Here's why:
* Measuring angles: The sextant allowed sailors to accurately measure the angle between a celestial object (like a star) and the horizon. This was crucial for determining latitude.
* Calculating position: By combining the measured angle with a nautical almanac (which provided the expected position of stars at different times), sailors could calculate their latitude and, to a lesser extent, their longitude.
* Accuracy: The sextant was a significant improvement over earlier methods like the astrolabe, offering more precise measurements and making navigation much more reliable.
The invention of the sextant revolutionized sea travel, allowing sailors to navigate vast distances with greater confidence.
