octant (Meaning)
octant (n)
a measuring instrument for measuring angles to a celestial body; similar to a sextant but with 45 degree calibration
octant (n.)
The eighth part of a circle; an arc of 45 degrees.
The position or aspect of a heavenly body, as the moon or a planet, when half way between conjunction, or opposition, and quadrature, or distant from another body 45 degrees.
An instrument for measuring angles (generally called a quadrant), having an arc which measures up to 9O
One of the eight parts into which a space is divided by three coordinate planes.
Synonyms & Antonyms of octant
No Synonyms and anytonyms found
octant Sentence Examples
- The celestial sphere is divided into eight octants defined by the celestial poles, equator, and ecliptic.
- Each octant in the celestial sphere encompasses an arc of 90 degrees in longitude and 45 degrees in latitude.
- The first octant lies in the northeast quadrant and contains the constellation Ursa Major.
- Octants are used in navigation to measure angles between celestial bodies and the horizon.
- A marine octant is a precision instrument that allows mariners to determine their latitude.
- The octant revolutionized navigation by providing a more accurate method of determining longitude at sea.
- The reflecting octant was invented by John Hadley and Thomas Godfrey in the 18th century.
- Early octants were made of brass or wood and had scales engraved on their arcs.
- Modern octants are made of lightweight materials and use digital displays for greater accuracy.
- Octants remain an essential tool for celestial navigation in areas without modern electronic navigation aids.
FAQs About the word octant
a measuring instrument for measuring angles to a celestial body; similar to a sextant but with 45 degree calibrationThe eighth part of a circle; an arc of 45 de
No synonyms found.
No antonyms found.
The celestial sphere is divided into eight octants defined by the celestial poles, equator, and ecliptic.
Each octant in the celestial sphere encompasses an arc of 90 degrees in longitude and 45 degrees in latitude.
The first octant lies in the northeast quadrant and contains the constellation Ursa Major.
Octants are used in navigation to measure angles between celestial bodies and the horizon.
