Planispheric Astrolabe

Description

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 tympans are oriented for specific latitudes of 30, 36, 42, 49, 52 and 56 degrees north. 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.

Through the high quality materials, and ease of assembly, one not only creates a working instrument, but is afforded a wonderful opportunity to study and relate to historical navigational methods. SW 1.5 lb.