What invention helped sailors in the 1400s to venture farther from home?

The invention of the astrolabe in the 1400s significantly aided sailors in navigating the open seas. This device allowed them to determine their latitude by measuring the angle of celestial bodies above the horizon, improving their ability to chart courses and travel farther from home. Coupled with advancements in ship design, such as the caravel, these tools enabled more ambitious explorations during the Age of Discovery.