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Sextant reputed to have been used on James Cook's third voyage to the Pacific (1776-80), c.1770 (brass)
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Sextant reputed to have been used on James Cook's third voyage to the Pacific (1776-80), c.1770 (brass)
7295772 Sextant reputed to have been used on James Cook's third voyage to the Pacific (1776-80), c.1770 (brass) by Ramsden, Jesse (1735-1800); 42.5x44.5x9.5 cm; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Developed from the more limited octant in the 1750s, the sextant could be used either to find the height of the Sun above the horizon to determine a ship's latitude, or measure angles between the Moon and fixed stars. The latter was a more difficult observation to do accurately on a moving vessel but, using published tables, allowed a skilled navigator to calculate his longitude as well.); © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Media ID 38175740
© © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London / Bridgeman Images
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This stunning print captures a piece of history - a Sextant reputed to have been used on James Cook's third voyage to the Pacific in the late 18th century. Crafted from brass by Jesse Ramsden, this intricate instrument measures 42.5x44.5x9.5 cm and is now housed at the National Maritime Museum in London, UK.
Developed from the more limited octant in the 1750s, the sextant played a crucial role in navigation during this era. It could be used to find the height of the Sun above the horizon to determine a ship's latitude, as well as measure angles between celestial bodies like the Moon and fixed stars for calculating longitude.
The skilled navigator who wielded this sextant would have relied on published tables and their own expertise to guide their ship safely across vast oceans. The precision and accuracy required for such calculations on a moving vessel are truly impressive.
As we admire this artifact from centuries past, we are reminded of the ingenuity and skill of those early explorers who ventured into uncharted waters with nothing but tools like this sextant to guide them. It serves as a testament to human curiosity and determination in pursuit of knowledge and discovery.
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