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You are here: Home / Science / Why Was Astronomy So Important In Copernicus’s Time and Why Did Ships Use Astronomical Tables For Navigation?

Why Was Astronomy So Important In Copernicus’s Time and Why Did Ships Use Astronomical Tables For Navigation?

March 11, 2020 by Karen Hill

In the early 1400s, a new number system was introduced into Europe from Arabia.

The old Greek and Roman systems made calculations very difficult.

Using the new Arabic numerals, only 10 different digits were needed to express any number.

People at that time still depended on celestial movements to determine medical treatment and to predict the future. Measurements of these movements were now much easier.

At the same time, sea travel was becoming much more important for commerce and exploration.

Ships were getting larger and traveling farther away from home, sometimes across the vast Atlantic Ocean. The science of navigation was vital to the success of these voyages, and the ships relied on astronomical tables to guide them.

Astronomical discoveries were also helping the powerful churches create more accurate calendars so that holy days could be celebrated properly.

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  • Who Was Nicolaus Copernicus and What Was Copernicus' Most Influential Contribution To Astronomy?
  • What Is Astronomy, What Does Astronomy Mean In Greek, and Why Is the Study of Astronomy Important To Us?
  • What Did Nicolaus Copernicus Do With His Findings and Why Was Copernicus Reluctant To Publish His Book?
  • Why Are the Windows of Old Wooden Ships Square and Why Are the Windows of Modern Steel Hulled Ships Round?
  • What Is an Astronomical Unit and How Is the Astronomical Unit Used To Measure Distances In Space?

Filed Under: Science

About Karen Hill

Karen Hill is a freelance writer, editor, and columnist. Born in New York, her work has appeared in the Examiner, Yahoo News, Buzzfeed, among others.

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