Richard E. Byrd Using a Sextant, circa 1927
Add to SetSummary
During his polar expeditions, Richard E. Byrd relied on navigational instruments not much changed in 200 years. Byrd's sextant measured the angle between an astronomical object -- the Sun or a star -- and the horizon. Based on the time of day it was measured, this angle was used to determine Byrd's position on a navigational chart.
During his polar expeditions, Richard E. Byrd relied on navigational instruments not much changed in 200 years. Byrd's sextant measured the angle between an astronomical object -- the Sun or a star -- and the horizon. Based on the time of day it was measured, this angle was used to determine Byrd's position on a navigational chart.
Artifact
Photographic print
Date Made
circa 1927
Subject Date
circa 1927
Keywords
Collection Title
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
2001.0.107.7
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Paper (Fiber product)
Technique
Gelatin silver process
Color
Black-and-white (Colors)
Dimensions
Height: 6.063 in
Width: 8 in
Inscriptions
attached piece of paper at bottom in part: BYRD SCANS THE SKIES. ...SHOWN WITH A SEXTANT THAT HE USED ON HIS FLIGHT IN THE ARCTIC, AND WHICH HE WILL USE ON HIS ATTEMPTED FLIGHT FROM NEW YORK TO PARIS.. etc. ink stamp on back: ...HERBERT PHOTOS, Inc. N.Y. NEWS FEATURES... NOT FOR SYNDICATION ... other ink stamp on back: 1927
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