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MA·2021.007 · Class IV

The Meridian Astrolabe

Maximise
MA·2021.007 Class IV Working collection
Pl. MA·2021.007 — the Meridian Astrolabe. Calibrated to a body in the Sun's shadow.

A planispheric astrolabe calibrated to a body that sits directly behind the Sun.

Description
A planispheric astrolabe of brass and bronze, finely engraved, of a make the Department cannot place. Its rete and rule are calibrated for a body occupying the point of sky directly behind the Sun — one no terrestrial instrument can confirm, and which its maker evidently could.
Provenance
A gift, on indefinite loan, of a distant correspondent who signs each letter "travel safely." The provenance ends, courteously, where the correspondent does.
Condition
Excellent, and fully working. Released, one pointer returns to the body it was made to track.
Notes
Working collection. The calibration is not in error and is not to be adjusted.