key term - Sextant

Definition

A sextant is a navigational instrument used to measure the angle between an astronomical object and the horizon, allowing sailors to determine their latitude and longitude at sea. This invention was crucial for improving maritime navigation during the age of exploration, connecting it with the rapid technological innovations occurring between 1450 and 1750.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The sextant was developed in the 18th century, building on earlier navigational tools, which greatly enhanced the accuracy of celestial navigation.
2. With the sextant, sailors could measure the angle of stars above the horizon, allowing them to determine their position more accurately than ever before.
3. The introduction of the sextant facilitated longer sea voyages, contributing significantly to global trade and exploration during this period.
4. The instrument was portable and relatively easy to use, making it accessible to many mariners, which democratized navigation skills among sailors.
5. Sextants played a critical role in major explorations, including voyages by notable explorers like James Cook, helping to chart uncharted territories.

Review Questions

• How did the invention of the sextant improve maritime navigation compared to previous instruments?
  • The invention of the sextant significantly improved maritime navigation by providing a more accurate means of measuring angles between celestial objects and the horizon. Unlike previous instruments like the astrolabe, which were limited in their accuracy and ease of use, the sextant allowed sailors to take precise readings quickly. This capability enabled mariners to navigate open oceans more confidently and accurately, thus expanding the possibilities for long-distance sea travel.
• Discuss the impact of the sextant on global trade and exploration during the age of exploration.
  • The sextant had a profound impact on global trade and exploration by enabling longer and safer sea voyages. Sailors could confidently chart courses across vast oceans, leading to increased trade routes between continents. The ability to navigate more accurately also led to significant explorations of previously uncharted territories, facilitating cultural exchanges and economic interactions that shaped the modern world.
• Evaluate how advancements in navigation technology like the sextant contributed to broader societal changes during 1450-1750.
  • Advancements in navigation technology, such as the sextant, contributed significantly to broader societal changes from 1450 to 1750 by enhancing exploration and trade. The ability to navigate more accurately opened new trade routes, leading to increased wealth for European powers and fostering competition among nations. This surge in maritime activity not only transformed economies but also led to cultural exchanges that influenced art, science, and society as a whole. Furthermore, it set the stage for imperial expansion and colonization that characterized this transformative era.

Related terms

Astrolabe:

An ancient instrument used for solving problems related to time and the position of the stars, crucial for navigation before the sextant was widely adopted.

Chronometer: A highly accurate timekeeping device that allowed sailors to determine longitude at sea by comparing local time with a reference time.

Navigation:

The process of planning and controlling the movement of a vessel from one place to another, heavily reliant on tools like the sextant during maritime exploration.