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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.
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LaoSextants are reliable navigation tools for determining the angle between celestial objects and the horizon, allowing sailors to establish their position accurately at sea. They do not rely on electricity or technology, making them dependable in remote areas or during emergencies. Additionally, mastering the use of a sextant can improve navigation skills and deepen understanding of celestial phenomena.
The sextant is part of a family of instruments with similar design and look and use. It is basically called a sextant because of the angle of the arc which is 60o and one sixth in latin is sextāns. Whereas the octant is at 45o and that is one eighth of a circle also the quintant and the quadrant are one fifth and one quarter or 72o and 90o
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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, the sextant is still used today, mostly in marine navigation and by sky enthusiasts for celestial observations. However, with the advancements in technology, its usage has decreased significantly in favor of more accurate electronic navigation systems.
Which technological development made it possible for sailors to find their latitude and longitude for the first time?
For latitude the sextant, and later for longitude, the marine chronometer.
