Q&A for How to Use a Sextant

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  • Question
    The intro states you can find longitude, but later only treats latitude What did I miss?
    Community Answer
    Longitude requires you to know both local solar time and GMT. Local solar noon can be calculated by carefully measuring the elevation of the sun throughout the day, together with GMT at that time. Local solar noon is when the sun is highest. Knowing GMT requires you have an accurate clock set to GMT. Each hour difference is 15 degrees of longitude, and each second is 15 seconds of longitude.
  • Question
    How do I make a sextant?
    Community Answer
    Try YouTube or Google for tutorials on how to do this.
  • Question
    What is the typical positional accuracy of a sextant?
    Community Answer
    A skilled operator with a high quality sextant can obtain a position fix accurate to less than 1 nautical mile. 1-5 nautical miles is more typical, depending on the skill of the operator and the quality of the instrument. If sightings are being taken at sea, the movement of the vessel can also influence the quality of the navigational fix.
  • Question
    What are the different parts of a sextant?
    Community Answer
    Small mirror regulation screw, frame, release levers, micrometer drum, Vernier scale, index plate, horizon glass, filter, telescope, telescope clamp, eyepiece, and the telescopic printing.
  • Question
    I am working with an artificial horizon. Do I need to add a dip correction for land elevation?
    Community Answer
    No you don't though you will need to divide your measurement by two and apply the previously mentioned corrections.
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