ION Navigation
Museum
Mariner's Astrolabe
Item Details
Manufacturer: Nicolao Ruffo
Manufactured: 1645
Description:
Bronze, Portuguese mariner's astrolabe coated with silver by Nicolao Ruffo. Weight: 2.82 kilos. Dimensions: 171.45mm diameter, 21.5-22mm thick.
Bronze, Portuguese mariner's astrolabe coated with silver by Nicolao Ruffo. Weight: 2.82 kilos. Dimensions: 171.45mm diameter, 21.5-22mm thick.
Item History:
Navigational instrument used by sailors to determine latitude by measuring celestial body heights. Developed between 1460-1700 as a more accurate alternative to nautical quadrants. Found by diver Gigi Fernandes Corcia in November 1999 during a wreck survey at Passa Pau, Santiago island, at 7-12 meters depth. Only known silver-coated mariner's astrolabe. Three engraved scales (0-90°). Brass sighting vane.
Navigational instrument used by sailors to determine latitude by measuring celestial body heights. Developed between 1460-1700 as a more accurate alternative to nautical quadrants. Found by diver Gigi Fernandes Corcia in November 1999 during a wreck survey at Passa Pau, Santiago island, at 7-12 meters depth. Only known silver-coated mariner's astrolabe. Three engraved scales (0-90°). Brass sighting vane.
Location/Ownership: The Mariners' Museum
Submission Author: Jeanne Willoz-Egnor, The Mariners' Museum
ION Museum
Advancing Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT)
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