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To use a sextant at sea, you measure the angle between a celestial body (like the sun or a star) and the horizon. By comparing this angle with the known position of the celestial body at a specific time, you can calculate your position on the Earth's surface. This method is known as celestial navigation and has been used by sailors for centuries to determine their location on the open sea.
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What instrument could sailors use to determine their location based on the position of the sun in relation to the horizon?
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.
How do you use sextant in a sentence?
A sextant is a navigational instrument that sights upon the stars to determine a ship's position. This instrument was crucial to naval navigation until global positioning became a reality in the late 20th century. "Henry the Navigator prized his sextant while on his journeys to the New World." "The ship's position is determined by the use of the ship's navigator using a sextant."
Can you use a Sextant for a boat?
A sextant is a navigational tool used, most commonly, for celestial navigation. It essentially measures the altitudes of objects to determine a line of position. It can also be used to determine distance off objects of known heights, like a mountain or a lighthouse - and can even be used to measure angles horizontally.
What scientific discoveries improved navigation and overseas exploration?
An astrolobe which is an instrument that measured the position of the stars , and the magnetic compass helped determine the ships approximate location.
What is a device used by sailors to navigate by using the sun and the stars?
Sailors use a sextant to navigate by measuring the angle between celestial bodies, such as the sun and stars, and the horizon. This instrument allows them to determine their latitude and longitude, which is essential for charting their course at sea. By taking observations at specific times and using astronomical tables, sailors can accurately pinpoint their position. The sextant has been a critical tool in maritime navigation for centuries.
What is the sextant used for?
you use a sextant to navigate.
What is the function of a sextant?
Sextant is used to measure the angle between any two visible objects.Its primary use is to determine the angle between a celestial object and the the horizon which is also know as objects altitude.
What are 4 inventions developed during the renaissance which made navigation easier?
The astrolabe, which helped sailors determine their latitude at sea. The magnetic compass, aiding in directional navigation. The improved mapmaking techniques, especially the use of Mercator projection to create accurate charts. The sextant, which allowed sailors to measure the altitude of celestial bodies to determine their position accurately.
How do you use the word sextant in a sentence?
the sextant helped me navagate my way to alaska
What kinds of navigational instruments did Renaissance explorers use?
Renaissance explorers used instruments such as the astrolabe, quadrant, compass, and cross-staff for navigation. These tools helped them to determine their position at sea by measuring the position of celestial objects and the horizon. Additionally, they used charts and maps to plot their course and track their progress.
Did Columbus use a sextant?
Yes Christopher Columbus did use a sextant along with a compass, ampoletta, and a cross staff.
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.
