answersLogoWhite

0

Sailors used a compass or an astrolabe. a compass points North so you know your direction. an astrolabe can tell your location by using the sun as a reference point but you might need a star chart to use it. If you were traveling at night you would use the star char5t and the North Star to tell direction.

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

What was used by the European sailors during the age of exploration?

A number of tools were used, European sailors used instruments called Crosstaffs and Backstaffs they were used to figure out location by using the stars.


Was lateen rings used by the european sailors during the age of the exploration?

yes


Which was not used by European sailors during the age of the exploration?

viking ship designs.


What are the renaissance instruments that they would use on their voyage?

During the Renaissance, sailors on voyages often used instruments such as the astrolabe and quadrant for navigation, allowing them to determine their latitude by measuring the angle of celestial bodies. The compasses, including the magnetic compass, were essential for orienting directions at sea. Additionally, the cross-staff and later the sextant were employed to help sailors plot their course more accurately. These instruments significantly improved maritime exploration and navigation during that era.


How much rum sailors had in their daily rations during the exploration era?

as much as they wanted


Why did sailors need an astrolabe?

Sailors needed an astrolabe to navigate accurately by determining their latitude while at sea. This ancient instrument allowed them to measure the angle of celestial bodies, such as the sun or stars, above the horizon. By knowing their position relative to the stars, sailors could chart their course more effectively and avoid getting lost during long voyages. The astrolabe was crucial for improving maritime exploration and trade during the Age of Sail.


How did the magnetic compass help during the age of exploration?

The magnetic compass revolutionized navigation during the Age of Exploration by enabling sailors to determine their direction accurately even when out of sight of land. This allowed sailors to sail further from the coast and across open seas confidently, opening up new trade routes and exploration opportunities.


Instruments used during the age of exploration?

i was wondering the same thing. i will post the answer when i get a chance


How did Columbus and the sailors' journey end?

Columbus and the sailors' journey ended with exploration of so many new islands. This was during the time when the Spaniards had sour relations with the people of Hispaniola.


What technology that was new to Europe helped sailors navigate because it always pointed north?

The technology that was new to Europe and helped sailors navigate by always pointing north is the magnetic compass. Introduced during the Middle Ages, the compass allowed mariners to determine their heading even when landmarks were not visible, significantly improving navigation at sea. This innovation was crucial for the Age of Exploration, enabling explorers to venture further into uncharted waters with greater confidence.


How did early sailors use portolan charts?

Early sailors used portolan charts as navigational tools that provided detailed coastal outlines, harbors, and landmarks. These charts, which featured compass roses and rhumb lines, helped mariners plot their courses and navigate safely along coastlines. The charts were often based on a combination of firsthand exploration and earlier cartographic knowledge, allowing sailors to avoid hazards and find safe passage. Their accuracy and practicality made them essential for maritime navigation during the Age of Exploration.


What did the Victorian sailors use to navigate their way round?

Victorian sailors primarily used celestial navigation, which relied on the positions of the sun, moon, and stars to determine their location at sea. Instruments such as the sextant and chronometer were essential for measuring angles and keeping accurate time, respectively. Additionally, sailors utilized charts and compasses to assist in plotting their courses. These methods allowed for navigation across vast ocean distances during the Victorian era.