Which component of the astrolabe is described as the openwork framework placed over the plates that carries pointers indicating star positions?

Answer

The Rete (Net)

The Rete, often translated as 'Net,' is a crucial, highly recognizable part of the astrolabe assembly. It is constructed as an openwork framework that sits atop the latitude plates. Its defining characteristic is that it holds pointers, which are precisely set to indicate the locations of significant stars, and it also marks the ecliptic, which represents the annual path of the Sun across the sky. Crucially, the rete is designed to rotate relative to the fixed plates underneath it. This rotation simulates the apparent movement of the celestial sphere over time, allowing the user to model celestial events and calculate positions dynamically based on the time setting.

Which component of the astrolabe is described as the openwork framework placed over the plates that carries pointers indicating star positions?

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