What technological advancement enabled European explorers to accurately calculate their latitude and longitude during the Age of Exploration? (Multiple Choice: A) Sextant, B) Magnetic Compass, C) Nautical Charts, D) Global Positioning System (GPS)).

A) Sextant

Explanation

The sextant was an essential tool for European explorers during the Age of Exploration. Without it, they would have had no way to accurately calculate their latitude and longitude, which was an essential part of navigation. This allowed them to accurately chart their journeys and explore new lands.

The sextant was also used to measure the angle of the Sun’s elevation, which was used to determine the time of day. This was important for navigators to accurately pinpoint their location at sea.

In addition to the sextant, other navigational instruments were also used during the Age of Exploration, such as the magnetic compass, the astrolabe, and the hourglass. The magnetic compass allowed navigators to determine direction, the astrolabe allowed them to calculate latitude and longitude, and the hourglass allowed them to measure time and distances traveled.

The importance of these navigational instruments cannot be overstated. Without them, the Age of Exploration would not have been possible and much of the world would remain unknown. These tools allowed European explorers to accurately chart their journeys and explore new lands, leading to the development of trade routes and the spread of ideas and cultures.