Hadley's Octant
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Owner:
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KERSLEYCREW&JUNE
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Released:
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Monday, April 16, 2012
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Origin:
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Southern England, United Kingdom
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Recently Spotted:
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In Island In The Sun
This is not collectible.
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The octant is a navigational measuring instrument used to calculate the altitude of the Sun or other celestial objects above the horizon when at sea. Initially made from a hard wood which had a simple ‘A’ shape and its legs formed an angle of 45°, it was essentially used to gauge one’s own latitude by calculating the angle between the sun and the horizon, thus enabling ships to steer around the world safely. Because the octant’s two-mirror system used the principle of reflection; it could measure an angle of 90°, therefore was also called a reflecting quadrant.
Sir Issac Newtons reflecting quadrant was invented around 1699 and details given to Edmond Halley, but these were not published until after Halley's death in 1742, thus preventing Newton from getting the credit for the invention. But, around 1730 credit had been awarded to John Hadley (a member of the Royal Society of London) and Thomas Godfrey (an American independent inventor).
Hadley's Octant TB would like to circumnavigate the globe, visiting places of nautical interest and most of all - have fun!
Jan 21 - blue proxy tag
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