The word Astrolabe translates to “Star-taker” and traces back to the Greek words astron “star” and lambanein “to take.” These instruments are used to measure the altitude above the horizon of a celestial body, identify stars or planets, determine local latitude, survey, or triangulate.

Astrolabe made by Abd al-Karim al-Misri/al-Madrabi, brass with silver and copper inlay (1236AD), probably Mayyafariqin (Turkey). British Museum