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prismatic astrolabe
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prismatic astrolabe

instrument
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Quick Summary

A prismatic astrolabe is a portable instrument used for precise astronomical observations. It combines a small telescope with a 60-degree prism and a mercury basin. This setup allows users to determine time, latitude, and azimuth by observing stars. It can also be used to find an observer's latitude and longitude if star positions are known. The instrument typically has a small aperture, around 8 to 10 cm. A key feature is its use of mercury to reflect an image, which is then viewed alongside a direct image from the telescope to gather positional data.12

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  1. prismatic astrolabe
  2. telescope - Astrolabes

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