Devices for observing, measuring or recording astronomical data
An astronomical instrument is a device for observing, measuring or recording astronomical data . They are used in the scientific field of astronomy , a natural science that studies celestial objects and the phenomena that occur in the cosmos, with the object of explaining their origin and evolution over time. Many are also used in navigation and surveying.
Astronomical instruments include: [ 1]
Alidade : device that allows one to sight a distant object Armillary sphere : model of objects in the sky consisting of a framework of rings Astrarium : timepiece and astronomical prediction device Astrolabe : astronomical instrument Astronomical clock : clock with special mechanisms and dials to display astronomical information Antikythera mechanism : ancient Greek analogue astronomical computer Blink comparator : instrument for comparing small differences between two photographs of the night sky Bolometer : device for measuring incident electromagnetic radiation Canterbury Astrolabe Quadrant : medieval astrolabe found in England Celatone : navigational aid reliant on tracking Jupiter's moons in the sky Celestial sphere : imaginary sphere of arbitrarily large radius, concentric with the observer Charge-coupled device : device for the movement of electrical charge Computers : programmable machine that processes dataPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets CMOS sensor : image sensor, consisting of an integrated circuitPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets Coronagraph : telescopic attachment designed to block out the direct light from a star Cosmolabe : ancient astronomical instrument Dioptra : classical surveying instrument from the 3rd century BCE Equatorial ring : instrument to determine the moment of the equinoxes Equatorium : astronomical calculating instrument Gnomon : part of a sundial that casts a shadow Inclinometer : instrument used to measure the inclination of a surface relative to local gravity Interferometer : instrument which measures the interference of superimposed waves Kamal : celestial navigation device that determines latitude Meridian circle : astronomical instrument for timing of the passage of stars Microchannel plate detector : detection single parties and photons Mural instrument : type of angle measuring device Nebra sky disk : bronze artefact, c. 1600 BC, found in Nebra, GermanyPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets Nocturnal : instrument to determine local time using relative positions of two or more stars in the night sky Octant : measuring instrument used primarily in navigation; type of reflecting instrument Optical spectrometer , also known as Spectrograph: instrument to measure the properties of visible light Orrery : mechanical model of the Solar System Photographic plate : target medium in photography Photometer : instrument to measure light intensity Planisphere : class of star chart Prague astronomical clock : medieval astronomical clock on the Old Town Hall building in Prague, Czech Republic Quadrant : navigation instrument Reticle : aim markings in optical devices, e.g. crosshairs Radio plate Retroreflector : device to reflect radiation back to its source Scaphe : sundial said to have been invented by Aristarchus Sextant : measuring instrument in AstronomyPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets Starshade : proposed occulterPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets Space telescope : instrument in space to study astronomical objects Spectrometers : used to measure spectral components of lightPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets Sundial : device that tells the time of day by the apparent position of the Sun in the sky Transit instrument : small telescope used for precise astrometry Telescope : instrument that makes distant objects appear magnified Torquetum : medieval astronomical instrument Triquetrum : ancient astronomical instrument Volvelle : paper construct with rotating parts, may be considered a subclass of slide chart or movable book Zenith telescope : type of telescope that points straight up This page is based on this
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