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An astronomical instrument is a device for observing, measuring, or recording astronomical data. [citation needed] They are used in the scientific field of astronomy, a natural science that studies celestial objects and the phenomena that occur in the cosmos, with the object of explaining their origin and evolution over time.
North African, 9th century CE, planispheric astrolabe. Khalili Collection. A modern astrolabe made in 2013, in Tabriz, Iran.. An astrolabe (Ancient Greek: ἀστρολάβος astrolábos, ' star-taker '; Arabic: ٱلأَسْطُرلاب al-Asṭurlāb; Persian: ستارهیاب Setāreyāb) is an astronomical instrument dating to ancient times.
The instruments were used to read the time of the Sun rising and fixed stars. al-Zarqali of Andalusia constructed one such instrument in which, unlike its predecessors, did not depend on the latitude of the observer, and could be used anywhere. This instrument became known in Europe as the Saphea.
Archaeoastronomy is the study of ancient or traditional astronomies in their cultural context, utilizing archaeological and anthropological evidence. Astrobiology is the study of the advent and evolution of biological systems in the Universe, with particular emphasis on the possibility of non-terrestrial life.
An instrument invented by the mathematician and astronomer Bhaskara II (1114–1185 CE) consisted of a rectangular board with a pin and an index arm. [39] This device—called the Phalaka-yantra—was used to determine time from the Sun's altitude. [39] The Kapālayantra was an equatorial sundial instrument used to determine the Sun's azimuth. [39]
Space-based laser (2 C, 2 P) Pages in category "Spacecraft instruments" The following 111 pages are in this category, out of 111 total.
The central space was used to observe the rising of the Sun and full moon. Three markings locate sunrise at the summer and winter solstices and at the two equinoxes. Four more give the minimum and maximum declinations of the full moon: in summer, and in winter. Two measure the lengths of lunar months.
A quadrant is an instrument used to measure angles up to 90°. Different versions of this instrument could be used to calculate various readings, such as longitude, latitude, and time of day. Its earliest recorded usage was in ancient India in Rigvedic times by Rishi Atri to observe a solar eclipse.