Difference between revisions of "Astrolabe"
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| − | The '''astrolabe''' was a compact round disc used to observe and calculate the position of celestial bodies before the invention of the [[sextant]]. It was the most widely used astronomical instrument of the Islamic and Medieval periods. | + | The '''astrolabe''' was a compact round disc used to observe and calculate the position of [[celestial bodies]] before the invention of the [[sextant]]. It was the most widely used astronomical instrument of the Islamic and [[Medieval]] periods. |
| − | Astrolabes usually consisted 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 could be estimated. <ref>A presentation for the Man & Technology Course (ES103) @ SUNY Farmingdale,by Gary Agranat & Dave Delligati, Fall 1980. [http://members.aol.com/chopstcks/gca7sky/astrolabe.htm]</ref> | + | Astrolabes usually consisted 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 could be estimated. <ref>A presentation for the Man & Technology Course (ES103) @ SUNY Farmingdale,by Gary Agranat & Dave Delligati, Fall 1980. [http://members.aol.com/chopstcks/gca7sky/astrolabe.htm]</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]]. |
== References == | == References == | ||
Revision as of 20:39, July 1, 2008
The astrolabe was a compact round disc used to observe and calculate the position of celestial bodies before the invention of the sextant. It was the most widely used astronomical instrument of the Islamic and Medieval periods.
Astrolabes usually consisted 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 could be estimated. [1] 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.
