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1955.970.349
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Wooden octant, ca.1800
An octant helps determine latitude by measuring the altitude of celestial bodies above the sea horizon. This instrument also fixes a position at sea by measuring horizontal angles between landmarks. The calibrated arc on the arm of the octant was originally 45ï‚°, or one-eighth of a circle, hence the name. The sextant works on the same principle as the octant, except that the arc originally was 60ï‚°, or one-sixth of a circle.
ID Number: 1955.970.349
Date: Circa 1800
Physical Description: 1 Octant; wood, ivory; 18 in.H x 14.75 in.W x 2.75 in.D
Credit: MOHAI, 1955.970.349. Gift of Mr. Horace W. McCurdy
Subjects:
Maritime
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