Astronomical & navigational instruments

You can view over 700 astronomical and navigational instruments in Collections Online.

Armillary sphere, brass (Italy).
D7936_1.jpgThe National Maritime Museum (NMM) holds a large and varied collection of astronomical and navigational instruments. These range from astrolabes and armillary spheres to quadrants, nocturnals and sundials.

Most of the collection dates within the last 200-300 years. Some of the instruments, such as the oldest astrolabes are up to 800 years old. Many of these objects are housed at the Royal Observatory Greenwich (ROG).

King Charles II founded the ROG in 1675 to solve the 'longitude problem'. The newly appointed Astronomer Royal, John Flamsteed, set about trying to find a solution to the problem of how to fix an accurate position at sea when there are no landmarks by which to navigate. Trade and sea power have always depended on effective navigation. Many of the objects in this collection chart man's attempts to use the heavens to determine his latitude and longitude. Read about John Harrison and the longitude problem.

Researchers are welcome to study items by advance appointment only. For further information:
Email: research@rmg.co.uk