By 1359, the astrolabe was becoming an essential tool for navigation and astronomy in Europe, evolving from earlier Islamic designs. This device allowed sailors and scholars to measure the altitude of stars and planets, significantly enhancing maritime exploration. The astrolabe's widespread use marked a turning point in scientific inquiry and exploration, paving the way for the Age of Discovery.

The astrolabe's influence extended to poets and writers who explored themes of navigation and the cosmos. Works like Dante's 'Divine Comedy' reflect the era's fascination with celestial bodies, while later poets would draw on the imagery of navigation to symbolize life's journey and the search for knowledge, as seen in the works of John Milton.