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Astrolabe, 1291
Yemen
Pierced and engraved brass; (a) case: Gr. W. 7 5/8 in. (19.4 cm), Diam. 6 1/8 in. (15.6 cm), Th. 1/4 in. (0.6 cm); (b) bar: Gr. H. (with attached nail) 1 7/8 in. (4.8 cm), Gr. W. 1 1/8 in. (2.9 cm), L. 5 in. (12.7 cm); (c) net: Diam. 5 in. (12.7 cm); (d–g) plates: Diam. 5 in. (12.7 cm); (h) pin: L. 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm), W. 1/2 in. (1.3 cm)
Bequest of Edward C. Moore, 1891 (91.1.535a–h)

Invented in ancient Greece, the astrolabe is a sophisticated tool for observing the position of the stars. In early Islam, when scientific studies flourished, astrolabes were vastly improved and came to be used to determine the correct times for Muslim prayers as well. Through Islamic Spain, the astrolabe was introduced to Europe, and in the Middle Ages sailors, both Islamic and Christian, employed the device to stay the course of their sea routes.

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    • Astrolabe, 1291
    Yemen
    Pierced and engraved brass; (a) case: Gr. W. 7 5/8 in. (19.4 cm), Diam. 6 1/8 in. (15.6 cm), Th. 1/4 in. (0.6 cm); (b) bar: Gr. H. (with attached nail) 1 7/8 in. (4.8 cm), Gr. W. 1 1/8 in. (2.9 cm), L. 5 in. (12.7 cm); (c) net: Diam. 5 in. (12.7 cm); (d–g) plates: Diam. 5 in. (12.7 cm); (h) pin: L. 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm), W. 1/2 in. (1.3 cm)
    Bequest of Edward C. Moore, 1891 (91.1.535a–h)