Flottörnål

Flottörnål is a type of pinion gear used in navigation and nautical contexts. It is a specialized tool designed to help sailors and navigators determine their position and course. The flottörnål consists of a rotating wheel with a series of marked lines that allow users to measure the angle between a star or other celestial body and a reference point on the horizon.

The flottörnål was traditionally used in conjunction with an astrolabe or other navigational instruments to aid in celestial navigation. By measuring the angle of a star and its position in the sky, users could determine their latitude and longitude. This information was critical for navigation, as it allowed sailors to determine their position and plan their courses.

The design of the flottörnål has undergone slight variations over time, but the basic principle has remained the same. Many antique maritime instruments feature the flottörnål, and it remains a recognized tool in the history of navigation. Despite the advent of modern electronic navigation aids, the flottörnål remains a valuable collector's item and a testament to the ingenuity of early navigators.

The flottörnål is often accompanied by other navigational tools, such as a sextant or a quadrant, which help to measure angular distances and positions of celestial bodies. The flottörnål is a piece of navigational history and is still studied by collectors and historians of navigation.