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World’s Largest Rotating and Revolving Globe

World’s Largest Rotating and Revolving Globe

Eartha is its Name and Rotating on an Axis is its Game

The World’s Largest Rotating and Revolving Globe is nicknamed “Eartha”, and it can be found at DeLorme’s headquarters in Yarmouth, Maine, a 15-minute drive north of Portland.

This Big Thing To See has a diameter of 41 feet and weighs about 2.8 tons! Eartha is built to an exact 1-to-1-million scale, meaning that one millimeter on its surface corresponds to one kilometer on Earth’s surface.

This Big Globe is motorized, and one combined rotation and revolution occurs every 18 minutes. Eartha was designed and constructed entirely by DeLorme employees — quite an achievement!

You can see Eartha by visiting DeLorme, or by just driving past the building in your rental car. It’s easy to spot theBig Globe from US Route 1, and the glass-walled atrium where it’s mounted is lit up at night! (See photo below.)

Big Globe

Eartha as seen at night, Photo by Jeffrey Stevenson

If you decide to get a close look, DeLorme’s Giant Globe atrium is open for public visits during regular business hours. Of course, there’s also a gift shop that sells geography products and Eartha souvenirs. The atrium also features 2 balconies, so you can see the northern hemisphere more easily.

Visiting the World’s Largest Rotating and Revolving Globe is easy. To reach DeLorme, just drive your rental car North on the Maine Turnpike (Interstate 95). Use Exit 52 to continue on Interstate 295 North. Then take Exit 17, and DeLorme will be immediately on your right, just off the ramp. The Map Store hours are Monday-Saturday 9:00am to 6:00pm and Sunday 9:00am to 5:00pm (It’s closed for New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas).

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