The –est Archaeology

The oldest known astrolabe was used on one of Vasco da Gama’s ships

The navigational device dates back to as early as 1496

astrolabe

MARINER’S FRIEND  A metal disk found at a shipwreck site near Oman is the oldest known mariner’s astrolabe, a device for navigating at sea.

 D. Mearns

By Bruce Bower

- More than 2 years ago

While searching for shipwreck remains near Oman in the Arabian Sea in 2014, divers discovered an unusual metal disk that has since proven to be the world’s oldest known mariner’s astrolabe, British researchers report.