The Longitude Problem

The video explains how sailors historically used the sun to determine latitude but struggled with longitude due to inaccurate timekeeping at sea. John Harrison solved this with his chronometer, revolutionizing navigation. Today, GPS and atomic clocks provide precise global positioning, but knowing the time at two locations remains key.

How did sailors traditionally determine their latitude?

• By observing the moon's phases

• By measuring the angle of the sun

• By using the North Star

• By using a compass

What was the main challenge in determining longitude at sea?

• Lack of accurate maps

• Difficulty in knowing the time at two places

• Unreliable compass readings

• Inability to measure the sun's angle

Who invented the chronometer that solved the longitude problem?

• Christopher Columbus

• Galileo Galilei

• John Harrison

• Isaac Newton

What was the key feature of John Harrison's chronometer?

• It was powered by solar energy

• It was mechanical and not affected by the sea

• It relied on gravity

• It used a pendulum

What technology do modern ships primarily use for navigation?

• Magnetic compasses

• Sextants

• Pendulum clocks

• GPS