Islamic Cast Bronze Astrolabe with Five Celestial Globes Astronomical Instrument

Instruments such as these are keenly associated with the Islamic Golden age of scientific advancement and discovery, an age in which they became particular popular.
An astrolabe is an ancient instrument used for solving problems related to astronomy, timekeeping.

• Astronomy: Astronomers could use an astrolabe to determine the altitude of stars and planets above the horizon, helping them make observations and predictions about celestial movements.

• Timekeeping: It could be used to determine the time of day, based on the position of the sun or stars.
  
  

  Astrolabes were highly versatile and were often used by scholars, sailors, and astronomers, representing a significant advancement in the understanding of the cosmos and practical tools in the ancient world.
  Islamic Golden Age: The astrolabe was greatly refined during the Islamic Golden Age (8th–13th centuries CE). Many of the astrolabes used today are based on innovations from Islamic astronomers. Notably, al-Fazari, a scholar in the 8th century, is often credited with creating a version of the astrolabe that could be used for more practical purposes, such as navigation and timekeeping. Another key figure is Ibn al-Shatir, an Islamic astronomer from the 14th century who made key improvements to the device. Islamic scholars were responsible for the key innovations that turned the astrolabe into a more accurate and versatile instrument, particularly for navigation and determining the time of prayer. They also improved its design, adding features like the "rete", which allowed for more precise readings of the stars.