GPS ancestor Crossword Clue

HomePublisherNewsday.com18 November 2017
Let us solve our today's Newsday.com puzzle together!
Based on our data we have the best answer for today's crossword clue "GPS ancestor".

Best Answer:
SEXTANT

Understanding Today's Crossword Puzzle

The clue "GPS ancestor" leads us to think about a device that navigates and determines location, which in the modern era is commonly associated with GPS technology. However, the answer to this clue, "SEXTANT," may seem unexpected at first. A sextant is actually an ancient navigation instrument used for celestial navigation, dating back to the 18th century. Here's why "SEXTANT" fits perfectly with the clue:

  • Historical Navigation: The sextant predates modern GPS technology and was instrumental in determining a ship's position at sea by measuring the angle between celestial bodies and the horizon.
  • Precision Instrument: Just like a GPS device, a sextant required accuracy and precision in its use to pinpoint locations accurately during maritime voyages.
  • Principles of Navigation: While GPS relies on satellites to determine position, a sextant relied on observing the stars and the sun to calculate a position, demonstrating the evolutionary progress of navigation tools.
  • Advancements in Technology: The sextant served as a crucial advancement in navigation methods and paved the way for future innovations like GPS systems, showcasing the evolution of locating technology over time.

Thus, despite the seeming contrast between a "GPS ancestor" and a traditional navigation tool like a sextant, the historical significance and fundamental principles of the sextant make it a fitting answer to today's crossword clue.



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More Answers:

  • SEXTANT
  • ROADMAP

Definition of "SEXTANT"

an instrument with a graduated arc of 60° and a sighting mechanism, used for measuring the angular distances between objects and especially for taking altitudes in navigation and surveying.


 The Crossword clue "GPS ancestor" published 3 time/s & has 2 answer/s. 
CrosswordDateAnswer
Newsday.com18 November 2017SEXTANT
The A.V Club31 August 2011ROADMAP


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