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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.
These instruments could measure the altitude between a celestial object and the horizon. However, as Muslim astronomers used them, they began to find other ways to use them. For example, the mural quadrant, for recording the angles of planets and celestial bodies. Or the universal quadrant, for latitude solving astronomical problems.
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.
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.
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]
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.
Historically, the definition of a scientific instrument has varied, based on usage, laws, and historical time period. [1] [2] [3] Before the mid-nineteenth century such tools were referred to as "natural philosophical" or "philosophical" apparatus and instruments, and older tools from antiquity to the Middle Ages (such as the astrolabe and pendulum clock) defy a more modern definition of "a ...
Drawing – visual art that makes use of any number of drawing instruments to mark a two-dimensional medium. Design – the process for planning the overall look of an object. Film – motion pictures. Painting – practice of applying paint, pigment, color or other medium to a surface with a brush or other object. History of painting