Longitude


Longitude is the angular distance of a point on the Earth's surface, measured in degrees east or west from the prime meridian. In the maritime context, longitude is a crucial navigational coordinate used to determine a ship's position at sea. It is measured using a sextant to determine the angle between the horizon and a celestial body, such as the sun or a star. This angle, along with the time of the observation, is used to calculate the ship's longitude using a nautical almanac and a chronometer. The accurate determination of longitude was a major challenge for navigators until the development of reliable chronometers in the 18th century.


Your Previous Searches
Random Picks

  • Pilferage: Pilferage is the theft of small items or small amounts of cargo from a ship's stores or cargo. It is a common problem in the maritime industry and can occur during loading, unloading, or while the ship is at sea. Pilferage can be carried ou ... Read More >>
  • Shipper's Responsibilities: In maritime context, 'Shipper's Responsibilities' refers to the obligations and duties that a shipper must fulfill in the process of shipping goods via sea. These responsibilities primarily include the accurate description of goods, includi ... Read More >>
  • Hawser-laid: Hawser-laid refers to a type of rope construction where three strands of rope are twisted together in a right-handed direction, and then these strands are twisted together in a left-handed direction to form the final rope. This type of cons ... Read More >>
Top News

Japan will watch China's military after Beijing admits violating Japanese airspa...

Japanese officials say they are closely watching to see if China keeps its promise to prevent further violations of Japan’s airspace after explaining that an incursion by a Chinese military aircraft...

News Source: ABC News on 2024-11-20

Southeast Asian defense chiefs meet in Laos as maritime disputes with China are ...

Southeast Asian defense chiefs and representatives are meeting in the Laotian capital for security talks at a time of increasing maritime disputes with China in the Asia-Pacific and as the transition ...

News Source: ABC News on 2024-11-20

Biden's $100 billion disaster aid request includes money to rebuild the collapse...

President Joe Biden’s pending request to Congress for nearly $100 billion in emergency disaster aid includes money to rebuild Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge after its deadly collapse in Marc...

News Source: ABC News on 2024-11-19

The Houthis appear determined to score a hit on the American and European warshi...

The US and European Union have maintained a significant Middle East naval presence to battle the Houthis over the past year....

News Source: Business Insider on 2024-11-19

US defense chief says alliance with Philippines will transcend administrations...

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has condemned China's dangerous actions against the Philippines and renewed a warning that the United States would defend its treaty ally if Filipino forces come un...

News Source: ABC News on 2024-11-19