astrolabe

• Instrument astronomique ancien utilisé pour mesurer la hauteur des corps célestes et servant à déterminer la latitude, précurseur du sextant.

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

1. Ancient astronomical instrumentC2formalscientific

   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.

   Instrument astronomique antique

   • 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.