backstaff

Noun

Meaning

An instrument formerly used for taking the altitude of the heavenly bodies, but now superseded by the quadrant and sextant; -- so called because the observer turned his back to the body observed.

Source: Webster's dictionary

Synonyms

quadrant compass protractor telescope sextant astrolabe goniometer theodolite inclinometer clinometer altazimuth gyrocompass octant magnetic compass cross-staff
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Examples

Advantages Like the Davis quadrant (also called backstaff), the sextant allows celestial objects to be measured relative to the horizon, rather than relative to the instrument. Source: Internet

However, unlike the backstaff, the sextant allows direct observations of stars. Source: Internet

This permits the use of the sextant at night when a backstaff is difficult to use. Source: Internet

Close letter words and terms

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