The Mushrow Astrolabe

This Astrolabe, dated 1628,was discovered near Isle aux Morts (Island of the Dead), Newfoundland, Canada, on November 26,1981. It is in mint condition and in working order,and is indeed a very rare and valuable find for Newfoundland and all of Canada.

The owner of the Famous Explorer Champlain's Original Maps, Joe C.W.Armstrong,commented on the fonding of the Astrolabe:"It is an occasion all of Canada to celebrate".Perhaps the world's Premiere scientific and Historical Institute, The Smithsonian Institute, has described the Mushrow Astrolabe as"priceless". The former Provincial Minister of Tourism and Culture has described it as"The most significant find in our Province.

The Mushrow Astrolabe is unique in the world because it is graduated for Zenith (overhead) distance only,which is typically Portuguese. Out of twenty-one recorded known sea Astrolabes, only four are Portuguese. These are the following:

1555 Dundee Astrolabe,Dundee, Scotland

1609 Terni (Madre De Desco),Japan

1628 Mushrow Astrolabe, Port aux Basques,

Newfoundland, Canada 1675 Coimbra University,Portugal

It is centerpiece of The Gulf Museum, Port aux Basques,Newfuundland, Canada and is on display during the summer months.

By: Michael Chaulk and Andy Mauger

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