Description
The Mariner’s Astrolabe is a modern reproduction of the classic sea astrolabe developed by Portuguese navigators in the 15th century during the great voyages of discovery. The instrument represents an important milestone in the development of astronomical navigation at sea, and was used to determine latitude using observations of the sun and stars.
Unlike the more advanced planispheric astrolabe, the Mariner’s Astrolabe is designed as a robust and practical navigation instrument for use on board ships. This model is a working reproduction with a diameter of approximately 20 cm and is also one of the easiest historical astronomical instruments to learn how to use.
The Astrolabe comes as a kit with precision die-cut parts in metallic cardboard and is easy to assemble. The kit also includes an illustrated booklet explaining the instrument’s history and use in maritime navigation.
Its construction and use provide a unique understanding of how early seafarers navigated using celestial bodies long before modern chart plotters and satellite navigation. The instrument is perfect for enthusiasts of astronomical navigation, maritime history, astronomy and classical navigation methods.
The Mariner’s Astrolabe is both an educational historical instrument and a decorative collector’s item for anyone with an interest in seafaring and navigational history.
