One of these was the astrolabe, a portable device used by sailors to help them find their way. By measuring the distance of the sun and stars above the horizon, the astrolabe helped determine latitude, an important tool in navigation. How did astronomers measure the distance to globular clusters? how do astronomers measure the distance to a nearby star quizlet.

How is the astrolabe used?

An astrolabe is an ancient tool used in solving problems that involve time and the position of the Sun and stars. Astrolabes can be used in timekeeping, surveying, geography, and astronomy to name a few disciplines. … Using an astrolabe, you can determine how the sky looked at a certain point in time at a specific place.

What famous explorers used the astrolabe?

Thereafter, astrolabes were relied on for navigation during the most important explorations of the late 15th century, including those led by Bartolomeu Dias, Christopher Columbus and Vasco da Gama.