means of terrestrial navigation. This navigation tool has been used in many ways, from on-foot explorers to naval voyages. And while it is a tried-and-true staple we still see commonly used today, it can be a challenge to use if you cannot determine where you are on the map. This is remedied when it comes to its use in sailors’ instruments, as sea maps rely on latitude and longitude to orient travelers, however a basis of knowledge of celestial navigation tools or modern technology is required.

landmarks, on the other hand, are another common navigational instrument. Nearly everyone has used a noticeable landmark to find their way, whether it’s visible in front of them, or something that has been spoken about for generations. These are particularly useful when it comes to navigating the land, as well as some small bodies of water, but when it comes to naval navigation tools, landmarks are not particularly beneficial.

Compass

One of the most commonly known old navigational instruments is the compass. The magnetic compass was first invented in China in the 3rd century BCE, yet wasn’t utilized for navigational purposes for another thousand years.

Unlike compasses today that point to the North Pole to provide a sense of your location and direction, early compasses actually pointed to the Southern Pole – a change that developed over the years for modern users.

The Lead Line

In terms of ancient sailing instruments, a lead line was a popular navigational tool. A lead line was a hollow lead weight attached to a rope that was lowered to determine the depths of the water they were sailing through.

So, how did this help with location? In some practices, a ball of animal fat in the weight could bring up material from the ocean floor, which helped knowledgeable sea experts look at the dirt and sand to understand their location.

Lead lines, and their modern alternative, the log line, are still used in some rivers and waterways today. They remain a useful tool when dealing with unpredictable and seasonal changes in the water’s depth.

The Astrolabe

Another key tool when examining the history of navigational instruments is the astrolabe.

The term astrolabe means “to take a star” or “star taker.” While it’s not known for sure where this tool originated, it grew in popularity in the Roman Empire and was used for many years. While it is not relied upon today, it is still a reliable tool, particularly for those interested in astronomy.

In later uses, the astrolabe was used beyond astronomy as a tool for sailors, and thus dubbed the mariner’s astrolabe. Sailors could use this tool by lining it up with the sun or a specific star in relation to the horizon to understand latitude vertically. This helped them determine their location while at sea.

Nowadays, we see the astrolabe used as a decoration piece, as the design can be particularly aesthetically pleasing. This tool can come in a few shapes, such as a sphere, or also as flat plates and disks. It has been made in a range of different materials, and can even come in a quadrant shape.

The Sextant

The sextant is a scale that is utilized to measure the distance between objects. In order to do so, this navigation tool relies on a 60-degree arch that reflects off two embedded mirrors for a measuring scope of 120 degrees.

First appearing in the late 1700s, the sextant was one of the more bulky ancient navigation tools. Thankfully, through the yeast, scientists managed to create smaller versions. Primarily utilized by astronomers to measure the distance between celestial objects, that was also one of the common naval navigation tools used to record a sailor’s journey. Today, sextants are still required on both ships and planes to determine longitude and latitude.

The Pelorus

A pelorus is a navigational tool similar to a compass— but it doesn’t actually tell directions. Instead, this tool remains at the 000 degrees to align with a lubber line. With this construction, this tool was used by travelers to see if they were going in a forward direction.

It’s presumed that the pelorus was used before the compass, particularly by Polynesians who would hold it alongside the constellations to use as a navigation tool. Nowadays, this tool is used on modern boats to measure the distance between one boat and another.

Conclusion

From the astrolabe and compass to essential sailors’ instruments and renaissance navigation tools, humans have been finding ways to navigate our large earth since the beginning of time. And while many of these old navigational instruments may seem outdated because smartphones allow for easy directions to anywhere we can imagine, many of them are still utilized in some form today.

Some of our favorite navigational tools still prevalent are world globes and maps – a tool that not only still proves beneficial in modern society, but makes for an elevated, sophisticated decor piece, too. From classic globes to customized variations, explore our variety online today. You can also contact us and we will be happy to answer all your questions!

Do you remember playing with a globe as a child? There’s something about these maps of the world that fascinates people of all ages. If you’re a teacher, you may be wondering if it’s worth purchasing a globe for your classroom. The new perspective that a globe can give students is invaluable. A desire to learn more about the world is extremely common for kids who get exposed to globes in their childhood.

In this blog post, we will discuss six advantages of having a globe in your classroom!

#1. Globes Help Comprehensive and Tactile Learning

So why are globes important? Let’s start with the fact that they help with comprehensive and tactile learning. When kids are able to spin the globe and touch it, they can start to understand a three-dimensional view of the world. This helps them visualize where countries are in relation to one another, which isn’t possible with a two-dimensional map.

Additionally, teaching globes can show elevation changes and features like mountains, deserts, and forests. This can give kids a better understanding of the physical geography of different areas. Desktop globes with raised relief are easily available for purchase.

#2. Grasping Geography Becomes Much Easier

Another advantage of having a globe in the classroom is that it becomes much easier for students to grasp geography. We touched on this a little in the last section. When kids can see all the countries and continents together, it’s easy to start making connections between them.

For example, they may be able to identify which countries are close to the equator or how Europe and Asia are connected by Russia. These are connections that wouldn’t be as apparent on a flat map because of the way the countries are spread out.

One fun activity you can do with a world globe for students is to have them close their eyes and spin the globe. Wherever their finger lands, they have to identify the country and continent. This is a great way for kids to learn about different parts of the world that they may not be familiar with.

#3. Globes Help Kids Understand History

In addition to physical geography, teaching through globes can also help kids understand history. For example, if you’re discussing the Roman Empire, you can show students where all the different provinces were. If you’re talking about World War II, you can trace the different routes that armies took.

There are also a number of historical globes available that show things like how the world looked during different time periods. This can be a great way to visualize changes over time. Compared to reading a textbook, interacting with a historical globe can be much more engaging for students.

#4. Provides a Cross-Cultural Education

Another global advantage is that it can provide a cross-cultural education for students. Globes for educational purposes usually come with a lot of information about different countries. This can include things like the population, capital city, official language, currency, and flag.

When kids are exposed to different cultures at an early age, they can develop a greater understanding and appreciation for them. With a globe in the classroom, you can easily introduce students to different countries and their customs. The importance of globes in developing cultural awareness can’t be overstated.

You can also use it as a starting point for discussions about current events. For example, if there’s a natural disaster in a certain country, you can use the globe to show students where it is and talk about what’s happening.

One activity you can do to promote cross-cultural understanding is to have students find a country on the globe that they’re interested in. They can then research the country and present what they learned to the class.

#5. Globes Demonstrate Relevance and Perspective

One surprising advantage of globes that we’ll discuss is that they demonstrate relevance and perspective. Kids often think that what they’re learning in school is irrelevant to their lives. However, through the use of globes in teaching, you can show them how what they’re learning is relevant to the world around them.

For example, if you’re discussing the different types of governments around the world, you can show students how their government compares to others. A globe can also help kids understand time zones and why the sun rises and sets at different times in different parts of the world.
If you have a globe with a built-in light, you can even use it to show how the Earth’s tilt causes seasons. This benefit of the globe is often underestimated, but it’s one of the most important ones.

#6. Helps with Problem Solving Development

Finally, one more advantage of having a globe in the classroom is that it can help with problem-solving development. When kids are exposed to different cultures and perspectives, they learn to think creatively about solutions to problems. They also learn to accept that there may not always be a single “right” answer.

For example, if you’re discussing a controversial topic like immigration, you can use the globe to show students how different countries have different policies. This can help them understand that there are different ways to approach the same problem. It’s also a great way to encourage critical thinking and perspective-taking. Clearly, the uses of globes go far beyond simple aesthetics.

Conclusion

These are just a few of the advantages of a globe being a part of your classroom. If you’re looking for a way to make learning more engaging and fun for your students, a globe is worth considering.

Not only will they learn about physical geography, but they’ll also develop historical, cultural, and problem-solving skills. And best of all, globes are relatively inexpensive and can be used for years to come. You can purchase educational globes from Replogle online today.

If you have any questions about choosing the right globe for your classroom, our team of experts would be happy to help. Contact us today to learn more about our products and how we can help you promote learning in your classroom. Thanks for reading.

Nowadays, many of us turn to our smartphones to navigate our way around the world, whether we are in our neighborhood or traveling abroad. For many of us, these tools have become commonplace, with few of us reflecting on what it took for our navigational technology to arrive where it is today. Yes, we can get from point A to point B, but how? It’s all about the history of globe making.

Globe geography, traced back to ancient Greece and carried to our modern day, are the foundations of the GPS technology we use today. While the globes today are primarily used as decor pieces instead of navigational tools, they represent the explorations and discoveries from centuries past. To better understand this history, we are breaking down everything you need to know about early globes and how they developed into what they are today.

First Known Globes

One of the most ancient scientific instruments known, the globe’s history goes back thousands of years. At the beginning of their use, celestial globes were used as a directional tool, long before the terrestrial globe came to be.

When it comes to who created the globe, it traces back to ancient Greece. More than 2,000 years ago, the Greeks learned that the earth is round, thus creating the first known revolving globe sphere in the 2nd Century B.C. – a globe. While the Greeks did realize early on that the globe was round, during the fall of the Greek and Roman empires in the 4th Century A.D., this information was lost. Until the 1300s, people believed the world was flat.

Later, in the second century A.D., a new contribution was made to the globe by Claudius Ptolemaeus, who described a specific scientific method of fixing the position of a place on the globe based on coordinates, or what would come to be known as longitude and latitude. This system has become the foundation of later scientific globes.

How Globes Changed Throughout History

Over the centuries, the concept of what are globes and how they were implemented changed drastically. To understand the historical globes, and thus get a better understanding of our systems today, we are taking you through centuries past. Let’s dive right in!

16th Century

Starting in the 16th century and looking at what are globes used for, it is quite comparable to what we view them as today. Like the decor pieces they serve as now, globes in this century were seen as art objects, and while they depicted the world geographically, they were also depicted as politically and economically important lands.

During this century, globes were commonly exchanged as gifts among rules and the elite, signifying the power and influence they had over the world, as well as serving as a stately presentation. For many, possessing a globe felt like possessing the world, and thus it was usually represented in a beautiful and grandiose presentation.

17th Century

The 17th-century globe maintained that same focus on beauty with a decorative function. However, in this century, some innovative additions were made, including different sizes and forms of the globe. For instance, during this time, the first pocket globes were created, which gentlemen would have on them more as a status symbol than for any true navigational benefit.

Additionally, globes were created as almost furniture items, placing them on a stand and adding in the rotational function. While this still was not practical for navigational needs, it showed an owner’s awareness of the latest geographical findings.

18th Century

The 18th century, sometimes regarded as another age of exploration after the key voyages in the 15th and 16th centuries further promoted the globe as a navigational tool. After four naval shipwrecks in 1707, the British Government called for a solution to accurately find longitude, which led to the more practical use of the globe.

While the globe was a stately piece to sit in these ships, it did assist in several discoveries in the 18th century, including the pacific islands and New Caledonia. Globes common in this century are comparable to the Queen Anne globe from Replogle, which is still a beautiful piece favored today.

19th Century

While globes in centuries past had spread to be used by navigators and astronomers, or as tools in education, they had a much vaster expansion in the 19th century.

Particularly in the case of educating children, the globe geography was shared in the form of pocket globes, which provided a smaller representation of the globe at a more affordable price. This allowed children to learn about the different rings on globes and about the arrangement of continents.

Additionally, in the 19th century, we saw the development of more technology related to geography. One of these innovations was the electric lighting for streets, which allowed people to see no matter the time of day. But what does this have to do with globes? Well, some of the lessons that the globes helped teach to help people reach a destination without light became redundant. As a result, it became less important to know how many hours of daylight there were at a given latitude.

20th Century

Last in our journey through the history of Replogle Globes available is the 20th century, which was majorly impacted by technological advances. For starters, the development of the radio and its use in navigational techniques in the mid-1900s meant globes were not needed for navigation anymore.

And while this new technology eliminated the need for globes, it did create a positive perception around them. In fact, with new satellite pictures showing the earth from above, the accuracy of the globes created over the years was confirmed. As a result, the large-scale production of globes in the 20th century took off, with many exposed to these instruments.

Present Day Globes

With such a long history of globes as navigational instruments, globes serve, once again, as they were initially intended for – as decor. With modern technology, using a physical globe to navigate our world is entirely unnecessary. Instead, globes are mass-produced and used as decor or historical artifacts.

At Replogle Globes, we create a range of handmade globes. And while you won’t take it out and about with you to navigate a new place, it can serve as a constant reminder in your home of all that’s left to be explored. Not to mention, globes are still used as important educational pieces. They show the true relationship of the world in three-dimensional form. GPS, Google Maps, and flat maps can’t do this because they have to skew the view of the world to fit that particular flat view form of the world.

Conclusion

From realizing the Earth is round, to using it on ships to prevent wrecks, to serving as a decor piece in the modern day, the evolution of early globes to our modern GPS is incredibly impressive. Yet, despite our modern technologies, many remain fond of the classic historical globes of centuries past, both as a decor item in the home and as a reminder of how vast our Earth is.

For a range of globe designs that accurately depict the earth and all our continents, Replogle Globes offer a variety of different styles to suit your needs. Whether you want a classic globe or a more modern design, we offer custom globes to honor this age-old tool. Explore our selection online today. Or contact us for additional information.

There’s no question that travel is one of the most rewarding experiences in life. When it comes to travel, inspiration is key. If you’re feeling motivated and inspired, then the journey is that much more enjoyable.

However, finding travel inspiration can sometimes be a challenge. Since Replogle Globes is so passionate about this topic, we’ve put together a list of our top 3 sources of inspiration for travel! Pro tip: desktop world globes are a great place to start. Whether you’re just starting to plan your next trip or you’re well underway, these tips will help get you excited about exploring the world.

Let’s get right into it!

Why Is Traveling Important?

The importance of traveling cannot be overstated. Here are some of the most important reasons.

• Diving into new cultures: Of course, another big perk of travel is the opportunity to learn about other cultures. There’s no better way to do this than by immersing yourself in the culture itself. This could mean anything from attending a traditional dance performance to trying new foods.
• Self-development: Travel can also be a great opportunity for personal growth. When you step out of your comfort zone, you’re forced to grow and adapt. This can be a great way to learn more about yourself and build confidence.
• Trying the cuisine from other parts of the world: One of the best things about travel is the food. When you’re in a new place, you have the opportunity to try cuisines that you might not be able to find at home. This is a great way to broaden your horizons and learn more about other cultures.
• Find inner peace: In today’s fast-paced world, it can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle. Traveling can help you find a sense of inner peace and calm. This is especially true if you’re visiting a place that’s known for its relaxation and beauty, like the beach or the mountains.
• Making lifelong friends: It’s easy to meet new people when you’re traveling, and you’ll often find that they’re open to forming lifelong bonds. This is because you share a common interest: exploring the world!
• Traveling improves your health: Believe it or not, travel can be good for your health! Studies have shown that traveling can reduce stress, improve mental health, and even boost your immune system.

#1 Find Your Future Travel Spot on the World Globe

Now that we’ve gone over some of the reasons why traveling is so important, it’s time to start planning your next trip! And what better way to do that than considering a travel globe as your next inspiration source? With a world globe, traveling to a future dream destination is much easier to visualize.

There are so many amazing places to see in the world, and a Replogle globe is a great way to start visualizing your options. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax or a place to explore, you’re sure to find it on a world globe. And once you’ve found the perfect spot, you can start planning your dream vacation!

Consider a National Geographics globe collection to learn more about the world around you. What’s great about these globes is that they’re not only aesthetically pleasing but they’re also packed with information. The cartography is beautiful and you’re sure to learn something new from these globes.

If you’re looking for an extra interactive way to explore the world, consider an augmented reality globe. These travel globes use cutting-edge technology to bring the world to life. You can learn about different countries, landmarks, and more with the help of augmented reality. There is even a globe to track travels with. No matter what type of traveler’s globe you choose, you’re sure to find inspirational travel material for your next travel destination.

#2 Look for Travel Inspiration in the Reading

Considering how busy our lives are, it’s no wonder that so many of us feel the need to escape from time to time. And what better way to do that than by reading? When you read, you can transport yourself to another world entirely. You can explore different cultures, worlds, and even universes. And best of all, you can do it from the comfort of your own home!

If you’re looking for travel inspiration, consider picking up a travel book. After all, before the internet, travel books were one of the best ways to learn about different cultures and destinations. And even though we now have access to a wealth of information online, there’s still something special about reading a travel book. There’s something about the physicality of a book that makes it feel more real.

But if books aren’t your thing, checking out travel blogs is a great way to get inspired. There are so many amazing travel bloggers out there who are sharing their stories and experiences. And since they’re often written in a first-person perspective, it’s easy to feel like you’re right there with them. Some of the best travel inspiration comes through words.

#3 Wake Your Wanderlust Up with the Movies

For those looking up how to get inspiration for travel, movies can be overlooked. But there’s no denying that movies are a great source of travel inspiration. After all, they’re one of the most popular forms of entertainment for a reason. And when it comes to travel, there are so many amazing films out there that can inspire you to explore the world.

One of the great things about travel movies is that they often showcase destinations that you might not have considered before. And even if you have no intention of ever visiting the place, it’s still fun to watch and dream about.

But travel movies aren’t just about pretty pictures. They can also be a great way to learn about different cultures. Many travel films do an excellent job of showcasing the customs and traditions of the places they’re set in. And even if you don’t understand the language, you can still get a sense of the culture. Inspirational travel content is just a few clicks away.

Conclusion

No matter what your interests are, there’s sure to be a source of travel inspiration for you. Whether you’re looking for a new place to travel to or just want to learn about different cultures, these three sources are a great place to start. And if you’re particularly interested in globes, why not order a custom globe to help you with your unique traveling desires? We can help you, just contact us!

So get out there and start exploring the world! Thanks for reading.

The oldest surviving terrestrial globe, The Erdapfel, was made in Germany in 1492. World map globes possess a long and vibrant history; they​​ were once ancient navigational tools, but through the ages, transformed into status symbols, depicting the birth and demise of empires, man’s desire to expand and conquer, and the intellectual interests of the 18th and 19th century’s growing middle class.

Today, they’re found in antique shops, collectors’ cabinets, and homes. People buy globes for decoration, their monetary value (in the case of antiques), and academic uses. At Replogle Globes, we stock a variety of beautiful globes and have put together this brief guide on how to buy a globe to help you make an informed purchase.

What Type of Globe Is The Best?

Floor globes are taller and have a larger diameter than their desktop alternatives. Hence, the first consideration is size, which is determined by where you wish to display your globe.

Chic Floor Globes

As the name suggests, and as one would assume, floor globes are larger than desktop globes and take up a decent amount of space. Standard floor globes have a 16-inch diameter, excluding their stands, which may have one, two, three, or four legs. Quality globes can easily become statement pieces in offices, studies, libraries, family rooms, and even the classroom.

Replogle floor globes come in antique and contemporary styles, with diameters ranging from 12” to 32”. We have the best quality world globes that are available: illuminated, non-illuminated, and/or with a raised relief. With our considerable variety of sizes and styles, you’re bound to find a suitable globe.

Compact Desktop Globes

Desktop globes meticulously illustrate the world’s geography aesthetically and can double up as a classroom educational tool or decorative office element. They are typically between 12 to 16-inches in diameter and spin on a single leg base. Our desktop globe collection consists of mini and standard globes ranging from 4.3” to 16”.

Like our chic floor globes, from the popular Constellation to Franklin models, we stock several desktop globe styles and designs, each with a unique aesthetic that will complement any space. At Replogle, we also have high-quality inflatable globes and interactive world globes, which are great for educational purposes.

At Replogle, we also have high-quality inflatable globes and interactive world globes, which are great for educational purposes.

What Purpose Should Your World Globe Serve?

World map globes are used for educational and decorative purposes; each use determines the size and type of globe you should purchase.

Educational Purposes

Whether they have political or topographical maps, the world globe is ubiquitous in geography classrooms. Globes displaying details such as country names, capitals, and latitude lines are fitting for educational applications, particularly where kids are required to learn physical geography. The best globes for this purpose are large and brightly colored to stimulate learning and memory.

The Replogle educational globes’ collection contains maps with moons, constellations, vegetation, ocean currents, topographical and political details. Our special Geographer 12” is a write-and-erase globe, specifically designed for children, while our Replogle IntelliGlobe II is one of the most informative globes in our collection, which comes with an IntelliGlobe II pen and World Discovery Book for enhanced learning.

If you want to buy a globe for educational purposes, make sure it is durable and sturdy, with accurate detailing and a timeless design. It’s also worthwhile checking that it accurately reflects name changes and that there are no missing names or printing errors.

A World Globe for Decorative Purpose

Of course, not all globes need to be learning tools. Decorative globes can afford to offer minimalist or conceptual designs with less detail. Some opt for bold globes in black and white, while others prefer traditional sepia-toned variations. Conventionally colored globes work best in children’s areas, where muted designs, which exude classic flair, suit adult libraries and home offices.

Repogle’s Designer Series has the perfect globes with soft, velvet-like finishes in gold, blue, black, and sepia hues for those who’d prefer something luxe and conceptual. When purchasing for decorative purposes, familiarize yourself with the specific features of a globe, i.e., smaller ones make great accent pieces, while larger ones can become a room’s focal piece.

Buying a Globe as a Gift

A unique, high-quality world globe is a wonderful gift for travelers, geography enthusiasts, and any person who likes collectible items with old-world charm. Besides classic world globes, there are also celestial and fantasy-art models on the market.

When buying a globe as a gift, the features included, design, and color options are important points to consider, as well the person’s taste and home style. If you’re unsure, a world desk globe is a safe option, that’s simultaneously practical, portable, and decorative.

What Features Should Your Globe Include?

Know your globe can come with different features that alter the design, style, and budget.

Non-Illuminated vs. Illuminated

Illuminated globes provide interiors with a gentle, ambient glow, bringing cartographic features on vividly-hued maps. However, if the world globe you’re buying is intended for classroom use, then it may be unnecessary to purchase one that lights up, especially since these globes tend to be passed around the classroom during the day.

Many non-illuminated globes display a raised relief (a globe with raised mountains), illustrating the earth’s surface’s physical variations and protruding mountain ranges, especially ours at Replogle. Because they don’t require a power outlet, non-illuminated globes can be placed anywhere, which is an added benefit.

Base and Meridian Options

World map globes come with different mounting style options and meridians. The meridian is the ring that encompasses the globe and mounts it to its stand. When it covers half the globe from the North to the South Pole, it’s called a semi-meridian. If it encompasses the entire globe, it’s referred to as full meridian.

Full-swing meridians allow you to spin the globe from side to side or up and down. Other unique heirloom globes from Replogle come with a cradle mount featuring a full meridian that rests between notches in the stand and a wooden dowel at the center of the base. These are typically used to mount floor globes.

Physical, Political, or a Globe with Raised Relief?

Most globes feature political or physical maps. Political globes depict borders, capitals, and country names. Occasionally, they illustrate shipping lanes, major water current directions, and longitudinal and latitudinal grids, too. These are the types you’re likely to find in classrooms because they act as 3D maps, teaching students the correct geographical orientation of continents.

Physical maps are designed to illustrate the earth’s natural relief. They feature naturalistic green yellows, browns with detailed three-dimensional shading showcasing the tallest mountains and deepest seas. All bodies of water are marked, including rivers and lakes. They will often depict relevant place names but forgo capital cities and town names.

Lastly, raised-relief globes illustrate land features by molding elevations and depressions on the globe’s surface. Although not strictly to scale, they allow viewers to better visualize mountain ranges and plains. These tactile globes are particularly popular among children.

Still Can’t Make a Choice?

Researching different globe options truly makes a world of difference when deciding which type of world globe to buy. Outside of budget, purpose, preference, and display space are the three main factors to consider. And perhaps a final one is the manufacturer. While it’s quick to buy something online, you really do want to check warranties and globe quality.

If you have any doubts about where to look, we guarantee you can trust Replogle Globes. We have over 90 years of experience manufacturing world-class globes decorating homes, schools, and universities. Wondering where to buy Replogle Globes? On our official website, of course!

The mesmerizing collection of Replogle Globe’s bestsellers is a good starting place if you’re looking for inspiration. There’s something to suit everyone, even an eclectic globe “drinking cabinet.” As one of the best and most reputable globe makers in the world, we’re always available to answer questions and recommend the best globes for discerning buyers.