Astrolabe Collection

Astrolabe & Quadrant
Astrolabe and quadrant

Tycho Brahe Astrolabe
Tycho-Brahes astrolabe

ASTROLABE, 15TH CENTURY. German mathematician and astronomer, Johann M├╝ller, known as Regiomontanus. Line engraving

TURKISH ASTRONOMERS. Astronomers in the Istanbul observatory. Ottoman manuscript illumination, late 16th century

D urville / Astrolabe
The corvette Astrolabe caught among icebergs in the Antarctic. Dumont D Urville and his crew attempt to release her - which they do

An old instrument with sights for roughly marking the positions of the celestial bodies before the invention of
ASTROLABE. An old instrument with sights for roughly marking the positions of the celestial bodies before the invention of the sextant. Line engraving

Astrolabe quadrant, 1291-1310 (brass)
8832886 Astrolabe quadrant, 1291-1310 (brass) by French School, (13th-14th century); 15 x 14 cm; Private Collection; (add.info)

Astrolabe quadrant, 1291-1310 (brass)
8832883 Astrolabe quadrant, 1291-1310 (brass) by French School, (13th-14th century); 15 x 14 cm; Private Collection; (add.info)

An engraving depicting an armillary sphere, and diagrams for horizontal and vertical dials, 19th century
5313184 An engraving depicting an armillary sphere, and diagrams for horizontal and vertical dials, 19th century; (add.info.: 02/02/1805); Universal History Archive/UIG.

Engraving depicting an allegorical figure representing Astronomy, shown holding an armillary sphere. Dated 19th Century
UIG5426039 Engraving depicting an allegorical figure representing Astronomy, shown holding an armillary sphere. Dated 19th Century; UIG.

Detail of an astrolabe, c.1555 (brass)
MMM5470401 Detail of an astrolabe, c.1555 (brass); National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Detail of an astrolabe: the rest)

Detail of the signature of an astrolabe made by Abd al A' Imma, c.1715-16 (bronze)
MMM5471301 Detail of the signature of an astrolabe made by Abd al A' Imma, c.1715-16 (bronze); National Maritime Museum, London

Detail of an astrolabe: the signature engraved on one of the circles: Michael D, c.1555 (brass)
MMM5470400 Detail of an astrolabe: the signature engraved on one of the circles: Michael D, c.1555 (brass); National Maritime Museum, London

An allegorical figure representing Astronomy
5309981 An allegorical figure representing Astronomy; (add.info.: Engraving depicting an allegorical figure representing Astronomy shown holding an armillary sphere)

Champlain taking an observation with the Astrolabe, on the Ottawa, 1613 (litho)
8666883 Champlain taking an observation with the Astrolabe, on the Ottawa, 1613 (litho) by Jefferys, Charles William (1869-1951) (after); Private Collection; (add.info)

Use of an astrolabe to calculate its position, based on the position of the sun and the height of a vessel
NWI4952903 Use of an astrolabe to calculate its position, based on the position of the sun and the height of a vessel, or that of a boat mat at sea

A collection of various astronomy tools
3740719 A collection of various astronomy tools; (add.info.: Woodcut print depicting a collection of various astronomy tools. Dated 18th Century.); Universal History Archive/UIG.

Arab astronomer
3330984 Arab astronomer; (add.info.: Engraving depicting an Arab astronomer, one holding an armillary sphere showing a geocentric universe and the path of the ecliptic)

Astrolabe, Arabian. 11th century (object)
539676 Astrolabe, Arabian. 11th century (object); Universal History Archive/UIG.

Pensive astronomer holding an astrolabe: engraving by Johannes Angelus (Johann Engel)
PCT4295617 Pensive astronomer holding an astrolabe: engraving by Johannes Angelus (Johann Engel, 1453-1512)) in frontispiece of the book "Astrolabium planum" 1494 - astronomy -; (add.info)

An astronomical quadrant
3732400 An astronomical quadrant; (add.info.: Illustration of an astronomical quadrant, an instrument used to measure angles up to 90 degrees. Dated 18th Century.); Universal History Archive/UIG.

View of the back of a brass astrolabe
3732357 View of the back of a brass astrolabe; (add.info.: View of the back of a brass astrolabe. An astrolabe is an elaborate inclinometer, used by astronomers and navigators)

An armillary sphere
3740718 An armillary sphere; (add.info.: Illustration depicting an armillary sphere. An armillary sphere is a model of objects in the sky consisting of a spherical framework of rings)

An armillary sphere
3740716 An armillary sphere; (add.info.: Illustration depicting an armillary sphere. An armillary sphere is a model of objects in the sky consisting of a spherical framework of rings)

Detail of an astrolabe, c.1590 (brass)
MMM5470412 Detail of an astrolabe, c.1590 (brass); National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Detail of an astrolabe: the rest)

Astrolabe from Syria and Egypt, manufactured by Al Sarraj, c.1230-31 (copper astrolabe)
MMM5471320 Astrolabe from Syria and Egypt, manufactured by Al Sarraj, c.1230-31 (copper astrolabe); National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Astrolabe from Syria and Egypt)

Astrology: an astrologer equipped with different instruments (armillary sphere, balance, compass)
FGL5471300 Astrology: an astrologer equipped with different instruments (armillary sphere, balance, compass, pendulum) establishes a horoscope

Astrology. An astrologer receives a client, he holds in his hands the instruments that symbolize his profession
FGL5469984 Astrology. An astrologer receives a client, he holds in his hands the instruments that symbolize his profession: the armillary sphere

Tycho Brahe's equatorial rings, from " Astronomiae Implatiae Mechanica."
NWI4947704 Tycho Brahe's equatorial rings, from " Astronomiae Implatiae Mechanica."; (add.info.: Tycho Brahe's equatorial rings)

Arab astronomer
3330987 Arab astronomer; (add.info.: Engraving depicting an Arab astronomer, one holding an armillary sphere showing a geocentric universe and the path of the ecliptic)

A scientist performing a calculation on an armillary sphere (" S")
GIA5034681 A scientist performing a calculation on an armillary sphere (" S"). Manuscript of the works of Aristotle, 13th century.; © Giancarlo Costa.

Tapestry of the Astrolabes, c.1451-1500 (silk wool)
CUL4938892 Tapestry of the Astrolabes, c.1451-1500 (silk wool); Museo de Santa Cruz, Toledo, Spain; (add.info.: Tapestry of the astrolabe)

Natives in the Pacific Region from Voyage au pole sud et dans l'Oceanie
2911082 Natives in the Pacific Region from Voyage au pole sud et dans l'Oceanie; (add.info.: 1842 Illustration of natives in the Pacific Region from Voyage au pole sud et dans)

Astrolabe: detail obverse, c.1552 (bronze)
7339275 Astrolabe: detail obverse, c.1552 (bronze) by Gemini, Thomas (c.1515-62) & Sutton, Henry (c.1624-65); 35.2x0 cm; National Maritime Museum, London

Astrolabe disassembled, details of the five engraved and calligraphed plates that constitute it
MMM5471313 Astrolabe disassembled, details of the five engraved and calligraphed plates that constitute it, c.1641-42 (copper astrolabe); National Maritime Museum, London

Detail of an astrolabe: the months of June and July engraved on the calendar circle, c.1555 (brass)
MMM5470416 Detail of an astrolabe: the months of June and July engraved on the calendar circle, c.1555 (brass); National Maritime Museum, London

Reverse side of an astrolabe, with two plates, c.1555 (brass)
MMM5470394 Reverse side of an astrolabe, with two plates, c.1555 (brass); National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Reverse side of an astrolabe, with two plates)

Detail of an astrolabe: the two plates (side facing), c.1555 (brass)
MMM5470393 Detail of an astrolabe: the two plates (side facing), c.1555 (brass); National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Detail of an astrolabe: the two plates (side facing)

Reverse side of an astrolabe, with two plates, c.1555 (brass)
MMM5470362 Reverse side of an astrolabe, with two plates, c.1555 (brass); National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Reverse side of an astrolabe, with two plates)

Detail of an astrolabe: the two plates (battery side), c.1555 (brass)
MMM5470403 Detail of an astrolabe: the two plates (battery side), c.1555 (brass); National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Detail of an astrolabe: the two plates (battery side)

Engraving depicting an armillary sphere, a model of objects in the sky (on the celestial sphere)
5309270 Engraving depicting an armillary sphere, a model of objects in the sky (on the celestial sphere), consisting of a spherical framework of rings, centred on Earth or the Sun

An astronomer with astrolabe and a telescope, 1854 (etching)
7341589 An astronomer with astrolabe and a telescope, 1854 (etching) by Rye, William Brenchley (1818-1901); 21x28.6 cm; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Creator: W.B)

Copper astrolabe representing the positions of known planets and their annual movements around the Sun, c.1730 (copper)
MMM5467346 Copper astrolabe representing the positions of known planets and their annual movements around the Sun, c.1730 (copper); National Maritime Museum, London

CELLARIUS, Andreas (1596-1665). Atlas Coelestis seu Harmonia Macrocosmica. 1661. BRAHE, Tycho (1546-1601)
CUL4868671 CELLARIUS, Andreas (1596-1665). Atlas Coelestis seu Harmonia Macrocosmica. 1661. BRAHE, Tycho (1546-1601). Danish astronomer

Epitome in Ptolemaei Almagestum
3732399 Epitome in Ptolemaei Almagestum; (add.info.: Frontispiece of 'Epitome in Ptolemaei Almagestum' by Regiomontanus (1436-1476) a mathematician and astronomer, showing using an astrolabe

An astronomy lesson using an astrolabe
3732355 An astronomy lesson using an astrolabe; (add.info.: Engraving depicting an astronomy lesson using an astrolabe. Dated 13th Century.); Universal History Archive/UIG.

View of the front of a brass astrolabe
3740624 View of the front of a brass astrolabe; (add.info.: View of the front of a brass astrolabe. An astrolabe is an elaborate inclinometer, used by astronomers and navigators)

An astronomical quadrant
3740720 An astronomical quadrant; (add.info.: Illustration of an astronomical quadrant, an instrument used to measure angles up to 90 degrees. Dated 18th Century.); Universal History Archive/UIG.

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The astrolabe, a remarkable instrument used for centuries to navigate the celestial bodies, has played a significant role in the history of astronomy. Developed alongside the quadrant, it allowed astronomers like Tycho Brahe to make precise measurements and observations. One notable example is the astrolabe created by German mathematician and astronomer Johann Müller, also known as Regiomontanus. This 15th-century masterpiece showcased his expertise in both mathematics and astronomy. Turkish astronomers in Istanbul also utilized the astrolabe extensively during their studies. Ottoman manuscript illuminations from the late 16th century depict these scholars using this instrument within their observatory. D'Urville's astrolabe stands as an old but crucial tool that enabled sailors to roughly mark celestial positions before sextants were invented. Its line engraving showcases its significance in maritime navigation. Tycho Brahe, a Danish astronomer renowned for his accurate astronomical observations, relied heavily on his nautical astrolabe from Spain in 1571. This device aided him greatly in mapping out stars and planets with precision. Another variant of this incredible invention is seen through an astronomical astrolabe dating back to 1598. Its intricate design demonstrates how advancements were made over time to enhance accuracy and functionality. Astronomy enthusiasts may recognize the Prague Astronomical Clock or Prague Orloj as one of Europe's most famous an astronomicastolrable clock tower. It not only tells time but also displays various astronomical details such as planetary positions and phases of the moon. From its origins in the 15th century to its continued use well into the 19th century, including even until around 1870 when Angel Apostles adorned some versions; allegorical depictions often accompanied this fascinating instrument throughout history.