Dantis astronomical quadrant
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library
Dantis astronomical quadrant
The East face of Ignazio Dantis astronomical quadrant erected in 1572 on the facade of Santa Maria Novella, Florence. Its main purpose was to observe and measure the altitude of the sun at the meridian on the Equinoxes, from which it was possible to calculate the Ecliptic Obliquity (the axial tilt of the earth). The quadrant contains 3 solar clocks which show the time in either Babilonic, Italic, or Astronomical hours. Dantis calculations of the angular distance between the Tropics and the axial tilt of the Earth in 1574 are inscribed on the bracket below. Under the inscriptions is an east-facing sundial inscribed with French hours, that is, counted from midnight
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Media ID 6334117
© Sheila Terry
Altitude Axial Tilt Ecliptic Equinox Ignazio Danti Meridian Quadrant Solar Sun Dial Tilt Tropics Santa Maria Novella
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the magnificent East face of Ignazio Danti's astronomical quadrant, proudly standing on the facade of Santa Maria Novella in Florence since its erection in 1572. Designed with a specific purpose, this remarkable instrument allowed observers to measure and track the altitude of the sun precisely at the meridian during Equinoxes. By doing so, they could calculate the Earth's Ecliptic Obliquity – its axial tilt. The quadrant itself is adorned with three solar clocks that display time using Babilonic, Italic, or Astronomical hours. Below these intricate inscriptions lies a bracket engraved with Danti's calculations from 1574 regarding the angular distance between the Tropics and Earth's axial tilt. However, what truly captivates one's attention is an east-facing sundial embellished with French hours – a unique system counting time from midnight. This extraordinary piece not only represents Danti's brilliance as an astronomer but also serves as a testament to human curiosity about our place in the universe. As we gaze upon this image, we are reminded of how ancient civilizations sought to unravel celestial mysteries through ingenious instruments like this astronomical quadrant. Science Photo Library has beautifully captured both historical significance and scientific wonder within this single photograph.
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