Astronomical collections

The 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.