Science Common Sense
700 - How do ships navigate through the ocean?
Ships navigate through the ocean using a combination of tools and techniques. Here are some of the main ways they do it:
- GPS (Global Positioning System): This is like having a super-accurate map on your phone. GPS helps ships know exactly where they are and where they're going.
- Radar: This is like having eyes in the dark. Radar uses radio waves to detect other ships, rocks, and land, even in bad weather.
- Charts and Maps: These are like paper versions of GPS. They show the layout of the ocean, including where rocks and land are.
- Compass: This is an old-fashioned tool that points towards the North Pole. It helps ships know which direction they're going.
- Lighthouses and Beacons: These are like big signs on the shore that help guide ships into ports.
Ships also have people called navigators who use all these tools together to help the ship stay on course. They're like the ship's own personal GPS system.