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Ballestilla. 16th century
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Ballestilla. 16th century
Ballestilla (Jacob's staff). Navigational instrument used to calculate the height of the sun and other celestial bodies over the horizon for use in nautical navigation. 16th century. Maria Pita House Museum. Corunna, Galicia, Spain
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Media ID 32259052
© Thaliastock / Mary Evans
Astronomy Coruna Corunna Galicia Instrument Jacobs Latitude Maria Measurement Measuring Nautical Navigation Pita Staff Cross Staff
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This 16th century photograph depicts the Ballestilla, also known as the Jacob's staff or Ballestina, an intriguing navigational instrument housed at the Maria Pita House Museum in Corunna, Galicia, Spain. The Ballestilla was a vital tool for seafarers during the Age of Discovery, enabling them to calculate the height of the sun and other celestial bodies above the horizon for determining latitude and navigational positioning at sea. Crafted from wood, this exquisite object features a cross staff with graduated scales, allowing mariners to take precise measurements. The Ballestilla's historical significance lies in its role as a precursor to more advanced astronomical instruments, such as the sextant, which revolutionized navigation in the centuries that followed. The interior of the museum showcases this remarkable artifact, preserving it for future generations to appreciate the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the seafaring communities of the past. The Ballestilla is a testament to the rich maritime history of Spain, particularly in the region of Galicia, which was a hub for exploration and trade during the 16th century. This photograph offers a glimpse into the past, transporting us back to a time when navigators relied on their wits, their knowledge of the stars, and their trusty instruments to traverse the vast oceans and expand the horizons of human exploration.
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