Quadrant

Object Name: Quadrant

Object ID: 41.25

Date: 1964

Description: This quadrant, often referred to as an astrolabe, is made from birch wood with a scale around the curved edge marking 0 to 90 degrees in 5 degree intervals. It helps calculate longitude and latitude for navigational purposes, especially on sailing vessels. A replica of this quadrant is still on Mayflower II today for educational purposes, although they no longer use it for navigating. Click through the images to see the quadrant in use aboard Mayflower II.