Date of Award
6-2011
Document Type
Open Access
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Department
Mathematics
First Advisor
Kim Plofker
Language
English
Keywords
astrolabe, celestial plane, stereograph, projection
Abstract
In this paper, we examine the mathematical methods employed in the construction of the astrolabe, an ancient measuring device used to solve problems in the field of astronomy. Essentially, the astrolabe is a two dimensional representation of the heavens obtained by projecting the celestial sphere onto the plane. Though several different types of astrolabes exist, our primary focus is on the most popular deisgn, which is created by the stereographic projection of the celestial sphere onto the plane defined by the equator with the south pole as the projection point.
Recommended Citation
Urresta, Lyda P., "The History and Mathematics Behind the Construction of the Islamic Astrolabe" (2011). Honors Theses. 1081.
https://digitalworks.union.edu/theses/1081