The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word EQUANT
E
Q
U
A
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "device for gauging planetary movement" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case device for gauging planetary movement = equant.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does EQUANT mean?
EQUANT noun- The center of a planetary epicycle.
- Having comparable measurements in all directions; equidimensional.