Das Astrolabium: das astronomische Rechengerät des Mittelalters

Abstract

The Planispheric Astrolabe used to be the iconic universal instrument for astronomical observations and computations for the medieval scholar. Invented in late Antiquity, it was improved by early Muslim mathematicians and astronomers before its introduction to Europe via Moorish Spain (around 1000 AD). Until the invention of the telescope and of better mathematical procedures it remained the most universal and typical astronomical instrument. After the 17th century most instruments, which combine strict mathematical elegance with artists’ craftwork, moved into wealthy collectors’ curiosity cabinets and museums where hardly anybody can study them in detail. This contribution describes geometry and some most popular uses of this versatile instrument in newly developed graphics and also in form of laser-cut wooden instruments.