longitude problem

Latitude was easier to find than longitude. This topic is part of Navigation within History. This page currently draws on 4 supporting questions, with answers and bonus facts available below.

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longitude problem trivia questions

The historic longitude problem concerned determining what at sea?

Answer: East-west position

Bonus fact: Latitude was easier to find than longitude.

Accurate longitude at sea requires comparing local time with what?

Answer: Reference time

Bonus fact: Earth rotates 15 degrees per hour.

Which English clockmaker solved much of the longitude problem with accurate marine chronometers?

Answer: John Harrison

Bonus fact: Harrison's clocks kept reliable time at sea.

Which English clockmaker developed a successful marine chronometer in the 18th century?

Answer: John Harrison

Bonus fact: Harrison's timekeepers helped solve the longitude problem.

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