Comments for Astrolabes in Medieval Jewish Culture

Comment on We found one! by Josefina Rodríguez Arribas

Josefina Rodríguez Arribas — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 10:36:53 +0000

In reply to Carole Borowitz. Carole, we are very interested. Let us know if you can find more about these astrolabes at the exhibition of the Bet Hatefusot. I got in touch with the museum several months ago to get more information about them, but did not get any clear answer. I hope you can help us. Many thanks!

Comment on We found one! by Carole Borowitz

Carole Borowitz — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 18:20:40 +0000

Two [or more?] magnificent astrolobes were recently on show at the Bet Hatefusot – The Museum of the Jewish People – in Tel Aviv, at an exhibition on Persian Jewry. They were the private property of Mr. Moussieff, who I believe lives in Jerusalem. There is probably a photo of them in the exhibition catalogue.I could investigate if there is an interest.

Comment on The Jewish Astrolabes Project by Josefina Rodríguez Arribas

Josefina Rodríguez Arribas — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 04:10:37 +0000

In reply to David Feder.

The poster is available at the webpage of the project (http://warburg.sas.ac.uk/research/projects/jewish-astrolabes/). You can download and print it from there (12MB). We are very glad that you find it interesting for your students. Astrolabes embody several distinctive elements of medieval cosmology and thought.

Comment on The Jewish Astrolabes Project by David Feder

David Feder — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 14:01:34 +0000

Intriguing topic, and beautiful materials. Are the posters available for purchase/distribution? My Jewish history students would be fascinated.

Comment on The scientific culture of medieval Jews: facts and questions by Stephen Johnston

Stephen Johnston — Sat, 08 Dec 2012 19:40:11 +0000

Both are astronomical devices with origins in Greek antiquity, but are quite different in purpose. The Antikythera device is a complex geared mechanism which certainly displayed the motions of the Sun and Moon and quite likely the motions of the other planets. An astrolabe mimics the appearance of the sky and has uses such as telling the time from the observed positions of sun and stars.

Comment on The scientific culture of medieval Jews: facts and questions by LJA

LJA — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 16:50:07 +0000

What an opportunity to see the Antikythera mechanism!
Is there any relationship between the Antikythera mechanism and astrolabes?