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A sextant is a navigational instrument used to measure the angle between a celestial body (like the sun or stars) and the horizon. It consists of an arc marked in degrees, a movable arm called an index arm, and a telescope for sighting. By aligning the celestial body with the horizon using the index arm, the navigator can read the angle on the arc, which is then used to determine their latitude and longitude based on time of day and celestial charts. The sextant is essential for celestial navigation, especially at sea.
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Who discovered the sextant?
The sextant was developed in the 18th century, building on earlier navigational instruments. While no single person is credited with its invention, important contributions were made by John Hadley and Thomas Godfrey, who independently created the reflecting octant in the 1730s, which laid the groundwork for the sextant. The sextant itself was later refined and became a crucial tool for navigation at sea.
What tool is used to determine the place of star?
Sextant.
What instrument used for calculating longitude at sea?
Historically, latitude was always measured with the sextant, and longitude with the chronograph (clock). Nowadays, it's all GPS. ------------------- The "sextant", from the latin word for "six", is one-sixth of a circle, and is the primary tool used in celestial navigation. However, before the sextant came into widespread use, the "quadrant" of a quarter-circle and the later "octant", an eighth of a circle, were used.
What is the navigational tool to find latitude?
The navigational tool to find latitude is a sextant, which uses the angle of the sun or stars above the horizon to determine the observer's position on Earth. This angle corresponds to the observer's latitude.
Is the sextant still used today?
Yes, but not as much as it used to. The nice thing (for a sailor) about having a sextant and knowing how to use it is that it requires no electrical power, and will continue to work even if massive solar storms destroy all the GPS satellites.
What can you find out about sextant?
you can find sextant on history.com
What is the sextant used for?
you use a sextant to navigate.
How do you draw a sextant?
you draw a sextant by looking at googler in the images.
How do you use the word sextant in a sentence?
the sextant helped me navagate my way to alaska
How many years sextant becomes a symbol of navigation?
how many years that the sextant become a symbol of navigation
What has replaced the astrolabe?
The sextant
What replaced the astrolabe?
The sextant
Did Columbus use a sextant?
Yes Christopher Columbus did use a sextant along with a compass, ampoletta, and a cross staff.
Why sextant is named so?
The term "sextant" comes from the Latin word "sextans," meaning one-sixth. This refers to the instrument's ability to measure angles up to one-sixth of a circle (60 degrees). The sextant is commonly used in navigation to determine the altitude of celestial bodies.
Who made the first sextant?
my mom
What instrument measures the horizon?
A sextant
What are the disadvantages of sextant?
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