What is Sextant?

In the past, people would hold a sextant in their hands to determine the angle that the horizon formed with respect to the sun, moon, or stars. Prior to the development of contemporary navigation systems such as GPS, it was a crucial instrument for ships to determine their latitude and chart their voyage over the seas.

An eyepiece, horizon glass, and a moveable arm make up the sextant. The user would use the movable arm to align the image of the celestial object with the horizon after sighting it through the horizon glass. The instrument's scale may then be used to read the object's angle with respect to the horizon.

With this angle measured and the time in hand, navigators could use celestial navigation methods and tables provided in books to determine their latitude. Even in the middle of the enormous oceans, before satellite navigation became accessible, sextants allowed sailors to precisely map their position and route by measuring the ship's speed and direction.

Although sextants are no longer used for marine navigation, they are still employed for some specialized tasks such as surveying, astronomy, and training in celestial navigation. During the Age of Sail and Discovery, they allowed for precise transoceanic sailing and exploration, which is a significant historical accomplishment.

“If you want to understand today you have to search yesterday.” -Pearl S. Buck, American novelist (1892-1973)

Michigan’s “Shipwreck Alley” holds 200 years of stories about Great Lakes shipping from countless sailors and passengers This is the story of the steamer Choctaw, from its final voyage to discovery on the lakebed about 100 years later.

After a historically significant shipwreck is confirmed in sanctuary waters, it becomes a cultural resource that is routinely monitored and protected. Wrecks like Choctaw are brought back to life in museums, videos, 360 degree virtual experiences, and other outreach products in an effort to keep the stories alive and strengthen the surrounding community’s connection to their local waters and American maritime history.

Read it here: https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/news/may22/explore-spectacular/10-discoveries.html

Building the Unsinkable The Story of the Titanic's Construction and Rise to Fame

Workspace for the foreseeable future. 🖇💼👩🏽‍💻 #workspace #workstudy #studygram #studymotivation #researchlife #historicalresearch #historynotes #historynerd #historyofscience #maritimehistory https://www.instagram.com/p/Ciz7hzRo4N0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Dive into the depths of maritime adventure with our stunning collection of miniature ship models! From legendary vessels to modern marvels, each meticulously crafted piece tells a story of exploration, conquest, and innovation.

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Dive into the tales of the sea with the 10 most famous classic old ships.

🚢 From the Santa Maria to the USS Arizona, uncover their fascinating histories. #OldShips #MaritimeHistory #LegendaryVessels

Magellan's Monumental Moment: Navigating the Pacific

In the annals of exploration, certain dates stand out as pivotal moments that reshaped the course of history. November 28, 1520, marks one such day—the day when Ferdinand Magellan and his intrepid crew sailed through the treacherous waters of the Strait of Magellan and into the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. This monumental event not only altered the understanding of world geography but also…

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Mystic Seaport Museum: History Comes Alive! ⛵🗺️

Experience the maritime history of Mystic Seaport Museum in Connecticut. Walk the charming streets of a recreated 19th-century seafaring village, and step aboard historic vessels to relive the golden age of sailing. An enriching and fascinating journey into the past!

🔗 Post Link: Mystic Seaport Museum

HMS Caroline, the only surviving ship from the Battle of Jutland from WWI #belfast #jutland #hmscaroline #maritimehistory (at Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK) https://www.instagram.com/p/Co6vv8voG8m/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#canitellyou ready to sail the seven seas? The @kalmar.nyckel docked at Greenport Harbour for a week and went on daily sails for people to experience how a 17th century ship works. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to go but at least managed to see it on the last day. Thanks to the @eastendseaportmuseum for making it happen. It was quite a site to behold from a distance and up close. / 😎⚓️🌊 . . . #tallshipofdelaware #shipahoy #maritimehistory #swedishship #kalmarnyckelship #builtbythedutchfortheswedes #kalmarnyckel #replicaship #greenportharbor #rafetotengco #northforker #northforkliving #ilovethenorthfork (at Greenport Harbor) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cg_0WK0uxUP/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

(via "Seafaring Sagas: Galleons in the Tempest" Coffee Mug for Sale by delohill)

"National Maritime Day" #maritime#treanding#viral Celebrate National Maritime Day on April 5th, 2024, as we honor the importance of the maritime industry in our daily lives. From shipping goods around the world to supporting the economy, maritime plays a crucial role in global trade and transportation. Join us in recognizing the hard work and dedication of all those involved in this vital industry. Call : 7799799221 Website : www.manasadefenceacademy.com #nationalmaritimeday #maritimeindustry #globaltrade #economy #maritimeworkers #shipping #transportation #maritimehistory #5thapril2024 #maritimecelebration #seafarers #maritimeheritage #maritimeday2024 #maritimeculture #shippingindustry #internationaltrade #maritimetradition #maritimecommunity #importanceofmaritime #celebratemaritime National Maritime Day, 5th April 2024, Maritime industry, Shipping, Transportation, Global trade, Economy, Maritime workers, Maritime history, Importance of maritime, Celebrate maritime, Maritime celebration, Shipping industry, International trade, Seafarers, Maritime heritage, Maritime tradition, Maritime day 2024, Maritime community, Maritime culture

Shocked by TREMENDOUS HORROR! | World of Warships

Witness the mighty Italian battleship, the Andrea Doria, in action in World of Warships! Join us as we showcase the power and capabilities of this fierce little monster on the high seas. Don't miss out on the excitement - subscribe to our channel for more epic gaming content. Like and share this video with your fellow gamers! #WorldofWarships #ItalianBattleship #AndreaDoria #ItalianNavy #Battleship #AndreaDoria #MilitaryHistory #NavalPower #Warship #HistoricShips #WWII #MaritimeHistory #Exploration #ItalianHistory #NavalTechnology #AncientShips #BattleshipDesign #NavalBattles #Shipwrecks #SailorLife #NauticalHistory #ShipRestoration #NavalMuseum

World Maritime Day

The marine industry has contributed a lot to trade and communication among countries and brought the world closer. 

#WorldMaritimeDay��#MaritimeDay #maritime #maritimehistory #maritimetransport #maritimeindustry #aquagrand 

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In April 1875 the pearling schooner John Bull’s crew happened upon a man clearly of European heritage living with a group of Aborigines on Cape York Peninsula. Mistakenly thinking that the man was being held against his will, they took him onboard their vessel and delivered him to the Government outpost at Somerset. His name was Narcisse Pelletier and this is his remarkable story.

#maritimehistory

#shipwreck

#Australia

#Pelletier

#Saintpaul

#Australianhistory