Navigation Vocabulary
Celestial- Objects or things related to the sky
Chart- A mariner's map
Compass- an instrument used to determine directions; a freely floating magnetized needle that points to magnetic North.
Current- a large flow of air or a large body of water moving in a certain direction.
Equator- the imaginary line of latitude circling the middle of the Earth, which is equidistant from the North and South Poles. The equator marks 0 degrees latitude.
Helm- the wheel, tiller, or steering apparatus of a ship
Horizon- the line where the sky and the land or water appear to meet.
Hydrography- the science of the measurement, description, and mapping of the surface water of the earth for use in navigation.
Landmark- an easily visible land feature that serves as a guide.
Latitude- imaginary lines running east and west on a globe used to measure distances north and south of the equator.
Longitude- imaginary lines on a globe running north and south through the North and South poles, used to measure distances east and west of the Prime Meridian.
Meridian- another name for lines of longitude; the Prime Meridian is the line of longitude that runs through Greenwich, England, and is designated as 0 degrees longitude.
Navigate- to guide a ship or vessel across a sea or body of water.
Quadrant- an instrument used in navigation and astronomy for measuring the angle of celestial bodies above the horizon.
