Museo Galileo
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Plane astrolabe
    • Setting:
      Room II
    • Maker:
      unknown
    • Place:
      French?
    • Date:
      13th cent.
    • Materials:
      gilt copper, silver
    • Dimensions:
      diameter 98 mm
    • Inventory:
      1107
    • Plane astrolabe (Inv. 1107)
    • Plane astrolabe (Inv. 1107)

This small astrolabe comprises three tympanums: two are for latitudes 41°/42°, and 43°/44° (corresponding to the regions between Castille and Provence); the third is ungraduated. There is a rete and an alidade. The rete bears twenty-two silver studs representing the fixed stars. The limb of the mater is divided into 360°. On the connection point coinciding with 115° is a crack that extends along the back. The numbers and words are in Gothic characters. Although undated, the instrument's characteristics suggest it dates from the thirteenth century. Provenance: Medici collections.