Astrodome

The astrodome was a technological marvel for its time. Not until the eve of World War II were manufacturers able to shape Plexiglas, a rugged transparent plastic, into a dome shape. The black disc at the top is a hanging point for a sextant, so navigators would not have to hold the heavy military models.

Caption:
An astrodome provided an enclosed area from which a navigator could take sightings.
Type: Artifact
Image Date: 2012
Credit: National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution.
Origin: National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution.
Creator: Eric Long
NASM2012-02193
Innovations
Navigation Methods
 

nasm2012-02193.jpg

An astrodome provided an enclosed area from which a navigator could take sightings.