Why using compass is better than starts for sailors to identify the directions?
Answers
Star directions may be obtructed by foggy weather and many other environmental or human activities like smoke, smog etc.
In the earlier days, before the magnetic compasses were invented, the sailors decided the direction to steer their boats based on the position of the stars in the sky.
For instance, they determined the North direction based on the position of the North Star, and the east and West directions were determined by the rising and setting of the Sun.
However, determination of the direction based on the position of the stars is not accurate since they are not clearly visible during the day or in the case of cloudy weather conditions.
Also, foggy conditions, a heavy tree cover or stormy weather can hamper the detection of stars.
Furthermore, the magnetic compasses are more accurate and can be used in any weather and at any time of the day.