An instrument used by sailors to determine location by observing the position of stars and planets?

An instrument used by sailors to determine location by observing the position of stars and planets?

• A. Compass
• B. Astrolabe
• C. Igloo
• D. Tipi

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is celestial navigation—figuring out where you are at sea by measuring the height of celestial bodies above the horizon. The instrument that does this is the astrolabe. By sighting a star or the Sun and reading its altitude, a navigator can determine latitude (how far north or south you are) and, with accurate time, help pinpoint position farther on the globe. The compass, by contrast, shows direction alone rather than location from celestial observations. Igloo and tipi are shelters, not navigation tools.

The main idea here is celestial navigation—figuring out where you are at sea by measuring the height of celestial bodies above the horizon. The instrument that does this is the astrolabe. By sighting a star or the Sun and reading its altitude, a navigator can determine latitude (how far north or south you are) and, with accurate time, help pinpoint position farther on the globe. The compass, by contrast, shows direction alone rather than location from celestial observations. Igloo and tipi are shelters, not navigation tools.