Name/Title
Backstaff Quadrant (ca 1766)Entry/Object ID
2025.07.01.26Tags
Life at homeDescription
Wooden and metal backstaffUse
The backstaff is a navigational instrument that was used to measure the altitude of a celestial body, in particular the Sun or Moon. When observing the Sun, users kept the Sun to their back (hence the name) and observed the shadow cast by the upper vane on a horizon vane. It was invented by the English navigator John Davis, who described it in his book Seaman's Secrets in 1594. (Source: Wikipedia).Lexicon
Nomenclature 4.0
Nomenclature Primary Object Term
BackstaffNomenclature Sub-Class
Navigational EquipmentNomenclature Class
Surveying & Navigational T&ENomenclature Category
Category 05: Tools & Equipment for Science & TechnologyDimensions
Height
24-1/2 inWidth
14 inLocation
Location
Other
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