List of astronomical instruments 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 objectArmillary sphere : model of objects in the sky consisting of a framework of ringsAstrarium : timepiece and astronomical prediction deviceAstrolabe : astronomical instrumentAstronomical clock : clock displaying astronomical informationAntikythera mechanism : ancient Greek analogue astronomical computerBlink comparator : astronomy viewing apparatusBolometer : device for measuring incident electromagnetic radiationCanterbury Astrolabe Quadrant : medieval astrolabe found in EnglandCelatone : navigational aid reliant on tracking Jupiter's moons in the skyCelestial sphere : conceptual tool in astronomyCharge-coupled device : digital imaging circuit since 1970Computers : 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 starCosmolabe : ancient astronomical instrumentDioptra : classical surveying instrument from the 3rd century BCEEquatorial ring : instrument to determine the moment of the equinoxesEquatorium : astronomical calculating instrumentGnomon : part of a sundial that casts a shadowInclinometer : instrument used to measure the inclination of a surface relative to local gravityInterferometer : instrument which measures the interference of superimposed wavesKamal : celestial navigation device that determines latitudeMeridian circle : astronomical instrument for timing of the passage of starsMicrochannel plate detector : detection single parties and photonsMural instrument : type of angle measuring deviceNebra sky disk : bronze artefact, c. 1600 BC, found in Nebra, GermanyPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets Nocturnal : astronomical tool to determine local timeOctant : measuring instrument used primarily in navigation; type of reflecting instrumentOptical spectrometer , also known as Spectrograph: instrument to measure the properties of visible lightOrrery : mechanical model of the Solar SystemPhotographic plate : target medium in photographyPhotometer : instrument to measure light intensityPlanisphere : class of star chartPrague astronomical clock : medieval astronomical clock in the Czech RepublicQuadrant : navigation instrumentReticle : aim markings in optical devices, e.g. crosshairsRetroreflector : device to reflect radiation back to its sourceScaphe : sundial said to have been invented by AristarchusSextant : 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 objectsSpectrometers : used to measure spectral components of lightPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets Sundial : time-telling deviceTransit instrument : small telescope used for precise astrometryTelescope : instrument that makes distant objects appear magnifiedTorquetum : medieval astronomical instrumentTriquetrum : ancient astronomical instrumentVolvelle : paper construct with rotating partsZenith telescope : type of telescope that points straight up
Notes
↑ Descriptions here are taken automatically from the linked articles or from items on Wikidata .
