Astronomical rings (Latin: annuli astronomici), also known as Gemma´s rings, are an early astronomical instrument. The instrument consists of three rings, representing the celestial equator, declination, and the meridian.
It can be used as a sun dial to tell time, if the approximate latitude and season is known, or to tell latitude, if the time is known or observed (at solar noon). It may be considered to be a simplified, portable armillary sphere, or a more complex form of astrolabe.
en
