Willis Pendulum Astrolabe
Title
Willis Pendulum Astrolabe
Subject
Astronomy
Navigation
Surveying
Optical instrument
Measuring instrument
Navigation
Surveying
Optical instrument
Measuring instrument
Description
The Willis Pendulum Astrolabe was used primarily by the armed forces to determine latitudes and longitudes. The astrolabe is stored in a large green wooden box. It is marked “PENDULUM ASTROLABE David White Co. Milwaukee Wisc USA, No. 65649, M-5107, 1952, U.S.” The instrument was invented by John Willis> The advantage of the Willis pendulum was that it used a mirror instead of mercury as a reflecting surface. It was able to measure position on earth to within 20 feet. The David White Company was founded in 1895 and continues to provide precision optical tools used in surveying.
Creator
David White Company
Publisher
University of Illinois, Astronomy Department, Urbana
Date
Circa 1952
Contributor
Michael Svec
Rights
Copyright Michael Svec
Format
image/jpg
Language
English
Type
physical object
Coverage
University of Illinois Observatory, Urbana, Illinois
Files
Collection
Citation
David White Company, “Willis Pendulum Astrolabe,” University of Illinois Observatory Collection, accessed April 16, 2024, https://uiobservatory.omeka.net/items/show/63.