Simplified Armillary Sphere

Ming Dynasty, 1439 (replica)
Ancient Observatory, Beijing

The unfortunately-named "simplified" (or, "abridged") armillary sphere is neither simplified nor abridged, nor a sphere. Combining elements of an armilla and a sundial, It implements various astronomical functions in a different and highly sophisticated way, as explained in Chinese Astronomy. The full-scale version (this replica is 1/3 size) could measure the positions of the stars and planets at night, or function as a sundial during the day.