The Celestial Navigator: Exploring the Universe and Unraveling the Stars with Dava Sobel

Longitude book summary Longitude is a historical non-fiction book
written by Dava Sobel. The book narrates the tale of John Harrison,
an 18th-century English clockmaker who invented the marine
chronometer, a device that solved the problem of measuring
longitude at sea. The book begins by examining the problem of
determining longitude at sea and the devastating consequences of
its absence. Navigation, particularly on long sea voyages, depended
on accurately knowing the ship's position in both latitude and
longitude. While latitude could be measured relatively easily using
the position of celestial bodies, longitude was much more
challenging. John Harrison, a self-taught clockmaker, became
obsessed with this problem and believed that accurate timekeeping
was the key to solving it. He dedicated his life to building the
perfect timepiece that could keep accurate time at sea. Harrison
faced various obstacles, including skepticism from the scientific
community and the established navigation methods of the time, which
relied on celestial observations and complex calculations. The book
details Harrison's numerous attempts to build a reliable marine
chronometer. He developed innovative designs and mechanisms,
including using a balance wheel instead of a pendulum, which was
more suitable for shipboard use. These chronometers were put
through rigorous tests, including long sea voyages, and their
performance was compared to astronomical observations taken at the
same time. Harrison faced challenges from rival scientists and the
Board of Longitude, a government body established to solve the
longitude problem. However, with the support of influential figures
such as King George III, Harrison's work eventually gained
recognition and he was awarded financial grants for his
achievements. The book illustrates the significant impact of
Harrison's invention on navigation and its subsequent influence on
global exploration and trade. The marine chronometer revolutionized
navigation, allowing sailors to accurately determine their
longitude and greatly reducing the risks of getting lost at sea.
Longitude recounts the story of a determined and brilliant man who
overcame numerous obstacles to solve a fundamental problem of his
time. Sobel's book not only sheds light on the scientific and
technological aspects of Harrison's achievement but also highlights
the politics and personalities involved in the quest for
determining longitude. Quotes of Longitude book "Anyone lacking a
watch can always be certain of the time by consulting a church
clock, or he might ask an acquaintance to write down the precise
time according to the clock in his or her bedroom. This procedure
is highly impractical for those at sea who do not have access to a
fixed clock of any kind, let alone a wealthy fashionista's
clock-room." "To know the precise position in which the ship was at
any given moment, it was necessary to have the precise GMT time.
But the only way to determine GMT at sea was with an accurate
timekeeper that would not be affected by the motion of the ship,
temperature changes, or extreme weather conditions." "John
Harrison's pursuit of a solution to the longitude problem was
nothing short of persistent and obsessive. He was driven by an
unyielding determination to create a timekeeper that would not only
keep time accurately at sea but also withstand the harsh conditions
of the open ocean." "The Board of Longitude, established by the
British government, offered a substantial reward for anyone who
could devise a practical solution to the longitude problem. This
competition fueled a race among inventors and astronomers to find a
way to accurately determine longitude." "Longitude is a story of
human triumph, of one man's indomitable spirit and unwavering
belief in his own ability. It is a testament to the power of
science and innovation to overcome seemingly insurmountable
challenges." "Harrison's marine chronometers revolutionized
navigation and had a profound impact on the world. They enabled
sailors to accurately determine their position at sea, dramatically
reducing the risks of shipwrecks and improving trade and
exploration." "Longitude is not just about a scientific problem; it
is also about the people behind the discovery. Harrison's struggle
against bureaucracy and prejudice, and his ultimate success, is a
testament to the power of human perseverance and ingenuity." "The
story of longitude is a reminder that scientific advancements often
come from ordinary individuals, driven by a passion for knowledge
and a desire to make the world a better place." "The quest for
longitude was a race against time, with ships and lives at stake.
John Harrison's dedication and ingenuity allowed him to triumph
over the challenge and change the world of navigation forever."
"Longitude is a captivating tale that brings to life the brilliant
mind and relentless pursuit of John Harrison, and sheds light on a
remarkable period in the history of science and exploration." Books
like Longitude book "Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who
Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time" by Dava Sobel -
This is the book from which the movie "Longitude" was adapted. It
provides a detailed and engaging account of John Harrison's
invention of the marine chronometer, which revolutionized
navigation. "The Mapmaker's Wife: A True Tale of Love, Murder, and
Survival in the Amazon" by Robert Whitaker - This non-fiction book
explores the life and efforts of French explorer Charles Marie de
La Condamine, who was tasked with measuring the Earth's
circumference in the Amazon jungle in the 18th century. "Galileo's
Daughter: A Historical Memoir of Science, Faith, and Love" by Dava
Sobel - While not directly related to longitude, this book delves
into the life and work of Galileo Galilei, a groundbreaking
scientist who faced opposition from the church due to his
discoveries. It presents a fascinating story of the intersection of
science, religion, and personal relationships. "The Clockwork
Universe: Isaac Newton, the Royal Society, and the Birth of the
Modern World" by Edward Dolnick - This book explores the scientific
revolution in the 17th century and the role of the Royal Society in
promoting and advancing scientific knowledge. It discusses various
scientific advancements during that time, including the development
of accurate timekeeping tools. "The Invention of Nature: Alexander
von Humboldt's New World" by Andrea Wulf - This biography focuses
on the life and achievements of Alexander von Humboldt, a polymath
and naturalist in the early 19th century. He was known for his
extensive travels and research, which contributed to our
understanding of nature and the interconnectedness of the world.
"Longitude by Wire: Finding North America" by Richard Stachurski -
This book explores the history and development of telegraphy in
North America and its implications for navigation and time
measurement. It delves into how the telegraph system contributed to
the determination of longitudinal coordinates across the
continent.


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