What is the name given to the main body or circular shell of the astrolabe that houses the internal components?
Answer
The Mater (Mother)
The Mater, which translates literally to 'Mother,' serves as the foundational casing or main body of the astrolabe instrument. It is typically constructed as a circular disc featuring a deep recess designed to hold the various removable parts, such as the latitude plates. Furthermore, the Mater is essential for measurement calibration because its rim is usually engraved with degree markings. These markings provide the necessary scale against which sighting measurements, like altitude taken via the alidade, are read, establishing the physical context for all calculations performed by the assembled instrument.
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