Miniature star clock - nocturnal H85

A miniature reproduction of a star clock created in 1570 by Humphrey Cole. The original device is kept at the British Museum in London.
Made of zamak and brass, lacquered using a technique from several hundred years ago. Mounted on a wooden base.
Height 130 mm, diameter 50 mm, depth 6 mm, weight 80 g
Gift packaging: beautiful gift box with insert

Nocturnal - a star clock is a beautiful instrument that makes it possible to determine the time at night by means of the position of the stars. The device consists of a fixed dial divided into months, with all days of the year marked, a movable dial with hours indicated on a 1-12 scale, topped with an indicator - a moon face - and a long movable indicator arm. In the center of the device there is a sighting aperture through which we sight Polaris (the North Star) - the fixed point around which other constellations, such as the Big Dipper, revolve. And precisely because the position of the North Star is fixed, we can relate to it the positions of other constellations as they change over time. Our device - a replica of a device from 1570 - is dedicated to the star Kochab in the constellation of the Little Dipper. But most often, and probably most simply, the indicator arm is set to the rear axis of the Big Dipper and the movable dial to the current date. This allows the current sidereal time to be read. The device is universal - it works at all longitudes in the northern hemisphere. Please remember that sidereal time does not necessarily coincide with official time. Wonderful fun!

On the other side of the device there is a diagram showing how to use the device.

A fantastic gift for a navigator, sailor, seafarer, or astronomy enthusiast.

User instructions in English, French, Italian, and Spanish.

A product of the Spanish company Hemisferium.

The set includes an attractive decorative box with an insert on which the device rests.