Unique astrolabe discovered in Galicia's Viveiro estuary - The Archaeology News Network

With more than 30 known sunken ships, the Viveira estuary in the northwestern Galician autonomous community of Spain is a valuable underwater archaeological site. 

It was suggested that these canons may have belonged to the galleon San Bartolome, which sank in 1597, though no trace of the ship has been found to confirm this theory.

Last september, however, a team of fifteen researchers led by underwater archaeologist Anton Lopez discovered an astrolabe dated between 1575 and 1622, which has further deepened this mystery.

It is the first astronomical instrument of its kind found in Galicia and the 108th of its kind documented anywhere in the world. For centuries they were used by navigators to orient themselves and calculate the position of ships. 

Classified as a mariner's astrolabe, it is made of bronze, and measures 21 centimetres in circumference and weighs 4.92 kilos. It is "unique in the world", explains Anton Lopez, "because none of the other 107 known astrolabes combines the three-lobed ring with the harpoon-shaped alidade. 

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