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On a ship you might have a clock set to GMT. Longitude is found from the time at which the Sun is at its maximum height, so you can use a sextant to measure the Sun's height, noting the time it stops and starts to go down again. If that is at 12.00, you are on the Greenwich meridian, but if it is at 15.00 it means you are 45 degrees west, because the Earth has to turn for a further 3 hours, and it goes at 30 degrees every 24 hours, which is 15 degrees per hour.

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What invention allowed sailors do plot their positions at sea by looking at the stars?

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 .


What did john Harrison invent?

John Harrison invented the marine chronometer, a device used to accurately determine longitude at sea. His invention revolutionized navigation by allowing sailors to calculate their east-west position with precision. Harrison's marine chronometer played a significant role in solving the "longitude problem" and improving the safety of sea travel.


What is an accurate seagoing clock called?

An accurate seagoing clock is called a marine chronometer. Marine chronometers are specifically designed to keep accurate time while at sea, enabling navigators to determine their longitude with precision. They are essential tools for safe and accurate navigation on the open ocean.


How do you use longitude and latitude to determine elevation?

Longitude and latitude provide the geographic coordinates of a location on Earth's surface. To determine elevation, you would need to use a topographic map or digital elevation model that corresponds to the specific latitude and longitude coordinates. Elevation data is typically provided in such maps or models to give the vertical distance of a point above sea level.


What is the definition of a vessel at sea?

A vessel on the sea often refers to a ship or boat on the ocean. By definition a vessel is a craft designed for water transportation


What inventions made exploration possible?

The sextant. An astronomical instrument used to determine latitude and longitude at sea by measuring angular distances, esp. the altitudes of sun, moon, and stars. The chronometer. An extremely accurate clock or other timepiece. Chronometers are used in scientific experiments, navigation, and astronomical observations. It was the invention of a chronometer capable of being used aboard ship, in 1762, that allowed navigators for the first time to accurately determine their longitude at sea.


How could longitude lines and latitude lines help if you were in sea?

If you used a sextant and a marine chronometer you could determine your position and plot this on a map using latitude and longitude. If you did this regularly you would be able to plot your course.


How does a sea anchor help your vessel in a storm?

In a storm a sea anchor can help a vessel from drifting off course. It will keep the bow in the wind and slow the speed of the vessel.


Why is a pendulum clock useless at sea?

A pendulum clock is useless at sea primarily due to the constant motion and rocking of the ship, which disrupts the pendulum's ability to swing freely and maintain accurate timekeeping. The pendulum relies on gravity to function properly, and the shifting forces on a moving vessel can lead to inaccuracies in time measurement. Additionally, variations in gravitational pull depending on location can further complicate the clock's reliability.


When the ship is at sea is called?

A vessel at sea is said to be underway.


What sea is 40 degrees north longitude and 51 degrees east longitude?

Caspian Sea


How can you find your approximate latitude and longitude at sea?

You can find your approximate latitude using a sextant to measure the angle of the sun or the North Star above the horizon. For longitude, you need an accurate clock to determine the time difference between noon at your location and Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) since Earth rotates 15 degrees longitude per hour. By combining your latitude and longitude measurements, you can plot your position on a nautical chart.