Magdeburg hemispheres

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Authors: WirtualneMuzeaMalopolski
Cited by: 0

Abstract

1st half of the 19th century Jagiellonian University Museum Collegium Maius The Magdeburg hemispheres are a device used for demonstrating the existence of atmospheric pressure. Two metal hemispheres with ground edges are brought into contact with each other and sealed, and then air is pumped out of them. The hemispheres are pressed against each other by atmospheric pressure and tearing them apart requires the application of considerable force. In the famous experiment carried out by Otto von Guericke (1602–1686) in 1654 in Magdeburg, two hemispheres with a diameter of 42 cm were used. It took 16 horses to tear apart the sphere comprised of them. Inventory number: 4876; 881/V https://muzea.malopolska.pl/en/objects-list/2758 Source: Objaverse 1.0 / Sketchfab

Fields of Study & Subjects

Historical Philosophy and Science Conservation Techniques and Studies Historical Astronomy and Related Studies

Publication details

Journal / source
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Publication date
10 July 2026
Language
EN
Document type
Dataset