Question

1. set up the sextant hold with index arm at zero sight horizon
2. measure altitude for sun bring image to horizon lock index arm
3. correct for refraction/parallax use tables
4. calculate latitude use formula

explain why does nasa train astronauts to use a sextant during space missions? check your answer.
consider this! do you think it is harder to navigate at sea or on land? record your thoughts in your science notebook.

Explanation:

A sextant is a reliable navigation tool. In space, technology like GPS can fail. A sextant uses celestial bodies (e.g., the sun) to measure angles. By knowing the position of celestial objects and using formulas (like calculating latitude from altitude), astronauts can determine their position. It doesn't rely on electronic systems that might malfunction.

Answer:

NASA trains astronauts to use a sextant because it is a non - electronic, reliable navigation method. In space, electronic navigation systems (like GPS - equivalent in space) can fail. A sextant measures the altitude of celestial bodies (such as the sun). Using astronomical data (tables) and geometric principles (formulas), astronauts can calculate their position (e.g., latitude - like position in space reference frames). It provides a backup navigation method that doesn't depend on potentially faulty electronic equipment.