How did a sextant help navigators in the Exploration Ages?

A sextant was a crucial tool for navigators during the Age of Exploration, allowing them to measure the angle between celestial bodies and the horizon. By determining these angles, sailors could calculate their latitude and, with additional tools, their longitude. This capability significantly improved their ability to navigate open waters, leading to more accurate mapping of the world's oceans and Coastlines. Ultimately, the sextant contributed to safer and more efficient sea voyages, facilitating exploration and trade.