Ulugh Beg Observatory

Re:Ulugh Beg Observatory by smusamashah on Monday February 06, 2023 @04:23AM (#34675224)

I dont understand how it worked. It does not mention any telescope but does mention largest "quadrant principle device" with not further explanation on what this is and how it worked.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ulugh Beg Observatory by steaktartaar_ on Monday February 06, 2023 @04:28AM (#34675263)

The observatory predates the invention of refracting telescopes. It was used to determine the position and movement of stars and planets, not to observe them. The "quadrant" is a device to accurately measure the angle of an observation:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quadrant_(instrument)

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ulugh Beg Observatory by flohofwoe on Monday February 06, 2023 @06:14AM (#34675911)

It's essentially a very big 'protactor' used to measure angles (of stars or the sun over the horizon). The bigger such a device is, the more accurate the measurements.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Ulugh Beg Observatory by equalsione on Monday February 06, 2023 @07:04AM (#34676191)

Oddly, the article on Ulithi Beg himself has a better description of how the observatory works

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ulugh_Beg

[ Parent | on HN ]