What century was the sextant invented?

The sextant was invented in the 18th century, with its development attributed primarily to the work of John Hadley and Thomas Godfrey in the 1730s. This navigational instrument allowed sailors to measure the angle between celestial bodies and the horizon, significantly improving maritime navigation. The sextant evolved from earlier instruments like the quadrant and astrolabe, and it became an essential tool for navigation at sea.