longitude by lunar distances
简明释义
月星距求经度
英英释义
A method of determining a ship's longitude by measuring the angle between the moon and a reference star or celestial body, using lunar observations. | 通过测量月亮与参考星体或天体之间的角度来确定船只经度的一种方法,使用月亮观测。 |
例句
1.The discovery of longitude by lunar distances was a significant advancement in maritime exploration.
发现通过月球距离确定经度是海洋探索的重要进步。
2.Sailors in the 18th century often calculated their position using longitude by lunar distances, which refers to the method of determining longitude based on the angle between the moon and a reference star.
18世纪的水手们经常使用通过月球距离确定经度的方法来计算他们的位置,该方法是基于月亮与参考星星之间的角度来确定经度。
3.In astronomy classes, students learn about longitude by lunar distances as a historical method of navigation.
在天文学课程中,学生们学习通过月球距离确定经度作为一种历史导航方法。
4.The British Navy developed tools to measure longitude by lunar distances to improve navigation accuracy during long voyages.
英国海军开发了测量通过月球距离确定经度的工具,以提高长途航行的导航精度。
5.To find his way across the Pacific, the navigator relied heavily on longitude by lunar distances for accurate positioning.
为了穿越太平洋,导航员在准确定位方面严重依赖于通过月球距离确定经度。
作文
The concept of determining one’s position on Earth has fascinated humanity for centuries. Among the many methods developed throughout history, one particularly intriguing technique is known as longitude by lunar distances. This method involves measuring the angle between the moon and a specific star to calculate the observer's longitude. In the age of exploration, when navigators sailed uncharted waters, knowing their precise location was crucial for safe passage. Without modern GPS technology, sailors relied heavily on celestial navigation, and longitude by lunar distances became an essential tool in their arsenal.The process of using longitude by lunar distances requires careful observation and calculation. Navigators would first need to accurately determine the time at which they were making their observations. This was often achieved by using a chronometer, a highly precise timekeeping device. Once they had the correct time, they would measure the distance between the moon and a nearby star, using a sextant to obtain the necessary angles. These measurements would then be compared against published tables that provided the expected distances based on the time of day. By analyzing these differences, navigators could ascertain their longitude.This method was not without its challenges. The moon moves quickly across the sky, and its position changes significantly within just a few hours. Therefore, timing was critical. Additionally, atmospheric conditions could affect visibility, making it difficult to see stars or the moon clearly. Despite these challenges, the ability to calculate longitude accurately was revolutionary. It allowed ships to navigate vast oceans with greater confidence, reducing the risk of shipwrecks and enabling more efficient trade routes.The significance of longitude by lunar distances extends beyond mere navigation; it represents a pivotal moment in the history of science and exploration. The pursuit of accurate longitudes spurred advancements in astronomy, mathematics, and engineering. Notably, the work of astronomers like John Harrison, who invented the marine chronometer, made it possible for sailors to carry reliable timepieces on their journeys. This innovation complemented the lunar distance method and ultimately led to more precise navigation.In today’s world, the legacy of longitude by lunar distances lives on, albeit in a different form. Modern navigation systems, including GPS, have their roots in the principles established by early navigators. While we no longer rely on the moon and stars to find our way, the fundamental understanding of positioning and measurement remains crucial. As we continue to explore new frontiers, from deep-sea voyages to space travel, the importance of accurate location determination persists.In conclusion, the method of longitude by lunar distances is a remarkable example of human ingenuity and perseverance. It highlights the lengths to which explorers went to understand their world and navigate through it safely. As we reflect on this historical technique, we are reminded of the importance of precision in navigation and the ongoing quest for knowledge that drives scientific discovery. The story of longitude by lunar distances is not just about finding one’s place on a map; it is about the relentless pursuit of understanding the universe around us.
确定地球上位置的概念吸引了人类几个世纪的关注。在历史上发展起来的众多方法中,有一种特别引人入胜的技术被称为通过月球距离测定经度。这种方法涉及测量月亮与特定恒星之间的角度,以计算观察者的经度。在探索时代,当航海家航行在未知水域时,知道他们的确切位置对于安全通行至关重要。在没有现代GPS技术的情况下,水手们非常依赖天文导航,而通过月球距离测定经度成为他们工具箱中的重要工具。使用通过月球距离测定经度的方法需要仔细观察和计算。导航员首先需要准确确定他们进行观察的时间。这通常通过使用高精度计时设备——计时器来实现。一旦他们有了正确的时间,他们就会测量月亮与附近一颗恒星之间的距离,使用六分仪获得必要的角度。这些测量值将与根据一天中的时间提供的预期距离的出版表进行比较。通过分析这些差异,导航员可以确定他们的经度。这种方法并非没有挑战。月亮在天空中移动迅速,其位置在短短几个小时内发生显著变化。因此,时机至关重要。此外,大气条件可能会影响能见度,使得很难清晰地看到星星或月亮。尽管面临这些挑战,准确计算经度的能力是革命性的。它使船只能够更自信地穿越广阔的海洋,减少了船只失事的风险,并促进了更有效的贸易路线。通过月球距离测定经度的重要性不仅仅体现在导航上;它代表了科学和探索历史上的一个关键时刻。对准确经度的追求推动了天文学、数学和工程学的发展。值得注意的是,发明了海洋计时器的天文学家约翰·哈里森的工作,使水手能够在旅途中携带可靠的计时器。这项创新补充了月球距离方法,最终导致了更精确的导航。在今天的世界中,通过月球距离测定经度的遗产以不同的形式延续着。现代导航系统,包括GPS,根植于早期导航员建立的原则。虽然我们不再依赖月亮和星星来寻找方向,但定位和测量的基本理解仍然至关重要。当我们继续探索新的边界,从深海航行到太空旅行时,准确确定位置的重要性依然存在。总之,通过月球距离测定经度的方法是人类聪明才智和毅力的一个卓越例子。它突显了探险者为了理解他们的世界而付出的努力,以及安全航行所需的坚持不懈。回顾这一历史技术,我们想起了导航精度的重要性,以及推动科学发现的持续追求。通过月球距离测定经度的故事不仅关于在地图上找到自己的位置;它还是关于对周围宇宙理解的无尽追求。
相关单词