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The invention of the astrolabe and later advancements like the sextant enabled explorers to determine their latitude by measuring the angles of celestial bodies, such as the sun and stars, above the horizon. This ability to accurately chart their position at sea significantly improved navigation, allowing ship navigators to venture further from the coast and discover new continents. Additionally, the development of more precise maps and navigational techniques played a crucial role in facilitating these explorations.

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Did explorers use a telescope to navigate with the stars?

Explorers did not typically use telescopes for navigating with the stars. Instead, they used tools like the astrolabe or quadrant to measure angles between celestial objects, allowing them to determine their position on Earth. Telescopes were primarily used for observing distant objects in space.


What movement causes continents to grow outward?

The movement that causes continents to grow outward is called seafloor spreading. This occurs at mid-ocean ridges where tectonic plates diverge, allowing magma to come up and create new seafloor. As new seafloor forms, it pushes the continents on either side further apart, leading to the growth of the continents.


What are the Advantages of a sextant?

A sextant is an instrument used to measure the angle between two visible objects. It is primarily used as a navigational instrument to determine the elevation of a celestial body above the horizon thereby allowing the observer to calculate a line of position (LOP) on the surface of the earth. With only one LOP, a navigator can be sure that his position is on that line somewhere, but he cannot know for sure where on that line he is. By combining additional LOPs (triangulation), navigators are able to determine their exact latitude and longitude.


Why did your ancestors need to know the knowledge of celestial motion?

Understanding celestial motion was important for activities such as navigation, agriculture, and timekeeping. It helped early civilizations predict seasons, tides, and eclipses, allowing them to navigate the oceans, plant crops at the right time, and establish calendars for planning.


What is the tool called that you see stars and the moon with?

A telescope is the tool used to see stars and the moon. Telescopes use lenses or mirrors to gather and focus light, allowing us to see celestial objects that are far away and faint.

Related Questions

What aided explorers in finding new continents by allowing ship navigatiors to check location by charting the position?

The invention of the compass greatly aided explorers in finding new continents by allowing ship navigators to check their location by charting their position relative to the Earth's magnetic field. This technology enabled them to maintain a more accurate course across vast expanses of ocean.


How did the sextent help explorers?

The sextant helped explorers by allowing them to determine their latitude at sea by measuring the angle between the horizon and the sun or a star. This helped navigators plot their position on a map and accurately navigate the vast oceans.


What is imaginary sphere surrounding earth?

The imaginary sphere surrounding Earth is known as the celestial sphere. It is an imaginary sphere where all objects in the sky are assumed to be located, allowing astronomers and navigators to easily describe the positions of stars and other celestial bodies. It provides a convenient reference frame for locating objects in the sky.


Did explorers use a telescope to navigate with the stars?

Explorers did not typically use telescopes for navigating with the stars. Instead, they used tools like the astrolabe or quadrant to measure angles between celestial objects, allowing them to determine their position on Earth. Telescopes were primarily used for observing distant objects in space.


How did a sextant help navigators in the Exploration Ages?

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.


What was the purpose for the Astrolabe?

The astrolabe was used for navigation and determining the position of celestial bodies in the sky, allowing sailors and explorers to find their location at sea. It was also used for timekeeping and in astrology for casting horoscopes.


Who invented the caravel or the first ship to sail against the wind?

The caravel, a small and highly maneuverable ship, was developed by the Portuguese in the 15th century. It played a crucial role during the Age of Exploration, allowing navigators to sail against the wind thanks to its lateen sails. While specific individuals are not credited with its invention, shipbuilders and explorers of the era contributed to its design and use. Notably, caravels were instrumental in voyages by explorers like Prince Henry the Navigator.


What are two examples of technology that made it easier for explorers to navigate around the world?

Magnetic compass: This ancient technology helped explorers determine which direction they were traveling in by pointing to Earth's magnetic poles, allowing them to navigate more accurately across long distances. Sextant: This tool, developed in the 18th century, allowed explorers to measure the angle between astronomical objects like the sun and the horizon, enabling them to calculate their position at sea based on celestial navigation.


What is the significance of an old drawing compass in the history of cartography and navigation?

An old drawing compass played a significant role in the history of cartography and navigation by allowing mapmakers to accurately draw circles and arcs, which were essential for creating detailed maps and navigation charts. This tool helped early explorers and navigators accurately plot their courses and understand the world's geography, leading to advancements in exploration and trade routes.


What is the joint continents?

The joint continents are North and South America, connected by the Isthmus of Panama in Central America. This region serves as a land bridge between the two continents, allowing for the exchange of flora, fauna, and cultures between North and South America.


How did the astrolabe affect the renaissance?

The astrolabe was an important navigational tool during the Renaissance, allowing sailors and explorers to determine their location based on the position of the stars. This technology helped facilitate the Age of Exploration by making long-distance voyages safer and more accurate. It also contributed to advancements in astronomy and the understanding of celestial bodies.


What is sextants?

A sextant is an instrument used to measure the angle between two visible objects. It is primarily used as a navigational instrument to determine the elevation of a celestial body above the horizon thereby allowing the observer to calculate a line of position (LOP) on the surface of the earth. With only one LOP, a navigator can be sure that his position is on that line somewhere, but he cannot know for sure where on that line he is. By combining additional LOPs (triangulation), navigators are able to determine their exact latitude and longitude.