answersLogoWhite

0

A backstaff is a navigational instrument used to measure the altitude of the sun. It consists of a graduated arc and two vanes, one of which is moved to block the sun's image as it is reflected onto a mirror. By aligning the shadow of the vane with the horizon, sailors can determine the sun's altitude and calculate their latitude.

User Avatar

AnswerBot

2y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

What is a backstaff?

A backstaff is a an early navigational instrument for measuring the altitude of the sun and hence calculating latitude.


How do you determine longitude and latitude with a chronometer and backstaff?

porn porn porn


Who used the backstaff?

The backstaff, an early navigation instrument, was primarily used by sailors and navigators during the Age of Discovery in the 16th and 17th centuries. It allowed them to measure the altitude of the sun to determine latitude while avoiding direct sunlight, which could damage the eyes. The backstaff was an improvement over the astrolabe and was particularly popular among English mariners. It was eventually replaced by more advanced instruments like the sextant.


Who invented the back staff?

"Captain John Davis invented a version of the backstaff in 1594"


Is the backstaff still used today?

The backstaff is largely obsolete in modern navigation, having been replaced by more accurate instruments like the sextant and advanced electronic systems such as GPS. However, it may still be used in specific educational contexts or by enthusiasts of traditional navigation methods. While it played a significant role in maritime navigation during the 17th and 18th centuries, its practical application today is minimal.


What did john Davis invent?

John Davis invented the backstaff and the double quadrant. He is more famous for the double quadrant, which people actually called the Davis quadrant. However, he is more famously known for being an English explorer.


Is an instrument used to measure the position of stars.?

An Astrolabe. See the website www.astrolabe.org,or Wikipedia, or use Google books for a public domain encyclopedia. I own an old encyclopedia britannica, the 1903 edition and love it for answering questions such as this, or those related to woodworking, carpentry, masonry, or industrial machinery; e.g. what does an automatic pattern knitting machine or a jacquard loom look like?.historically several instruments were used to measure this angle, they include the quadrant, cross staff, the backstaff and the mariner's astrolabe.


How did African slaves get education?

They got their education by secretly learning it if their master didn't allowed because it was illegal. Sometimes, their masters tought the slave even though it was against the law. By secretly learning it, they could learn it off another slave or steal a book and educate themselves.


If a Mexican were to come and live in the US what do they do here?

Work , Work , Work , Work , Work , Work ! They do what You lazy Americans don't . Mexicans work hard . They do it all !


What is the verb in you work late?

Verb ' work. ( From To Work). Subject pronoun ; you Object ; late.


What is a work calendar?

A calendar at your work, for your work, that has your work schedule on it, etc.


Will American cd's work in Australia?

Yes it can work Yes it can work Yes it can work Yes it can work

Trending Questions
Who studied forces and the motion of objects and formulated of the laws of motion? Why is hydroelectric power considered to be multiple transfers of energy? What is the flow of electrical charges from one point to another is called what? What will happen to a sealed ballon that contain dry ice if the balloon is left at room temperature? What are the factors that determine the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature? What effect do you think the ability to mass produce an image had on art in the 16 and 17 centuries? Why does a karate expert suddenly reduce the speed of his hand while striking a slab of ice? What are the properties and applications of IR absorbing material? What objects use electromagnets? How long is your gun if its 946mm? What is the sealed vacuum chamber on a television set where images are displayed? A lever and fulcrum are used to lift a fallen tree which has a weight of 480 N If the lever has a mechanical advantage of 5.5 what is the input force that will begin lifting the tree off the ground? How do you know what color your homemade plasma ball be? Does a smaller wavelength have a higher frequency? Is the heat you feel from a fireplace radiation? Is a safety pin an insulator or conductor? What is the opposite of rock-hard? What is the significance of the gravitational binding energy of the Earth in relation to its overall stability and structure? Hydrogen is present in the center of the sun then why is it not used as a major source of energy as we are facing shortage of energy? How can you describe a cause and effect of an event involving electric and magnetic force?