An astrolabe is an elaborate inclinometer, historically used by astronomers and navigators to measure the inclined position in the sky of a celestial body, day or night. It can thus be used to identify stars or planets, to determine local latitude given local time (and vice versa), to survey, or to triangulate. It was used in classical antiquity, the Islamic Golden Age, the European Middle Ages, and the Renaissance for all these purposes In the time interval between Ptolemy (2nd century AD) and Copernicus (16th century), the major developments in observational and theoretical astronomy took place from North Africa to Central Asia—during late Antiquity, and then in pre-Islamic and finally Islamic societies. The main advances happened between the 9th and the mid-15th centuries. During this period, Muslim scholars familiarized themselves with Indo-Persian astronomical traditions, mastered Ptolemaic planetary models, improved computational and observational techniques, established large-scale observatories, devised accurate observational instruments and, finally, developed several non-Ptolemaic planetary models to make the observed motions of planets more compatible with Aristotelian cosmology. Handmade oriental brass astrolabe with a wooden base. Dimesions : Height 14 cm Length 5 cm Width 5 cm Dimensions only of the astrolabe body: Height 6 cm Length 4,5 cm Width 0,5 cm
“Brass astrolabe w/ tassel made in North India, 19thC, inscribed in Persian (Dia. 34 cm) @NMnewdelhi.”
the various parts of an 18th century astrolabe made in North Africa. astrolabe is a historical astronomical instrument used by classical astronomers, navigators, and astrologers. Its many uses included locating and predicting the positions of the Sun, Moon, planets and stars; determining local time given local latitude and vice-versa; surveying; and triangulation. In the medieval Islamic world, they were used primarily for astronomical studies, as well as in other areas as diverse as astrology, navigation, surveying, timekeeping, Salah prayers, and Qibla. Astrologers of the European nations used astrolabes to construct horoscopes. The first astrolabes were made in the 3rd century but advanced brass astrolabes did not appear till the middle ages (8th and 9th century). The plates of this instrument are made of brass but are unusual in that they have been electroplated in gold. The thin layer of gold has been worn off over the years. This instrument is a copy of a much older instrument used in the 17th century. Astrolabes were often copied and given as gifts. This one is a low quality copy found in a souk in Marrakech. It was probably made in the 18th century. The accuracy of the markings is poor and so it would be difficult to actually use this instrument to make calculations. Think of it as 18th century "bling": In the 16th and 17th centuries, the possession of an astrolabe lent an element of prestige and intelligence to the owner. Now it's just a hunk of brass that no one knows how to use. The mathematical principles behind its use are fairly complex. Basically it's a mechanical device for predicting the movement of celestial bodies (usually the moon, sun, planets, and principal stars). It was used in the Arab world in may ways. For one, to determine the times of sunset and sunrise as well as lunar cycles. It could also be used for navigation to determine ones approxiamate longitude and latitude. The North African Moors brought the astrolabe to Europe and it was quickly made popular for navigation and celestial mechanics. As an instrument of astrology it was used extensively by Sufis (Islamic mystics; especially in the Persian world) to create astrological maps based on events. This small one is not as astrological astrolabe but rather an astronomical one. Astrological astrolabes have detailed astrological charts and maps on the inside and back of the mater. This one has mathematical tables instead. Many astrological astrolabes are Persian (Iran) in origin.
Without doubt the astrolabes is one of the most fascinating of all historical astronomical instruments. To begin with it is not simply one object, it is many objects in one: An astronomical …
Gilt copper astrolabe by Muhammad ibn 'Abd al-'Aziz al Khama'iri (active 13thC), Spain (Seville), 1226/7 @LACMA.
THE GREAT WAVE BY HOKUSAI & ASTROLABE
Specialist James Hyslop on his latest find — an 18th century astrolabe used to track the stars
I recently saw an exhibit at the British Museum regarding the importance of timekeeping and physical direction for Muslims. Salat times refers to times when Muslims perform prayers (salat). The term is primarily used for the five daily prayers plus the Friday prayer. According to Muslim beliefs, the salat times were taught by Allah to
Saatchi Art is pleased to offer the collage, "ASTROLABE," by Roberto Oscar Gasperi, available for purchase at $1,760 USD. Original Collage: Photo on Paper. Size is 11.8 H x 8.7 W x 0.1 in.
An expert introduction to the beautiful instruments for divining the night and the course of the sun — described as ‘the medieval iPhone’
I recently saw an exhibit at the British Museum regarding the importance of timekeeping and physical direction for Muslims. Salat times refers to times when Muslims perform prayers (salat). The term is primarily used for the five daily prayers plus the Friday prayer. According to Muslim beliefs, the salat times were taught by Allah to
Islamic Indo-Persian astrolabe in brass, 155 mm in diameter and 1.3cm thick. Persian inscription around edge of ... reading "this tripartite astrolabe, with the sine quadrant and beneath it the limb, was designed as a gift for the honourable treasurer, Sir Henry Elliot, Sahib, K.C.B. Chief secretary of his Lordship, the Govenor-general, exalted deputy (may his good fortune continue) in Kapurthala, through the work of Balhumal, the astronomer from Lahore, the confident of his Lordship Ahluwaliya, completed Christian year 1849" decorative rete (ankabut) with leaves to represent 12 stars plates engraved with equal and unequal hours for latitudes 17[o] and 20[o], 23[o] and 26[o], 29 and 32[o], 35[o] and 38[o], 41[o] and 44[o] and 47[o] and 50[o] plus a seventh plate engraved on both sides as a tablet of horizons, pierced suspension (Kursi) to which is attached crimson cord (ilaqa) of 18 cm length
Astronomical quadrant is a compact form of astrolabe that as utilised by astronomers and muwakkits in middle-eastern society from Middle ages till the beginnings of 20th century. Our copy reproduces the quadrant created in 14th century by Muhammad al-Mizzi, astronomer and poet from Damascus currently displayed at the museum of Copenhagen. A short manual will be sent with your purchase.
The Focus-Abengoa Foundation announced the organization of a major travelling exhibition of Islamic art and culture, spanning more than ten centuries and including artworks from throughout the Islamic world, which will open in Seville this October, and travel to the Dallas Museum of Art, USA in spring 2014.
Assistez à la visite guidée "Culture en partage" à l'Institut du monde arabe à Paris pour découvrir le patrimoine partagé des trois monothéismes.
