19th Century sextant
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library
19th Century sextant
19th Century sextant. Sextants are used to measure the position of celestial bodies to aid in navigation. They utilise the fact that the exact position in the sky of the Sun and stars depends upon the time and location. If a navigator knows the time, the location (longitude and latitude) can be calculated
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 9224431
© GREGORY DAVIES/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1890 Apparatus Device Historic Instrument Measure Measurement Measurements Measuring Metal Navigation Sextant Tool Cutouts Navigate Navigational Instrument
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a remarkable 19th-century sextant, an invaluable instrument used for celestial navigation. The sextant, crafted from metal and set against a pristine white background, exudes historical significance and technological sophistication. In the era before GPS and advanced navigational systems, sailors heavily relied on sextants to determine their precise location at sea. This ingenious device harnessed the fact that celestial bodies such as the Sun and stars occupy different positions in the sky depending on time and location. By knowing the exact time, a navigator could calculate their longitude and latitude accurately. The 19th-century sextant depicted in this image represents an epitome of measurement technology during its time. Its intricate design reflects meticulous craftsmanship combined with scientific ingenuity. As a single still life object placed against a cut-out backdrop, it stands as both an apparatus of exploration and a testament to human curiosity. Transporting us back to the late 1800s, this photograph allows us to appreciate how crucial instruments like these were for maritime adventures. It serves as a reminder of our ancestors' reliance on such tools to navigate vast oceans with precision and confidence. Science Photo Library has beautifully captured this piece of history through their lens, offering us an opportunity to marvel at this navigational masterpiece while acknowledging its vital role in shaping our understanding of global positioning centuries ago.
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