What is a Nautical Sextant?
A nautical sextant is a specialized instrument used in marine navigation to measure the angle between the horizon and a celestial body, typically the sun, moon, or a star. This measurement is crucial for determining the latitude and longitude of a ship or aircraft.
A sextant consists of a graduated arc with a moving arm and two mirrors. One mirror is fixed to the frame of the instrument, while the other is attached to the moving arm. When using the sextant, the user aligns the horizon with the fixed mirror and the celestial body with the moving mirror.
The angle between the two mirrors is then read off the graduated arc. This angle can be converted to the true altitude of the celestial body using corrections for refraction and dip. The altitude of the celestial body, along with the time of observation, can then be used to calculate the latitude and longitude of the observer.
Related Questions and Answers:
- What is the primary purpose of a nautical sextant? To measure the angle between the horizon and a celestial body for navigation.
- How are the latitude and longitude of a ship or aircraft determined using a sextant? By measuring the altitude of a celestial body and using the known time of observation.
- What are the main components of a sextant? A graduated arc, a moving arm, and two mirrors.
- What corrections are applied to the measured angle before calculating the altitude of the celestial body? Refraction and dip.
- What is the benefit of using a sextant for navigation? It provides accurate latitude and longitude measurements without relying on electronic technology.
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