University of Pittsburgh Library System

Students in Astronomy 0088, "From Stonehenge to Hubble" (Dr. Sandhya Rao) have worked with Open Lab to construct astronomical instruments from ancient cultures around the world. Come see an armillary sphere, astrolabes, and models of monuments from India to Mexico used for telling time. They will demonstrate how they work and answer your questions.

Stop by the Open Lab @ Hillman to pick up a pre-made kit and create your own astrolabe. Astrolabes are handheld instruments used to measure the altitude of celestial bodies above the horizon; learn more about these ancient tools and assemble your own!