Using the Astrolabe, 17th Century
This 17th century woodcut gives a crude illustration of how the astrolabe was used to measure the sun's zenith distance. The zenith distance is the angle between the indefinite point Z and the sun D. An astrolabe is an elaborate inclinometer, historically used by astronomers, navigators, and astrologers. Its many uses include locating and predicting the positions of the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars, determining local time given local latitude and vice-versa, surveying, triangulation, and to cast horoscopes. It was used in classical antiquity, through the Islamic Golden Age, the European Middle Ages and Renaissance for all these purposes. In the Islamic world, it was also used to calculate the Qibla and to find the times for Salah, prayers.
Size: 4200px × 4314px
Photo credit: © Photo Researchers / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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