What is an astrolabe? Astrolabe: photo

Today in fashion things marked with time: antiques, various products in the style of vintage and retro. A special glamor for the interior, based on a similar decor, is given to instruments and appliances that have now lost their relevance, but introduce a certain flavor and create an atmosphere. These include, for example, a gramophone or iron irons. However, we are not talking about these fairly common aggregates. The focus of the article is the answer to the question of what an astrolabe is. These ancient instruments are also now experiencing a second birth as attributes of styles with a bias in retro or steampunk.

Multifunction tool

Astrolabe, the photo of which gives a little idea about the use of the object for a person not connected with astronomy, is simply a beautiful and unusual instrument. However, it has a very specific function. An instrument was developed to measure distances from the Earth's surface to stars and planets, which were then used for orientation on the terrain, determining coordinates, and also astrological predictions. With the help of an ancient astronomical instrument, it was possible to calculate which stars will be visible at night, when the Sun, which is the hour , sets or will rise.

Origin

Already in the second century BC, scientists knew what an astrolabe was. The tool appeared on the territory of Ancient Greece, in the same place it was supplemented and somewhat modified over several centuries. Astrolabe, a photo of which can be found in the article, was brought into this form by Theon of Alexandria in the 4th century. N. E.

Despite the Greek origin, the astrolabe owes much to the Arabs. If it were not for them, most likely, such an instrument would not have reached us.

Persecution of the Church

The Middle Ages were not the most fertile time for the development of the sciences in Europe. All worldly, one way or another trying to explain the world without resorting to the concept of God, was declared deceitful and dangerous. After the death of the Roman Empire, astrolabe was forgotten for centuries in the West. At the same time, a new round of history for the device began in the vastness of the Arab countries, where scientists have expanded its capabilities.

Update

Eastern masters have made their corrections in the understanding of what an astrolabe is. Now these tools were used not only for astronomical calculations, orientation on the ground and time counting. Arabian astrolabes made it possible to make complex mathematical calculations, to predict fate by the stars.

On the expanses of Persia, India and other countries, many books have been created, containing a description of the structure and application of the instrument for various purposes. All prominent scientists had this device. And then, and later, already in Europe, the science of the stars was revered as the basis of any knowledge, and the symbol of wisdom was astrolabe. Every astrologer who served as an adviser at the Sultan's court knew how to use the instrument.

Device

The construction of the astrolabe consisted of several parts. The base is a circle of brass or copper with a rim along the edge, a hole and a hanging ring in the middle. The latter helped to correctly place the device relative to the horizon line. On the entire length of the circle there were labels - a scale with divisions, degrees or hours marked on it. Here, too, the situation of large cities was noted.

On the basis of the astrolabe was placed the so-called tympanum - a disk with a stereographic projection of the starry sky. It marked the world's pole, the northern and southern tropics, the zenith with azimuth circles. There were several tympanums for different localities. Each was distinguished by features of the position of the zenith point and the horizon line, valid at a given latitude.

Above the disk with the projection of the sky, a lattice was placed, due to the peculiarities of the structure, which was called the "spider". It was equipped with pointers to help determine the location of the brightest stars. Arrows were often made in the form of elegant leaflets or curls, making the whole design not only convenient in a functional sense, but also delivering aesthetic pleasure.

Again in Europe

Centuries later, in the West, we again learned what an astrolabe is, thanks to the study of the works of Eastern scholars. Europeans began to use Arabian devices, and then make their own. New copies were also decorated in the manner of the eastern counterparts. Soon, the astrolabes became vivid examples of noblemen's collections.

Today this device is a symbol of secrets: astrolabe often connects in the minds of people with predictions of astrologers, rather than with studies of astronomers. For example, the device can be associated with a name that many now know - Maria Duval. Astrolabe gave the name of one of the firms that send questionable predictions of her authorship. But despite such twists of fate, the instrument for the majority today is part of the history of astronomy, an interesting symbol of the past era and a beautiful attribute.