Transit instrument

In astronomy, transit instruments are used for the precise observation of star positions. The instruments can be divided into three groups:

Meridian circle at the Kuffner observatory in Vienna, Austria

Meridian instruments

for observation of star transits in the exact direction of South or North:

Universal instruments

which allow transit measurements in any direction

Zenith instruments and Astrolabes

Observation techniques and accuracy

Depending on the type of instrument, the measurements are carried out

The accuracy reaches from 0.2" (theodolites, small astrolabes) to 0.01" (modern meridian circles, Danjon). Early instruments (like the mural quadrants of Tycho Brahe) had no telescope and were limited to about 0.01°.

See also

References

External links

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