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Lewis and Clark did not use a sextant, instead they used what was called a "Hadley's quadrant" or octant which was a predecessor of the sextant. The octant was developed around 1730 independently by John Hadley in England and Thomas Godfrey in Philadelphia. Two others who created octants during this period were Caleb Smith in England and Jean-Paul Fouchy in France.
On July 22, 1804, Lewis described the instrument, "A common octant of 14 inches radius, graduated to 20' which by means of the nonius was divisible to 1' half of this sum, or 30" was perceptible by means of a micrometer this instrument was prepared for both the fore and back observation; her error in the fore observation is 2 degrees+ & ____ and in the back observation 2 degrees II' 40.3" +."
A small sighting telescope was mounted on the frame along one side. One large index mirror was mounted at the point of rotation of the index arm with a smaller horizon mirror on the frame in the line of sight. The horizon mirror allows the observer to see the image in one half of the view and to see a distant object in the other half. A pivoting shade was mounted at the vertex of the instrument to allow one to observe a bright object. By moving the index arm, the index mirror can be made to reveal any object up to 90° from the direct line of sight. When both objects are in the same view, aligning them together allows the navigator to measure the angular distance between them.
What else can I help you with?
How did Lewis and Clark use a sextant?
Lewis and Clark used a sextant to determine their latitude by measuring the angle between the horizon and the sun or a star. This helped them navigate and map their route across uncharted territory during their expedition to the western United States.
Why did Lewis and Clark use a hand compass?
Lewis and Clark used a hand compass to help navigate and stay oriented while exploring unknown territories during their expedition. The hand compass provided them with a basic direction of travel, aiding in their goal of mapping and documenting the locations they visited.
How do you use a false horizon with a sextant?
To use a false horizon with a sextant, you would need to create an artificial horizon with a still reflecting surface, such as oil in a pan or a small pool of water. You would then line up the celestial body you are measuring with its reflection on the artificial horizon, allowing you to take an accurate sextant reading. This method is useful when the true horizon is obscured or not visible.
How does a sextant work?
A sextant is an instrument used in navigation to measure the angle between a celestial body (like the sun or a star) and the horizon. By determining this angle, along with the time of the measurement, a navigator can use trigonometry to calculate their position on the Earth's surface.
What is the the least count of sextant?
The least count of a sextant is the smallest angle that can be measured with the instrument. It is typically determined by the design of the sextant and the precision of its scales. The least count is important for accurately measuring angles in celestial navigation and other applications where precise angular measurements are required.
What was weapon Lewis and Clark use the most?
the sextant
How did Lewis and Clark use a sextant?
Lewis and Clark used a sextant to determine their latitude by measuring the angle between the horizon and the sun or a star. This helped them navigate and map their route across uncharted territory during their expedition to the western United States.
What tools did Lewis and clark use to make their maps?
Lewis and Clark used a variety of tools to make their maps, including a magnetic compass, a surveyor's compass, a sextant for determining latitude, an artificial horizon for determining longitude, and a chronometer for keeping time. They also relied on simple tools like an odometer wheel for measuring distances and a theodolite for measuring angles.
What traveling source did Lewis and clark use?
Lewis and clark mostly used boats.
Did Lewis and Clark use trains?
No
Did Lewis and clark use a compass?
Most likely, yes. Compasses were in regular use well before the time of Lewis and Clark.
What famous explorers did Sacagawea travel with?
she traveled with Lewis and clark
What was Lewis and clarks most used weapons?
the sextant
What did Lewis and Clark use deer for?
they use deer for meet
What is the sextant used for?
you use a sextant to navigate.
Is Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr related to Lewis or Clark?
Col. Meriwether Lewis Clark, Jr is the grandson of William Clark. His father was William Clark's son Meriwether Lewis Clark, Sr. William Clark had named his son after his friend Meriwether Lewis.
Where did Lewis and Clark use the keelboat and how far west did they use it?
to death
