Navigate the science that kept ships safe at sea and on time.
This approachable book explains how navigation at sea works, from the sextant to the chronometer, and how precise time became essential for locating a ship’s position.
The text blends historical stories with practical explanations. It covers the birth of reliable timekeeping, the role of observers and observatories, and the way time signals spread accurate time to the public. Readers will see how early pilots and captains relied on measurements of the sun and stars to their latitude and longitude.
- How the sun, the sextant, and a precise clock work together to determine longitude.
- The story of John Harrison and the long path to a reliable marine chronometer.
- How observatories keep time with transit observations and adjustable clocks.
- How time signals reach markets and shops, and why accuracy matters beyond the ship’s deck.
Ideal for readers of maritime history and popular science, this edition offers a clear window into the practical side of astronomical time and navigation.