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When navigators wanted to be able to measure angles that were larger than about 60 degrees and the older octant wasn't long enough to do it.
An octant has an arc of one eighth of a circle. (From the Latin prefix "octo" for eight.) The device uses a mirror as a doubling tool, so in theory an octant could measure one fourth of a circle, or 90 degrees, but there's some overlap in the mechanism and you don't get the full 90 degrees. The sextant is one-SIXTH of a circle (Latin "sextus" for six), and with doubling (and the overlap) allows you to measure more than 90 degrees.
What else can I help you with?
Do people use sextants today?
Sextants are still available, and are a practical low-tech backup for when a boat's GPS and other electronics stop functioning. So if you're a ship's captain, or even just a serious hobbyist, it's well worth it to take the time to learn how to operate one.
When do people start using computer?
people start using computer when the first computer were published at 19.. or 18.. or 20..
Why did people start using flags?
to tell people what state there in
Why did people start using salt?
For seasoning.
When did people start using machines?
when they were invented
When did people start using running water?
i am asking!
When did people start using washing machines?
when they were invented
When did people start using body soap?
2005
Why did people start using a wheel?
to get things around.
When did people start using miracle grow?
1898
When did people start using the word hello?
1778
When did people start using the Chinese zodiac?
Royal houses and priests began the use by 1000BC. However,ordinary people start using from about 5th century AD
