A sextant helps navigators determine their position by measuring the angle between a celestial object, such as the sun or a star, and the horizon. By comparing this angle with known values, sailors can calculate their latitude and longitude accurately. This tool is essential for celestial navigation when GPS or other electronic systems are not available.
Pilots and sailors first instrument used in flying and sailing was a compass so they could orient themselves in what direction they've been heading and should head based on time and speed.
The SEXTANT. This instrument will give the latitude of a ship. However, because of solar movements a CLOCK(Time piece) is needed to determine the longitude(meridian). So the two inventions are ; - The Sextant, and the Clock .
A sextant was a crucial tool for navigators during the Age of Exploration, allowing them to measure the angle between celestial bodies and the horizon. By determining these angles, sailors could calculate their latitude and, with additional tools, their longitude. This capability significantly improved their ability to navigate open waters, leading to more accurate mapping of the world's oceans and coastlines. Ultimately, the sextant contributed to safer and more efficient sea voyages, facilitating exploration and trade.
Sailors could use a sextant to measure the angle between the sun and the horizon. By comparing this angle with known tables, they can determine their latitude at sea.
Sextant
The sextant and the clock.
Astrolabe or Sextant
A sextant helps navigators determine their position by measuring the angle between a celestial object, such as the sun or a star, and the horizon. By comparing this angle with known values, sailors can calculate their latitude and longitude accurately. This tool is essential for celestial navigation when GPS or other electronic systems are not available.
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Pilots, sailors, hunters, geographers, Explorers! (:
Pilots and sailors first instrument used in flying and sailing was a compass so they could orient themselves in what direction they've been heading and should head based on time and speed.
They often used an instrument know as a sextant which used the stars to help navigate. Follow the related link (below) for more information.
Sailors who fought to live and pilots who fought to die...the kamikazes.
For latitude the sextant, and later for longitude, the marine chronometer.
The type of map used by sailors is known as a chart. A pilot would use an aerial map or chart.
This year it's on their GPS. Before it was on their Loran. Thought I'd go for all that sextant and stars crap didn't you.