What is the difference between a compass and astrolabe?

A compass has a magnetic needle that orients itself to the ambient magnetic field. An astrklabe is an instrument to locate stars, asterisms, etc, and to calculate astronomical positions and your place on the globe. read more

As nouns the difference between compass and astrolabe is that compass is a magnetic or electronic device used to determine the cardinal directions (usually magnetic or true north) while astrolabe is an astronomical and navigational instrument for gauging the altitude of the sun and stars. read more

astrolabe | quadrant | As nouns the difference between astrolabe and quadrant is that astrolabe is an astronomical and navigational instrument for gauging the altitude of the sun and stars while quadrant is one of the four sections made by dividing an area with two perpendicular lines. read more