Nocturnal

[Instrument on the right hand side of the image]

Combined nocturnal, sundial and lunar volvelle.
The sundial on the back carries a lunar volvelle which allows it to be used also as a moondial.

Technical details:
Main disc has zodiac scale divided anticlockwise to named sign, marked by symbol, numbered for each sign and subdivided to 2 deg. Date scale within rotatable ring divided anticlockwise to initiallsed months numbered for each month and subdivided to 2.5 deg. No handle and no way to determine meridian transit.
Rotatable ring rather than disc, toothed with longer pointers at 12 line. Hour scale anticlockwise numbered to 12 and subdivided to 17 min. Three stars on underside of pointer.
Reverse: Carries a vertical plate sundial for lat 43N and lunar volvelle with 2 rotatable discs.
Main disc: Hour scales round one third of the circle, with 4 scales divided to 15 min. Scales on opposite edge for setting gnomon. Date scale with zodiac symbols divided to initiallised months, and degree scale subdivided to 2.5 deg.
Lower rotatable disc: Has a short arm with hinged pin gnomon for vertical dial. Lunar-age scale divided anticlockwise to half day.
Upper rotatable disc with pointer: Hour scale divided anticlockwise to 30 min. Aspectarium in centre. Circular aperture with pictorial display of lunar phases; full moon and quarters.

Object Details

ID: AST0124
Collection: Astronomical and navigational instruments
Type: Nocturnal
Display location: Display - ROG
Creator: Unknown
Date made: 16C
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Caird Collection
Measurements: Overall: 8 x 67 x 54 mm