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  1. Sextant - Wikipedia

    A sextant is a doubly reflecting navigation instrument that measures the angular distance between two visible objects. The primary use of a sextant is to measure the angle between an astronomical object …

  2. How Sextants Work: An Illustrated Guide – Casual Navigation

    A sextant is a navigational instrument that measures the angle between two objects. It uses a pair of mirrors to overlay one object over the other. The angle between the objects is proportional to the …

  3. Sextant | Navigation, Celestial Measurement & Astronomy | Britannica

    sextant, instrument for determining the angle between the horizon and a celestial body such as the Sun, the Moon, or a star, used in celestial navigation to determine latitude and longitude.

  4. A Comprehensive Guide to Marine Sextant

    Jan 29, 2024 · A sextant is a marine navigation instrument used to measure the angle between two objects. Learn everything about Sextants in this article.

  5. SEXTANT Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

    The meaning of SEXTANT is an instrument for measuring angular distances used especially in navigation to observe altitudes of celestial bodies (as in ascertaining latitude and longitude).

  6. 3 Ways to Use a Sextant - wikiHow

    Oct 8, 2025 · A sextant is an old navigational tool that measures elevation using angular distances. You can use a sextant to determine the altitude in the sky of the sun, moon, or other celestial bodies …

  7. What is a Sextant? - Davis Instruments

    A sextant is a valuable instrument used to determine the angle between the horizon and a celestial body like the Sun, Moon, or Star. It is used in celestial navigation to calculate latitude and longitude.

  8. What is Sextant, its types, principle and errors - MarineGyaan

    Apr 29, 2025 · Sextant is one of the oldest navigation instruments used by mariners, its called sextant because its arc is 1/6th of a circle i.e. 60° but it can measure angles upto 120° using double …

  9. What is a Sextant and How Does it Work? - Orbitshub

    A sextant is a navigation instrument used to measure the angles between celestial bodies and the horizon. It works by aligning the index mirror with the celestial body and reflecting its image onto the …

  10. How to use a sextant for celestial navigation - The Nautical Nomad

    What is a Sextant? A sextant is a handheld instrument used to measure the angle between two objects, such as a celestial body and the horizon. It was invented in the 18th century and has been used by …