1001 Space Earth Nature History Human World Science and Technology Chemistry Materials Force and Energy Heat and Light Electricity and Magnetism Industry Machines Electronics and Computers Cars and Trucks Railways Ships Aircraft Fishing and Agriculture Undersea Exploration

Choose a Page:How far did ancient ships travel?Who built the earliest seagoing ships?*How do ships' navigators find thei...*What was a trireme?In what type of ship did Columbus ...What was a galleon?Which was the largest passenger liner?How does a ship made of steel stay...What is a modern cruise liner like?What is the largest warship afloat...How does a ship's propeller work?What kind of engines do modern shi...How powerful is a modern aircraft ... How do ships' navigators find their way? Early navigators used the astrolabe (1) to measure the altitude of the stars, and the sextant (2) to measure the angle of the sun above the horizon. From these, they could work out the ship's latitude. The direction of the ship relative to north was found using a compass (3). Radar (4) and satellite (5) are used today to help reduce the risk of collision at sea. Early navigational instruments paved the way for the sophisticated satellite systems used today.   Previous: Back Book: 1001 Section: Science and Technology Chapter: Ships