Marine Sextants

The Marine Sextant is an instrument for determining the angle between the horizon and a celestial body such as the sun, the moon, a star, or a planet and it is used in celestial navigation to determine the location of the observer.



How does a marine sextant operates?
The device consists of an arc of a circle, marked off in degrees, and a movable radial arm pivoted at the center of the circle. A telescope or sight, mounted rigidly to the framework, is lined up with the horizon. The radial arm, on which a mirror is mounted, is moved until the star is reflected into a half-silvered mirror in line with the telescope and appears, through the telescope, to coincide with the horizon.

Advantage of marine sextants
Marine sextant has the advantage that even though the ship rolls or the user have an unsteady hand, the images of the two objects that one is looking at stay in alignment. Marine sextants literally circumnavigate the glove. The finest quality of the marine sextants has been proven in many years of use by ocean-going yachtsmen and marine industry professionals. Its optical system is designed with the latest knowledge to assure the maximum performance The first choice to make is between plastic or metal construction. A professional marine sextant, offers full illumination on both the arc and the drum, large mirrors, and an inclined handle for a comfortable grip.

Popularity of marine sextants
These are extensively used by

• Professional fishermen
• Merchant marines
• Navy personnel
• Yachtsmen etc.