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From: dmb@inls1.ucsd.edu (Doug Brownell)
Newsgroups: sci.space,sci.psychology,sci.math,sci.med,sci.bio,sci.chem,sci.environment,sci.physics
Subject: Astrolabes
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Date: 29 May 91 19:28:55 GMT
References: <1991May29.054220.4963@ux1.cso.uiuc.edu>
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Greetings

I was just introduced to a reproduction of a 13th century astrolabe
(I think that's what it's called), and was mightily impressed when it
accurately predicted the hour (to within +/- 5 minutes) based upon a
sighting of the sun (at ~3:30 pm) and knowledge of the date.  Does
anyone know where such marvels can be purchased for less than a small
fortune?  The one I saw was nearly $300 (gold electroplated), but the
design is so simple that there's got to be one for under $100, and
maybe even $50.  I'd really apprecieat any leads as to where I might
search for one.

It was quite a blast seeing it used.  I highly recommend a
demonstration if you see one wandering by one day.  (They work at 
night too :-)



Douglas M. Brownell                     |  Thomas Brownwell
Institute for Nonlinear Science, R-002  |  Barony of Calafia
University of California, San Diego     |  Kingdom of Caid
La Jolla, CA 92093                      |
                                        |  Anachronist (noun):
Internet: dmb@inls1.ucsd.edu            |  Out of time;
          dbrownell@ucsd.edu            |  Gotta go!