astrolabe

An early astronomical instrument used for measuring the altitude of celestial bodies, functioning as a precursor to the sextant.

• 🇪🇸Instrumento astronómico antiguo utilizado para medir la altura de los cuerpos celestes y precursor del sextante.

1. Ancient astronomical instrument C2 formal scientific

   An early scientific instrument used for measuring the altitude of celestial bodies, such as the sun and stars, to determine time, latitude, and for navigation. It is considered a precursor to the modern sextant.

   • The mariner used an astrolabe to navigate by the stars.
   • Medieval astronomers relied on the astrolabe for their calculations.
   • The museum displayed a beautifully crafted brass astrolabe from the 12th century.
   • Using an astrolabe, one could determine the time of day or night.

   🇪🇸Astrolabio

• astrolabes plural form
• astrolabes' possessive plural form
• astrolabe's possessive singular form