Which statement describes how the use of the astrolabe benefited European society during the 1500s and 1600s? Question 1 options: A. European farmers were able to greatly improve cotton production. B. European scientists were able to prove the heliocentric model of the universe. C. European sailors were able to accurately navigate far greater distances. D. European printers were able to produce books more quickly and efficiently.

The correct answer would be C.

In the 15th and 16th centuries, an increased number of vogages occurred all around the globe, to longer distances each time. This allowed the western civilization to stablish contact with the rest of Africa, America and Oceania.

The ability to travel further distances came because 2 things: the development of better ships, such as the galleon, and the advancements in navigation technology, which allowed the ship to reach it's destination even in months-long journeys across the ocean. The astrolable was one of such technological advances, allowing the sailors to identify the position of a celestial body in the sky, and triangulate the position of the ship from that information.