======Solar System Model======
=====Object Information=====
  * **Type:** [[Magical Device]], Educational Tool, [[Astrology|Astrological]] Aid
  * **Owners:** [[Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry]] (used by [[Sybill Trelawney]])
  * **Maker:** Unknown
=====Description and Appearance=====
The [[Solar System Model]] is a miniature, magical representation of the solar system. The version seen in [[Professor Trelawney]]'s [[Divination]] classroom in the [[North Tower]] is contained within a glass dome.
Within the dome, miniature planets orbit a central sun, glowing with their own light. These planets move in real-time to reflect the actual positions of their celestial counterparts. When [[Harry Potter]] first observes the model, he notes that the planet [[Mars]] is "gleaming particularly brightly".
=====Magical Properties and Usage=====
The primary function of the [[Solar System Model]] is to serve as an aid for [[Astrology]], a branch of [[Divination]]. It allows a [[Seer]] or student to observe the current alignments, positions, and movements of celestial bodies without the need for a [[telescope]].
By studying the model, a [[wizard]] or [[witch]] can interpret the meaning of these planetary positions, which are believed to influence events on [[Earth]]. For example, [[Professor Trelawney]] frequently references planetary alignments when making her predictions, such as the positions of [[Venus]] or the conjunction of [[Jupiter]] and [[Uranus]], indicating she uses such a tool to inform her readings.
=====History=====
The specific origin and creator of the model used at [[Hogwarts]] are unknown. One such model has been present in the [[Divination]] classroom for many years, used by [[Sybill Trelawney]] since she began teaching at the school around 1980. Its enchanted nature suggests it is a complex and skillfully made magical object, designed to operate perpetually without manual adjustment.
=====Role in the Story=====
The [[Solar System Model]] is first introduced in //[[Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban]]// when [[Harry Potter]], [[Ron Weasley]], and [[Hermione Granger]] attend their first [[Divination]] lesson. It is one of several magical items that creates the mystical and cluttered atmosphere of [[Trelawney]]'s classroom. The observation that [[Mars]], the Roman god of war, is glowing brightly can be interpreted as foreshadowing the conflict that arises throughout the school year.
Later, in //[[Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]//, [[Professor Trelawney]]'s reliance on [[Astrology]] is reiterated when she complains to [[Harry]] about [[Firenze]] the [[Centaur]]'s different divinatory methods, alluding to her own charting of the planets. This reinforces the purpose of the model as a key tool for her specific brand of [[Divination]].
=====Behind the Scenes=====
  * In the film adaptations, a large, intricate mechanical model of the solar system, often called an orrery or armillary sphere, is a prominent feature of [[Albus Dumbledore]]'s office. While [[Dumbledore]]'s office is described in the books as containing many strange silvery instruments, a specific solar system model is not mentioned as being one of them. The model in the films is a visual addition that adds to the sense of [[Dumbledore]]'s wisdom and vast knowledge (film).
  * The wizarding world's use of [[Astrology]] and a [[Solar System Model]] shows that they share the same basic astronomical understanding as [[Muggles]], though they apply it to magical purposes.
  * The planets in the solar system are named after figures from Roman mythology, a naming convention that fits well within the [[Harry Potter]] universe, where many spells have Latin roots.