ReadingThe four basic instruments for navigation: Sinan, Inch Astrolabe, Sextant and nautical map
Sinan, the ancient Chinese compass
It was invented by Zhang Heng in the Han dynasty
It is made up of a bronze foundation ( 青铜地盘 ) and magnetic spoon( 磁勺 ) which is made of natural magnet, positioned right in the central of the foundation
It was invented by Zhang Heng in the Han dynasty
It is made up of a bronze foundation ( 青铜地盘 ) and magnetic spoon( 磁勺 ) which is made of natural magnet, positioned right in the central of the foundation
The handle of the spoon points to the south, while the other side points to the north
When the Sinan is in the still, the handle of the spoon points to the south because of influence of the terrestrial magnetism ( 地磁 )
It has 17 stars listed as well as a