Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Navigational aids

Navigational aids
For centuries, travellers have used navigational aids. The sextant, which measures the angle between too objects in the sky, such as stars or the sun, is still used by modern navigation.
Magnetic compass
The earth acts like a huge magnet, a pivotal magnetized compass needle will line up with the earth's magnetic north and south poles.
Gyro compass
A gyroscope is a device which remains stable while spinning. The gyro compass needle stays steady, even if it is tilted, making it ideal for accurate navigation.
Logs
A log consists of an underwater propeller, or rotator, which spins faster as the ship increases speed. A register counts the no. of spins, giving the distance travelled.

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