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Astronomical sextant
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Astronomical sextant
Astronomical sextant. Historical artwork of Johannes Hevelius (1611-1687) and his wife Elisabetha (1647-1693) observing with a sextant designed by Johannes in about 1658. Sextants were used for measuring the angle of an object, usually the Sun, above the horizon. Here, Elisabetha is aligning the instrument, while Johannes sets the alidade (index arm)
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Media ID 6452597
© DETLEV VAN RAVENSWAAY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1600s 17th Century Aligning Angle Assistant Astronomer Astrophysical Astrophysics German History Of Science Instrument Measurement Measurements Measuring Observing Portraits Position Positions Sextant Star Stars Stellar Surname H Viewing 1658 Johann Hewelke Johannes Hevelius Johannes Hewel
EDITORS COMMENTS
This historical artwork captures the essence of astronomical exploration in the 17th century. In this colored illustration, we witness Johannes Hevelius, a renowned German astronomer, and his wife Elisabetha engaged in their celestial observations using an astronomical sextant. The image showcases the dedication and collaborative efforts of these two individuals as they meticulously align the instrument to measure the angle of an object above the horizon. While Elisabetha skillfully aligns the sextant, Johannes focuses on setting the alidade or index arm with precision. Astronomical sextants were crucial tools during this era for measuring angles, particularly those of celestial bodies like stars and even our own Sun. This instrumental knowledge allowed astronomers to accurately determine positions and make significant contributions to astrophysics. Johannes Hevelius was a prominent figure in astronomy history, known for his meticulous observations and detailed star maps. His wife Elisabetha played an essential role as his assistant throughout their scientific endeavors. This remarkable piece not only highlights their scientific achievements but also provides a glimpse into 17th-century life through its portrayal of clothing styles and cultural elements. Science Photo Library has beautifully preserved this snapshot from history, reminding us of humanity's continuous quest for understanding our place within the vast cosmos.
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