The Astrolabe is one of the earliest, and at the same time, one of the most sophisticated of all ancient scientific instruments. It served as sextant, star-finder, and time-piece for early astronomers, astrologers, and navigators. 

Although designed in the manner of the beautiful Renaissance instruments, this is an original Astrolabe, computed for modern star positions, useful through the year 2046. The Astrolabe comes in kit form. The traditional parts of mother, rete, rule, alidade, and tympans are printed on gold metallic surfaced cardboard, precision die-cut for true accuracy. The parts assemble easily into a working Astrolabe 8 3/8" in diameter. An excellent 21 page booklet concerning its history and construction is included.