Michael Mendillo, professor of astronomy at Boston University, began collecting antiquarian astronomical charts after he skipped out of an international astronomy conference more than two decades ago.
"I got drawn to these old maps," Mendillo said. "I got interested in how science is portrayed visually."
Many of the pieces feature ornate, detailed representations of constellations and the solar system, using classic astrological symbols such as Leo the lion and Cancer the crab.
"In addition to showing the collection of heavenly bodies that make up the swan-shaped constellation, they'd also render the swan," said Patrick McGrady, the Charles V. Hallman Curator at the Palmer Museum.
The designs show how the discipline of astronomy has evolved over the years, with the early charts showing the solar system as geocentric (with the earth at the center) and later maps showing it as heliocentric (with the sun at the center).
"When these maps were done there wasn't such a distinction between astronomy and astrology," said Robin Seymour, coordinator of membership and public relations for the Palmer Museum.
To coincide with the new exhibition, on July 25 at 7 p.m. astrologer Terry Johnson will lead a free workshop in which she will discuss the pieces in the exhibition and give an astrological reading.
The workshop is free but pre-registration is required, either by calling 865-7673 or by e-mailing palmermuseum@psu.edu.
Astrology itself has also changed through history, Johnson said. For example, modern astrologers have nine planets to work with whereas ancient astrologers only had seven.
She said some aspects of astrology have stayed the same, including astrologers' view of the meaning of the stars.
"The sky itself is a reflection of life on earth. What's in the sky doesn't predict what's on earth, it is the same thing," Johnson said.
While Mendillo recognizes the artistic and historical value of the astrological elements of the charts, he is quick to point out that astrology holds no scientific value today.
"It's nonsense and pseudo-science as opposed to real science, no offense to people who like to read the horoscopes," he said.
The artistic flair evident in the images represents a celebration of knowledge, Mendillo said, which stands in stark contrast to the modern materials he uses in his classroom.
"When you compare it to the textbooks I use today to teach astronomy, you think, 'Wow, these people really cared about this!' " Mendillo said.
