The quadrant is a tool that was first invented by the Greeks around the time of 240 BCE. Its name comes from the shape of the tool. It is one fourth of a whole circle, and quad means four. When this tool was originally built, it had many purposes. First, astronomers used it to determine the height of stars above the horizon. Second, land surveyors used it to measure the height of manmade creations like buildings and landforms such as mountains. Third, soldiers used the quadrant to aim weapons with accuracy.
As years passed, sailors found use for the quadrant, too. By the 16th century, sailors needed a better way to navigate their ships. In the past, they used key landmarks to find their positions. However, when exploring new lands, they had to travel through unfamiliar waters. Another challenge they faced was that at times, they were surrounded by only water and had no landmarks to follow. Luckily, many sailors understood the movement of the Pole Star, called Polaris. It moved very little because of its location above the North Pole. The height of Polaris changed depending on a ship's latitude. Latitude is the distance north or south of the equator. Knowing how high Polaris was in relation to their ship could help sailors navigate the waters, quickly and with ease.
To find the height of the star, sailors used the quadrant, the first latitude-measuring tool. For sailors, the quadrant was a simple tool made from wood or metal. Due to its simplicity, sailors learned quickly how to use the instrument. First, they would line the sights of the quadrant up with Polaris. Using the tool, they could measure the angle between the horizon and Polaris to determine their latitude. To do this, they looked at the recordings of the degrees along the arc of the tool. The quadrant remained one of the most common navigational tools used by sailors for a long time. It used a combination of astronomy and math to lead them successfully to the New World.
quadrant
Based on the information in the article, what can be inferred about the inventors of the quadrant?
Group of answer choices
They developed the tool after charting the stars.
They built many landmarks.
They were sailors first and scientists second.
They were problem solvers.