A Waymark Called Hvitsark
Sunday, November 21, 2010 - 01:50
in Astronomy & Space
A Waymark Called Hvitsark The Vikings did not use charts and instruments to navigate the open seas. Having developed skills in coastal navigation they extended those skills to pelagic navigation, or 'island-hopping'. Using the sun as a reference to determine where south lies, the Vikings could sail a reasonably accurate course. If the wind was steady, the wind itself could be used as an aid to direction if the sun was hidden by heavy cloud. It was only when wind and sun both failed the navigator that he was likely to miss his mark. A Viking ship sailing on a beam reach.Screenshot from The Vikings, 1958. read more