Which navigational outcome was averted during the Age of Sail by measuring lunar distances?

💡 Explanation

When chronometers were unavailable, measuring lunar distances allowed calculation of Greenwich Mean Time based on the moon's position relative to stars, using triangulation because the precise measurements are linked with the movement of that moon across the sky relative to other celestial objects. Therefore, this reduces significant longitudinal positioning error, rather than issues compass, piracy, or latitude which require other instruments.

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• Which increased risk accompanied adoption of copper sheathing below waterline on 18th-century warships?
• Which optical device implemented geometric principles to determine altitude angles during the Islamic Golden Age?
• Which astronomical calculation was improved by the geared mechanism in medieval Islamic astrolabes?
• Which mechanism caused frequent cracking in the cast iron components of early steam locomotives during the 19th century?