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. Sextants are ancient devices that are still used today to determine a ship's position at sea. They can be used when no landmarks are visible as they measure the distance from a sun or planet.

The sextant is a navigational instrument used to measure angles. In celestial navigation, it measures the angle between the horizon and a celestial body (the sun, moon, planets or stars), and in terrestrial … 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 … The primary use of a sextant is to measure the angle between an astronomical object and the horizon for the purposes of celestial navigation. The estimation of this angle, the altitude, is known as sighting or … A sextant is a handheld optical tool that helps you find your position at sea by measuring the angle between the horizon and a celestial body, usually the sun or a bright star.

The primary use of a sextant is to measure the angle between an astronomical object and the horizon for the purposes of celestial navigation. The estimation of this angle, the altitude, is known as sighting or … A sextant is a handheld optical tool that helps you find your position at sea by measuring the angle between the horizon and a celestial body, usually the sun or a bright star.