Discover the fascinating story behind one of the most important changes to nautical navigation in this nonfiction book for young readers. More than 300 years ago, explorers wandered the seas at the mercy of starless nights and stormy weather. They followed the shoreline, navigating by recognizable landmarks and the stars, but often became lost or wrecked on the rocky coast. What they needed to know in order to navigate safely was the longitude of their location, but for that they needed accurate timekeeping. Unfortunately, no accurate source of time measurement at sea existed.
In 1714, the British government decided to offer a reward to anyone who could solve the problem. The elite and educated tried unsuccessfully to work out a solution and declared it unsolvable! Carpenter and clockmaker John Harrison was intrigued. He worked for years to design a clock that functioned accurately at sea, even though no one believed he would succeed. Even after his timepiece consistently proved to be accurate over several sea crossings, he was still not acknowledged for his ingenious solution. It took many years and royal intervention to grant Harrison the recognition and reward he deserved. A detailed map of the world in the 1700s and a timeline of Harrison’s work on the longitude problem are included in this triumphant tale of ingenuity and innovation.
About the Author
Joan Marie Galat is an award-winning author who creates books that give young readers entrée into the realms of celestial science and myth. First published at the age of thirteen, Galat is a frequent presenter, both in person and via Skype. She is the author of the best-selling Dot to Dot in the Sky Series for young children. Galat also provides freelance writing and training from her home near Spruce Grove, Alberta, Canada.
About the Illustrator
Wes Lowe has illustrated numerous award-winning books and is known for his aviation and marine paintings. He began his career in commercial art as a package designer but soon turned to book illustration. Lowe is a member of the American Society of Aviation Artists and the Canadian Aviation Artists Association and calls Roberts Creek, British Columbia, Canada, home.
THE DISCOVERY OF LONGITUDE
By Joan Marie Galat
Illustrated by Wes Lowe
JUVENILE NONFICTION / Science & Nature / Discoveries
JUVENILE NONFICTION / Science & Nature / Earth Sciences / Geography
32 pp. 8 1/2 x 11
31 illus.
ISBN: 9781455616374