In the early days of maritime exploration, sailors had to constantly track their position at sea, which involved determining the exact intersection of their ship’s latitude and longitude. To find their latitude, navigators used tools that could measure the angle between the horizon and the sun at noon or between the horizon and a fixed star. Initially, they relied on the astrolabe, an ancient device used to measure the altitude of celestial bodies. However, due to the constant movement of the ship's deck, using the astrolabe was both challenging and imprecise.
To improve accuracy, sailors gradually switched to simpler instruments like the cross-staff and later the backstaff. These tools allowed for more stable measurements but still had limitations. In 1731, John Hadley introduced the Reflecting Quadrant, a significant advancement in navigation technology. This instrument used mirrors to reflect both the sun and the horizon, allowing for more precise angle measurements. The design quickly evolved into the sextant, a compact and highly accurate tool that could measure angles up to 1/6 of a circle.
The British Admiralty tested a 90-degree quadrant on a ship in 1732, and the results were impressive, leading to its widespread adoption. Over time, the quadrant was modified to measure larger angles. In 1757, Captain Campbell improved the design by increasing the arc to 120 degrees, effectively transforming it into a sextant. This new instrument featured a curved frame with a scale and a movable arm, enabling sailors to measure angles between two objects—such as the sun and the horizon—with greater ease and precision.
By using the sextant, navigators could determine their latitude accurately, ensuring they stayed on course during long voyages. The invention of the sextant marked a turning point in maritime history, making ocean travel safer and more reliable. It became an essential tool for explorers, merchants, and naval forces, shaping the future of global navigation.
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