The Biggest, Fanciest Astrolabe On God’s Green Earth Is Up For Sale
An exceptionally large astrolabe, possibly the biggest in existence, is currently up for auction. This 17th-century device, made in Lahore, serves as both a clock and a navigation aid, showcasing the ingenuity of ancient astronomers. Its ornate design and historical significance make it a remarkable piece for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
- ▪The astrolabe is an ancient analog calculator used for timekeeping and navigation.
- ▪This particular astrolabe has a diameter of about a foot and weighs 18 pounds.
- ▪It was crafted in the early 17th century by renowned astrolabe makers in Lahore.
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Big news from the world of auctions, where what might well be the single largest astrolabe on Earth is up for sale. And what, you might wonder, is an astrolabe? Oh, boy, am I glad that you asked. The astrolabe is essentially a specialized analog calculator designed to be used as a clock and a navigation aid. They date back to the Ancient Greeks, and are also identified strongly with Islam, largely because it was Muslim scholars in the 8th and 9th centuries who reintroduced the devices to the world, refining and improving on their design in the process. And they are fascinating, strikingly clever devices. In the most basic sense, an astrolabe is a flat disc with a ring that allows it to be hung from a hook or nail.
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