The Scientific Revolution and the Age of Exploration are two synchronous episodes in the history of Europe that resulted from a growing sense of curiosity about the world that began during the Renaissance. Europeans were asking more questions about the nature of the world, which fueled their scientific and exploratory endeavors.

In many ways, the overseas exploration that occurred during this period was made possible by scientific advances. Innovations in sailing technology and navigation made long ocean voyages feasible. A better understanding of the stars and other celestial bodies allowed navigators to better use the night sky as a map to distant continents. In fact, a number of scientific pursuits—such as more accurate and durable timepieces—were commissioned in an effort to improve the technology available to explorers.