Marine Chronometer

A marine chronometer is a precise clock used at sea to determine longitude. It keeps accurate time regardless of the ship's motion or weather conditions. By knowing the exact time at a specific location (usually Greenwich Mean Time), sailors can compare it to their local time to calculate how far east or west they are. This skill was crucial for navigation before the advent of modern technologies like GPS, helping to prevent ships from getting lost at sea and ensuring safer voyages. Marine chronometers represent a significant advancement in maritime navigation.