Marine Sextants for Precise Celestial Navigation
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What Are Sextants and How Do They Work?
A sextant is an important tool for celestial navigation. It helps sailors find their latitude and longitude while at sea.
They are used to help us determine our location. They do this by measuring the angle between a celestial body, such as the sun or a star, and the horizon. They work well, even when modern electronic systems do not.
The arc of the sextant and its index arm provide accurate readings of angles. The nautical almanac helps turn these measurements into navigational coordinates.
Marine sextants are not just practical tools; they are symbols of maritime tradition. Their benefits include:
- Versatile Navigation: Use them with plotting sheets to chart a course or verify your location.
- Dependable Backup: Unlike electronic devices, they require no power source, making them ideal for offshore voyages.
- Precision Instruments: Strong materials like brass or aluminum make them last longer. Features like a finely-tuned index arm and adjustable optics provide accurate readings.
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