Difference between revisions of "Astrolabe"
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| − | | | + | The '''astrolabe''' is a compact round disc used to observe and calculate the position of [[celestial bodies]], commonly used before the invention of the [[sextant]]. It was the most widely used astronomical instrument of the [[Terrorism|Islamic]] and [[Medieval]] periods. The word "astrolabe" comes from the Greek ἀστρολάβος, "astrolabos", which translates as "star-taker".<ref>http://www.oed.com/view/Entry/12253?redirectedFrom=astrolabe#eid Astrolabe, Oxford English Dictionary</ref> |
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| − | + | Astrolabes usually consist of a flat disc with a sighting rod that could be pivoted to point at the [[Sun]] or bright stars. From the altitude of the Sun or star above the horizon, the local time or position could be estimated.<ref>A presentation for the Man & Technology Course (ES103) @ SUNY Farmingdale,by Gary Agranat & Dave Delligati, Fall 1980.</ref> Astrolabes were usually constructed of light metals, such as [[copper]] or [[zinc]], however elaborate ornamental gold and silver astrolabes were created for wealthy rulers such as [[Pope Alexander VI]] and [[Suleiman the Magnificent]]. | |
| − | + | There is a common misconception in the appearance of the astrolabe. Most people are more familiar with the mariner's astrolabe, a similar device invented to make reading location easier on the rough seas.<ref>Waters, David Watkin, The Art of Navigation in England in Elizabethan and Early Stuart Times, Yale University Press, 1958</ref> | |
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| − | + | '''''Astrolabe''''' is the name of the [[France|French]] [[Antarctic]] research and re-supply vessel, based in [[Hobart]], [[Tasmania]]. Before that, it was the name of one of the vessels used by [[La Perouse]] in his ill-fated voyage of discovery into the [[Pacific]] in 1785/88. | |
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| + | == References == | ||
| + | {{reflist|2}} | ||
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| + | [[Category:Astronomy]] | ||
Latest revision as of 11:25, September 11, 2020
The astrolabe is a compact round disc used to observe and calculate the position of celestial bodies, commonly used before the invention of the sextant. It was the most widely used astronomical instrument of the Islamic and Medieval periods. The word "astrolabe" comes from the Greek ἀστρολάβος, "astrolabos", which translates as "star-taker".[1]
Astrolabes usually consist of a flat disc with a sighting rod that could be pivoted to point at the Sun or bright stars. From the altitude of the Sun or star above the horizon, the local time or position could be estimated.[2] Astrolabes were usually constructed of light metals, such as copper or zinc, however elaborate ornamental gold and silver astrolabes were created for wealthy rulers such as Pope Alexander VI and Suleiman the Magnificent.
There is a common misconception in the appearance of the astrolabe. Most people are more familiar with the mariner's astrolabe, a similar device invented to make reading location easier on the rough seas.[3]
Astrolabe is the name of the French Antarctic research and re-supply vessel, based in Hobart, Tasmania. Before that, it was the name of one of the vessels used by La Perouse in his ill-fated voyage of discovery into the Pacific in 1785/88.
References
- ↑ http://www.oed.com/view/Entry/12253?redirectedFrom=astrolabe#eid Astrolabe, Oxford English Dictionary
- ↑ A presentation for the Man & Technology Course (ES103) @ SUNY Farmingdale,by Gary Agranat & Dave Delligati, Fall 1980.
- ↑ Waters, David Watkin, The Art of Navigation in England in Elizabethan and Early Stuart Times, Yale University Press, 1958