Solar system quilt from 1876

Amateur astronomer Ellen Harding Baker of Cedar County, Iowa made this stunning solar system quilt in 1876. The quilt is now in the collection of the Smithsonian Institution. From the Smithsoian's History Explorer:

Ellen used the quilt as a visual aid for lectures she gave on astronomy in the towns of West Branch, Moscow, and Lone Tree, Iowa. Astronomy was an acceptable interest for women in the nineteenth century and was sometimes even fostered in their education.

"Ellen Harding Baker's "Solar System" Quilt"

David Pescovitz is Boing Boing's co-editor/managing partner. He's also a research director at Institute for the Future. On Instagram, he's @pesco.

MORE: astronomy • crafter • maker • quilt

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http://www.facebook.com/postelwait Cameron Postelwait

pluto got the boot a long time ago.
- http://plantsarethestrangestpeople.blogspot.com/ mr_subjunctive
  
  The quilt is from 1876. Pluto was discovered in 1930.
  - John Smith
    
    She knew, give the lady some credit.
  - http://www.facebook.com/postelwait Cameron Postelwait
    
    thank you mr_obvious
Finnagain

But how could she possibly have known that Sirius is a binary star system?!
- aforsy
  
  She must be an Dogon and received her wisdom from Ancient Aliens! Only logical position. Wake up sheeple!!!
http://beautifulsynthesis.com Andrea

So cool! A quilt must have been a great way to transport a durable, large-scale diagram over long distances. And I would seriously love to have this on my bed, or hanging in my living room.
James Mason

I am aghast that the word “acceptable” is not in quotes.
Anna Christa

the comet tail is in the wrong direction
http://avarana.blogspot.com MarlboroTestMonkey7

This seems quiltshopped.
- Finnagain
  
  You can tell by the stitches.