1. DEFINE WHAT IS SEXTANT?

The sextant is an instrument used for measuring altitudes. It is essentially a device used
to measure the angle between two objects with a great deal of precision. It derives its name
from the fact that the arc of the sextant is one sixth of a circle. It works on the optical principle
that if a ray of light is reflected twice then the angle between the first incidence ray and last
reflected ray is twice the angle between the mirrors, provided the incidence ray, reflected ray
and normal are in the same plane.

2. EXPLAIN THE PRINCIPLE OF A SEXTANT?

The principle of a sextant is when the ray of light is reflected from two mirrors in
succession in the same plane, Then the angle between the incident and reflected ray is two
times the angle between the mirrors.
It adheres to the principle of double reflection hence it can measure angles up to 120
degrees. Practically speaking, the arc of the sextant is a little over 60 degrees and therefore the
total angle measurable is about 130 degrees.

3. EXPLAIN THE DIFFERENT PARTS OF A SEXTANT.

 Frame (A)
The frame is of rigid metal construction and incorporates three legs upon which the
sextant rests when in the horizontal position. The upper side of the frame is referred to as
the plane of the Instrument.

 Handle (J)
The handle is fitted with a button switch and contains the battery, which supplies power
to the electric light on the Index Arm.

 Telescope or Prismatic Monocle (G)

The telescope or Monocle is used to enlarge the observed object and to make accurate
observation easier. Higher magnification is desirable when observing vertical sextant angles
of distant shore objects such as a lighthouse and to obtain a clearer view of the sun’s lower
limb when taking sights.

 Arc (B)
The Arc is constructed of a thin strip of metal which has a low co-efficient of expansion.
It is “let in” flush with the frame of the sextant and is graduated from 0°-125° ‘On’ the Arc
and from 0°- 5° ‘off’ the arc.
 Index Arm (C)
Mounted on a circular base plate, the Index Arm is free to rotate on a central axis
beneath the Index Mirror. The arrow or zero of the Index Arm is known as the Index Mark.

 Clamp
By exerting finger pressure, the clamp disengages or unclamps the Index Arm from the
gearing cut into the lower limb of the sextant. The Index Arm can then be moved to the
required angle. On releasing pressure, the Index Arm is automatically clamped in position.

 Worm and Rack

The worm is an endless tangent screw, which engages with the Rack or gearing which is
cut into lower limb of the sextant. Exerting pressure on the quick release Camp disengages
the Worm from the Rack and allows the Index Arm to move freely.

 Micrometer Drum (D)

Whereas whole degrees are read directly from the arc, minutes are read off the
Micrometer Drum which screws the Worm along the Rack and permits fine adjustment of an
observed angle or altitude.

 Micrometer Vernier
The micrometer Vernier has either 5 or 6 graduations, which correspond to 0.2′ to 10′′
of arcs respectively. Minutes of arc are read off the Micrometer Drum opposite the Vernier
Index Mark. Seconds, or decimal places of minutes of arc, are read where one vernier
graduation lines up perfectly with (any) one of the minute graduations on the Micrometer
Drum.

 Electrical Light
The Light Bulb is contained in an open-ended rectangular tube so arranged that the light
illuminates the Arc, Micrometer Drum and Micrometer Vernier. It is operated from the
handle and is particularly useful when taking star sights at twilight.

 Index Mirror (E)

The Index Mirror reflects the observed object into the Horizon Mirror. It is rectangular in
shape and set in a frame attached to the movable Index Arm. When properly adjusted, the
Index Mirror should be perpendicular to the Plane of the Instrument.

 Index Mirror Clips

These are spring clips, which hold the Index Mirror in its frame.

 Index Mirror (First) Adjustment Screw

An Adjustment screw situated on the centerline of the Index Mirror. By turning the
screw, the Index Mirror is pushed against its spring clips and adjusted to the perpendicular
position.
 Index Mirror Shades (H)
Made of high quality optical glass, Index Mirror Shades are neutral or colored light
filters, used as necessary, to reduce the intensity of the sun’s reflected image and to protect
the eyes. Four index shades are normally fitted.

 Horizon Mirror (F)

The Horizon Mirror receives the reflected image from the Index Mirror and reflects it
back to the observer through the Telescope. It is a semi-circular mirror held in circular
frame. As the Horizon Mirror occupies only half the space enclosed by its frame, the
observer is able to see both the reflected image and the horizon at the same time. When
properly adjusted, the Horizon Mirror should be perpendicular to the Plane of the
Instrument and parallel to the Index Mirror when the Index Arm is set at Zero.
Designs vary and the Horizon Mirror may consist of either (a) a half silvered rectangular
glass, (b) a half silvered circular glass, or (c) a semicircular mirror only.

 Horizon Mirror Clips

Spring clips which hold the Horizon Mirror in its frame.

 Horizon Mirror (Second) Adjustment Screw

This Adjustment screw is located on the centerline of the Horizon Mirror. It may be at
the top or bottom (depending on mirror design) and is used to adjust the horizon Mirror to
the perpendicular position.

 Horizon Mirror (Third) Adjustment Screw

This adjustment screw is located on the edge of the mirror and is used to adjust the
Horizon Mirror parallel to the Index Mirror when the Index Arm is set at zero.

 Horizon Mirror Shades (I)

These shades are used to reduce the intensity of a brightly lit horizon and are similar to
the Index Mirror shades. Two or three Horizon Mirror shades are normally fitted.

 Sextant Accessories
o Sextant Spanner
o Sextant Screw Driver or Ball Headed Adjustment Pin
o Sextant Oil in small bottle.
o Spare Telescope (if carried)
o Soft cloth or chamois leather

 Handling of Sextant: Housing

To house the sextant the Index Arm is set at the middle of the Arc and all shades are
turned towards the center of the instrument. Transfer the sextant to the left hand, open the
 sextant handle toggle and gently place the instrument in the box. Lock the toggle over the
handle and make a final check to ensure the sextant is correctly positioned in its case.
Gently lower the lid. Now secure the patent fasteners and place the sextant case on a safe
shelf fitted with heavy weather “fiddles”.

4. EXPLAIN THE TYPES OF SEXTANT ERRORS AND CORRECTIONS.

 Error!
A wide field of view is important when trying to locate stars which, because of their
apparent size, are not easily found. The Telescope is attached to the Frame by an adjustable
slide or Rising piece, which allows it to be adjusted relative to the frame. This adjustment
alters the area of the Horizon Mirror viewed through the Telescope and hence alters the
brilliance of the reflected image.

A sextant may have the following Adjustable and Non-Adjustable Errors:

o Perpendicularity Error
The Index Mirror must be Perpendicular to the Plane of the Instrument – if not,
Perpendicularity Error is Present.
To check a sextant for Perpendicularity Error:

o Side Error
The Horizon Mirror must be perpendicular to the plane of the instrument- if not,
Side Error is present.

Checking a Sextant for Side Errors (Horizon Method).

i. Set the Index Arm and Micrometer exactly to zero.
ii. Hold the sextant horizontally and look through the Horizon Mirror at the
horizon.
iii. If the True and Reflected images of the Horizon appear IN a Straight Line –Side
Error is NOT present.
iv. If the True and Reflected Horizons are NOT in a Straight Line, Side Error IS
present and should be removed.
v. To remove Side Error, make the 2nd Adjustment.

2nd Adjustment (To remove Side Error) Horizon Method

With the telescope removed and shades away from the mirror,

i. Identify the 2nd Adjustment Screw. N.B.-There are two adjustment screws on
the Horizon Mirror.
ii. Take the Adjustment Pin from the Sextant Case.
iii. Insert the pin in the 2nd Adjustment Screw.
iv. Hold the sextant in the horizontal position and look through the Horizon Mirror
at the horizon.
 v. Using only gentle pressure, turn the adjustment screw until the true and
Reflected Horizons appear in a straight line.
vi. Carefully remove the adjustment pin (so as not to alter the adjustment screw
setting) and replace in the sextant case.

The sextant is now free of side Error

o Index Error (I. E.)

The Index Mirror must be parallel to the Horizon Mirror when the Index Arm is
at Zero-if not, Index Error is present.

Checking a sextant for Index Error-Horizon and Star Methods.

The procedure is summarized as follows:

i. Set the Index Arm and Micrometer Exactly at zero.
ii. Hold the sextant in the vertical position and look at the Horizon (or a 1st
Magnitude Star).
iii. If the true and reflected images of the Horizon (or Star) appear in a straight line
(side by side coincident)-Index Error is NOT present.
iv. If the True and Reflected images are NOT in a straight line (not side by side or
coincident)-Index Error IS present and should be removed.
v. To remove Index Error make the 3rd Adjustment.

3rd Adjustment (To remove Index Error)

i. Set the Index Arm and Micrometer PRECISELY at zero.

ii. Identify the 3rd Adjustment Screw on the Horizon Glass.
iii. Take the Adjustment Pin from the case and insert in the 3rd adjustment screw.
iv. Hold the sextant in the vertical position.
v. Look directly at the Horizon (or Star).
vi. Adjust the Horizon Mirror until the true and reflected images are in straight line
(side by side).
vii. Carefully remove the adjustment pin and place in the sextant case. The sextant
is now free of Index Error.

 Interaction (between the Two Adjustment Screws on the Horizon Mirror)

There is interaction between the two screws on the Horizon Mirror. When adjusting for
Side Error it is possible to introduce Index Error and vice versa. For this reason, it is
necessary to repeat the procedure for Side Error and Index Error, and repeat again as
necessary, until no further errors can be detected.

 Order of Making Corrections

 The first three errors MUST be corrected in the order stated. Correcting the sextant for
Perpendicularity Error is referred to as making the 1st Adjustment, correcting for Side Error
as making the 2nd adjustment and correcting for Index Error as making the 3rd Adjustment.

o Manufacturer’s Sextant Certificate

Some non-adjustable (residual) errors are found in even the finest sextants.
Such errors are tabulated as corrections on the Manufacturer’s Certificate which is
attached to the inside lid of the sextant case.

o Admiralty Test Certificate

For an additional fee, the Admiralty compass observatory will test a sextant and
issue an Admiralty Test Certificate. Class A certificates indicate that residual errors
do not exceed 0.8′ (48′′) on any part of the arc.

o Applying Residual Errors

On the Certificate, the signs of residual errors are reversed so that they can be
applied as corrections.

o Adjustment Screws
When correcting a sextant, it is necessary to use the sextant adjustment screws.
The design of these screws varies. Some are fitted with conventional screws driver
slots and dust covers. Others have round heads through which a small hole has been
drilled. A thin stiff wire (the Adjustment Pin) is used to turn this type of adjustment
screw.
To make an adjustment, the screwdriver or adjustment pin is inserted in the
adjustment screw and gently turned clockwise or anti-clockwise to achieve the
required result. To prevent mirror breakage, a delicate movement is advised.