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Capt Sir William Fraser
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Capt Sir William Fraser
Capt Sir William Fraser, Bar F.R.S, (d.1818), one of the Elder Brethren of Trinity House, (1737 - 1818) on left a rolled chart of Papua New Guinea and holding a receipt for clear distance from sun and stars effects. He is know for the first to fix the longitude at sea through lunar observation
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Media ID 14148091
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Brethren Explore Fraser Guinea Longitude Lunar Maps Observation Papua Trinity
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Captain Sir William Fraser (1737-1818), an Elder Brethren of Trinity House and a renowned navigator, is depicted in this image. With a chart of Papua New Guinea unfurled before him, Fraser's gaze is fixed on the celestial bodies above, as he holds a receipt for the precise measurement of the distance between the sun and stars. This groundbreaking achievement marked Fraser's significant contribution to the field of marine navigation. Fraser's legacy lies in his pioneering work on determining longitude at sea through lunar observation. Prior to this discovery, calculating longitude was a daunting challenge for mariners, as it required an accurate clock or a known longitude reference point. Fraser's method, which relied on observing the moon's position relative to specific stars, revolutionized navigation and greatly improved the safety and efficiency of sea voyages. The chart of Papua New Guinea, a region rich in exploration history, serves as a testament to Fraser's extensive travels and cartographic knowledge. His dedication to the pursuit of navigational accuracy and his commitment to advancing maritime exploration earned him the title of Sir and a Fellowship of the Royal Society. This evocative image encapsulates the spirit of adventure, discovery, and innovation that characterized the Age of Sail and continues to inspire us today.
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