DUİ2001 HF 11-12 Sextant

Winslow Homer (1836–1910) Eight Bells
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SEXTANT
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M/T BEYLERBEYİ
KÖPRÜÜSTÜ
(TEMMUZ 2016)
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SEXTANT
• Learning Objectives
• Know the purpose, usage and care of a marine

sextant.
• Apply proper procedures to determine the
observed altitude (Ho) of a celestial body.
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History-Kamal
• Before leaving
homeport, the navigator
would tie a knot in the
cord so that, by holding
it in his teeth, he could
sight Polaris along the
top of the transom and
the horizon along the
bottom.
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History-Astrolabe
• It is a flat metal ring marked off
in degrees, with a rotating bar in
the center.
• It was used to measure the
altitude of stars, planets, and the
sun.
• From these measurements it was
possible to establish latitude.
• Astrolabes were used until the
1500s, when the cross-staff came
into use.
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Astrolabe
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History-Cross Staff
• Like an astrolabe, the cross
staff measured altitude, by
looking at the sun and
establishing latitude.
• Navigators preferred using a
cross staff because it was
much easier to use on a
rolling ship.
• Although it was easier to
use, it became very
unpopular after many
navigators became blind
from staring at the sun too
long. 8
History-Cross Staff
This drawing, from a Spanish
book on navigation published in
1552, shows how the cross-staff
was used to determine the
altitude of Polaris. If you’ve ever
heard the phrase "shooting the
stars," it comes from the practice
of holding a cross-staff up to the
user’s eye with one hand, with
the transom grasped in the other
hand so that the person looks like
an archer taking aim at the sun.
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History-Cross Staff
The major problem with the cross-staff was
that the observer had to look in two
directions at once - along the bottom of the
transom to the horizon and along the top of
the transom to the sun or the star. A neat
trick on a rolling deck!
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History-Octant
• 1/8 of a circle
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Takiyüddin'in Rasathanesi (Dar-ü'r Rasad-ül Cedid)
(1575-1580 Tophane sırtları)
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Takiyüddin'in Rasathanesi (Dar-ü'r Rasad-ül Cedid)
(1575-1580 Tophane sırtları)
Takîyüddîn, bu gözlemevinde
dokuz gözlem aleti yapmış ve
kullanmış:
• Zât el-Halâk (Halkalı Araç),
• Zât el-Şubeteyn (Cetvelli
Araç)
• Zât el-Sak- beteyn (İki Delikli
Araç)
• Duvar Kadranı
• Zât el- Semt ve'l-irtifâ (Azimut
Yarım Halkası)
• Rub-u Mıstara (Tahta Kadran)
• Müşebbehe bi'l-Monâtık
• Zât el-Evtar (Kirişli Araç)
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• Saatler
An early sextant 1759
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1770 Captain Cook’s Sextant
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SEXTANT
• The marine sextant measures the angle
between two points by bringing the direct ray
from one point and a double-reflected ray
from the other into coincidence.
• Its principal use is to measure the altitudes of
celestial bodies above the visible sea horizon.
• It may also be used to measure vertical angles
to find the range from an object of known height.
• Sometimes it is turned on its side and used for
measuring the angular distance between two
terrestrial objects.
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SEXTANT
• A marine sextant can measure angles up to

approximately 120°. Originally, the term “sextant”
was applied to the navigator’s double-reflecting,
altitude-measuring instrument only if its arc was
60° in length, or 1/6 of a circle, permitting
measurement of angles from 0° to 120°.
• In modern usage the term is applied to all
modern navigational altitude-measuring
instruments regardless of angular range or
principles of operation.
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How a Sextant works?
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When a plane surface reflects a light ray,
the angle of reflection equals the angle of SEXTANT
incidence. The angle between the first
and final directions of a ray of light that Optical principle
has undergone double reflection in the
same plane is twice the angle the two index mirror
reflecting surfaces make with each other.
ABE = EBC, and ABC = 2EBC.
BCF = FCD, and BCD = 2BCF.
An exterior angle of a triangle equals the sum
of he two non adjacent interior angles,
ABC = BDC+BCD, and EBC = BFC+BCF. horizon
Transposing,
BDC = ABC-BCD, and BFC = EBC-BCF.
Substituting 2EBC for ABC, and 2BCF for BCD in
the first of these equations,
BDC = 2EBC-2BCF, or BDC=2 (EBC-BCF).
horizon glass altitute
Since BFC=EBC - BCF, and BFC = BGC, therefore
BDC = 2BFC = 2BGC.
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SEXTANT-Parts
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Micrometer drum sextant.
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Micrometer drum sextant. The index mirror, is a piece of silvered
plate glass mounted on the index arm,
perpendicular to the plane of the
instrument, with the centre of the
reflecting surface directly over the
pivot of the index arm.
The index arm, is a movable bar of the

same material as the frame.
In most marine sextants,
brass or aluminium
comprise the frame
25
The index mirror and horizon glass are
mounted so that their surfaces are
parallel when the micrometer drum is
set at 0°, if the instrument is in perfect
adjustment.
Shade glasses or filters, of varying

darkness are mounted on the
sextant’s frame in front of the index
The horizon glass or mirror is a piece of mirror and horizon glass. They can be
optical glass silvered on its half nearer moved into the line of sight as needed
the frame. to reduce the intensity of light
reaching the eye.
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Each tooth marks one degree of altitude. The tangent screw, is mounted
perpendicularly on the end of the
index arm, where it engages the
teeth of the limb. Because the
observer can move the index arm
through the length of the arc by
rotating the tangent screw, this is
sometimes called an “endless
tangent screw.”
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The altitude graduations, The release or locking device,

along the limb, mark the arc. is a spring-actuated clamp that
keeps the tangent screw engaged
with the limb’s teeth. The
observer can disengage the
tangent screw and move the index
arm along the limb for rough
adjustment.
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Micrometer drum, graduated in

minutes of altitude. One complete
turn of the drum moves the index
arm one degree along the arc.
Vernier, reads in
fractions of a minute
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The telescope, screws into an
adjustable collar in line with the
horizon glass and parallel to the
plane of the instrument.
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Sextants are drum
Micrometer designed
sextant.
to be held in the right hand. Some have a
small light on the index arm to assist in reading altitudes. The
batteries for this light are fitted inside in the handle.
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How to use a sextant
To use the sextant;
Focus the telescope on the horizon.

Find the celestial body to be shot and aim the sextant at
it.
Bring the body down to horizon by moving arm along arc
and clamp the arm.
Using the micrometer head, make small adjustments and
swing.

When this procedure is achieved, make a note of the time
with the name of the body and its observed altitude.
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SEXTANT
• Sextant Sun Sights

• Hold the sextant vertically and direct the sight
line at the horizon directly below the Sun.
• After moving suitable shade glasses into the line
of sight, move the index arm outward along the
arc until the reflected image appears in the
horizon glass near the direct view of the horizon.
• Rock the sextant slightly to the right and left to
ensure it is perpendicular.
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SEXTANT
• The sextant is vertical when the Sun appears

at the bottom of the arc. This is the correct
position for making the observation.
• The Sun’s reflected image appears at the
centre of the horizon glass; one half appears
on the silvered part, and the other half
appears on the clear part.
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SEXTANT
• Move the index arm with the drum slowly

until the Sun appears to be resting exactly on
the horizon, tangent to the lower limb.
• At the instant the horizon is tangent to the
disk, the navigator notes the time. The sextant
altitude is the uncorrected reading of the
sextant.
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SEXTANT
• Star and Planet Sights

• Method 1. Set the index arm and micrometer
drum on 0° and direct the line of sight at the body
to be observed. Then, while keeping the reflected
image of the body in the mirrored half of the
horizon glass, swing the index arm out and rotate
the frame of the sextant down. Keep the reflected
image of the body in the mirror until the horizon
appears in the clear part of the horizon glass.
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SEXTANT
• Method 2. Direct the line of sight at the body

while holding the sextant upside down. Slowly
move the index arm out until the horizon
appears in the horizon glass. Then invert the
sextant and take the sight in the usual manner.
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SEXTANT
• Method 3. Determine in advance the

approximate altitude and azimuth of the body
by a star finder or from a table. Set the sextant
at the indicated altitude and face in the
direction of the azimuth. The image of the
body should appear in the horizon glass with a
little searching.
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SEXTANT
• Stars and planets have no visible upper or

lower limb; you must observe the centre of
the point of light.
• As with the Sun and Moon, however, “rock the
sextant” to establish perpendicularity.
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SEXTANT
• Unless you have a navigation calculator or

computer that will identify bodies automatically,
predict expected altitudes and azimuths for up to
eight bodies when preparing to take celestial sights.
• Choose the stars and planets that give the best
bearing spread. Try to select bodies with a
predicted altitude between 30° and 70°.
• Take sights of the brightest stars first in the evening;
take sights of the brightest stars last in the morning.
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SEXTANT
• The observer holds the watch in the palm of

his left hand, leaving his fingers free to
manipulate the tangent screw of the sextant.
After making the observation, he notes the
time as quickly as possible.
• The delay between completing the altitude
observation and noting the time should not be
more than one or two seconds.
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How to read a sextant
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Each tooth marks one degree of altitude.
The end of the tangent screw Vernier, that reads in fractions of a minute.
mounts a micrometer drum, The vernier shown is graduated into ten
graduated in minutes of parts, permitting readings to 1/10 of a
altitude. One complete turn of minute of arc (0.1'). Some sextants (generally
the drum moves the index arm of European manufacture) have venires'
one degree along the arc. graduated into only five parts, permitting
readings to 0.2'.
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SEXTANT
Micrometer drum sextant set at 29° 42.5’

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Always follow same procedure in reading
sextant (arc, drum, then vernier)
- when reading between 2
values, take lower one
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280 43.8’
READ THE SEXTANT
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160 43.2’
READ THE SEXTANT
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090 13.3’
READ THE SEXTANT
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380 55.8’
READ THE SEXTANT
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550 11.9’
READ THE SEXTANT
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280 29.4’
READ THE SEXTANT
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400 30.3’
READ THE SEXTANT
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Sextant errors
Sextant Errors
Non Adjustable Adjustable

errors errors
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Sextant errors
• Non Adjustable Sextant Errors:

• Prismatic error occurs when the faces of the
shade glasses and mirrors are not parallel. The
navigator can determine shade error in the shade
glasses near the index mirror by comparing an
angle measured when a shade glass is in the line
of sight with the same angle measured when the
glass is not in the line of sight.
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Sextant errors
• Graduation errors occur in the arc, micrometer
drum, and vernier of a sextant which is
improperly cut or incorrectly calibrated.
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SEXTANT
• Sextant errors:
• Centring error results if the index arm does
not pivot at the exact centre of the arc’s
curvature.
Center
Index
arm
Arc
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Sextant errors
• The manufacturer tables all of the non-
adjustable errors and issues the sextant with a
certificate usually secured inside the case of
sextant. The combination of all the above
errors is known as 'Instrument Error'.
• The navigator should apply the correction for
this error to each sextant reading.
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Sextant errors
• Adjustable Sextant Errors:

• The navigator should measure and remove the
following adjustable sextant errors in the
order listed:
• Perpendicularity error. ( 1st Adjusment)
• Side error (2nd Adjusment)
• Collimation error (Usually it is adjusted by the manufacturer)
• Index error (3rd Adjusment)
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Sextant errors
• Perpendicularity error. This is when the index mirror is
not perpendicular to the frame of the sextant. To test
for this, place the index arm at about 50⁰-60° on the
arc and hold the sextant horizontally with the arc away
from you at arms length and look into the index mirror.
• The arc of the sextant should appear to continue
unbroken into the mirror. If there is an error then the
two views will appear to be broken. Adjust the mirror
until the reflection and direct view of the arc appear to
be continuous.
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Perpendicularity error
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1
Error 2
This sextant has an error

of perpendicularity,
3 shown by the reflection
of the arc in the index
mirror. To cure for this is
to adjust the mirror until
the arc and its reflection
run into each other
No error without a step.
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Sextant errors
Adjustable Sextant Errors:
Side error occurs when the horizon
glass/mirror is not perpendicular to the plane
of the instrument. To test for this, first zero the
index arm then observe a star through the
sextant. Then rotate the tangent or side screw
(There are to screws, rotate the one which
changes the perpendicularity) back and forth
so that the reflected image passes alternately
above and below the direct view. If it passes to
one side, side error exists. 66
Side error
• Side error only. There should be one star at
the mirror.
Horizon side
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The user can hold the sextant
Side error
horizontally and observe the
horizon to check the sextant
during the day. If there are
two horizons there is side
error; adjust the horizon
glass/mirror until the stars
merge into one image or the
horizons are merged into one.
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Sextant errors
• Collimation error ; This is when the telescope
(if any) is not parallel to the plane of the
sextant. To check for this you need to observe
two stars 90° or more apart. Bring the two
stars into coincidence either to the left or the
right of the field of view. Move the sextant
slightly so that the stars move to the other
side of the field of view. If they close or
separate there is collimation error.
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Sextant errors

• Index Error is the error remaining after the navigator
has removed Perpendicularity error, side error, and
collimation error. The index mirror and horizon glass
not being parallel when the index arm is set exactly
at zero is the major cause of index error.
To test for parallelism of the mirrors, set the
instrument at zero and direct the line of sight at the
horizon.
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Sextant errors

• Index Error :
To test for parallelism of the mirrors, set the
instrument at zero and direct the line of sight
at the horizon.
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Sextant errors
To adjust the sextant for index error:
1. Set the instrument at 0° 00' and look at the horizon.
2. Keeping the sextant close to your eye, turn the screw
that is furthest from the frame at the back of the
horizon mirror until the two horizon images move
exactly together.
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 Which view indicates index error?
 Which view indicates side error?
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Sextant errors
• Interaction between the two adjustment

screws on the horizon mirror
• There is interaction between the two screws
on the horizon mirror. When adjusting side
error, is possible to chance the index error and
vice versa. For this reason, fist two steps
should be done until futher no errors can be
dedected.
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Residual index error
Until now it has been assumed that it is possible
to completely remove any error in the sextant.
In practice this is not always possible. Also to
much use of adjustment screws will make them
lose. Navigator should adjust sextant
periodically, but not always. But Navigator have
to check index error at every sight. An index
error, 1’ or 2’ is accepteble, if more error
detected, you should adjust your sextant.
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How do we determine the index error?
1. Hold the sextant in your right hand and look at the

sea horizon.(Without any shades)
2. By moving the index arm and the micrometer drum,
line up the real and mirror horizons so that both
appear as a single straight line.
3. Read the sextant scales. (on or off the arc)
If the sextant reads 0° 00', there is no index error. If the
sextant reads anything else than zero, there is an index
error, which must be added to or subtracted from each
sight.
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Index error
by the sun.
1. Use shade glasses.
2. Adjust sextant to 32’ off the
arc.
3. Look at sun by sextant.
4. Reflected image should be
above the true sun. Adjust
drum, lower limb of
reflected image just over
the true image.
5. Read the micrometer and
label it off the arc.
6. Do same procedure for 32’
on the arc and note the
reading.
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Index error
by the sun.
7. Subtract smaller reading
greater reading and divide by 2
to obtain the index error.
8. Name the index error the
same as the greater reading.
(On or off the arc.)
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Index error
by the sun.
To check your index error,
1. Add both readings on and
off the arc. Result is Dx2.
2. Divide it by 4, and find the
SD.
3. From the nautical almanac
find the day and record the
daily semidiameter of sun.
4. Compare the values.
5. If observed and tabulated
values are same, your IE is
correct, if not your
observation or index error
is wrong.
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Sextant errors
• To account Index error (IE), we apply an index

correction (IC).
No index error
They must be at the

same level, when the
sextant arc at zero
84
Sextant errors
• Index correction (IC).
• IC may be + / - or may given like “on the arc” “of the arc”.
• Drum Clockwise is increase in reading so “on the arc”
(Reading is more than 0⁰) IC is negative (-) . Vice versa “off
the arc” (Reading is less than 0⁰) IC is positive (+) .
Index error (IE) Index correction (IC)

-1.2’ +1.2’
+1.2’ -1.2’
1.2’ on the arc -1.2’
1.2’ off the arc +1.2’
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View on sextant and the reading is
0˚ 02.5'
• An index error (I.E.) of plus 2.5'. This is sometimes stated

as an 2.5' on the arc.
• Another sextant might show a reading of 1.2' less than
zero, or off the arc. This could also be expressed as an IE
of -1.2'.
• Rather than continually adjusting the mirrors of your
sextant, it is easier to apply an index correction (I.C.) to
compensate for index error. Let's suppose your sextant
was reading 2.5' too high (on the arc) when it should
have read zero. In order to bring it back to zero must
subtract that amount. You're index correction (I.C.)
would therefore be -2.5'
• If you're sextant was 1.2' off the arc. Too low, your (I.C.)
would be plus 1.2‘. 86
IE and IC
• Your sextant reading is 22˚ 28.6‘. Index error is
2.5'on the arc. What is the corrected reading?
• Hs 22˚ 28.6
• I.C. -2.5
• 22˚ 26.1
87
IE and IC
• Your sextant reading is 42˚ 13.8'. Index
correction is -1.2‘. What is is the corrected
reading?
• Answer: An index correction is applied directly
by following the + or - sign.
• Hs 42˚ 13.8'
• I.C. -1.2
• 42˚ 12.6'
88
IE and IC
• Your sextant reading is 35˚-29.6'. I.E. is 1.8' off
the arc. Corrected reading is .............
• Answer: if the index error is off, you add it.
•
• Hs 35˚ 29.6'
• I.C. +1.8
• 35˚ 31.4'
89
IE and IC
• Your sextant reading is 42˚05.4'. I.C. is +2.1,
corrected reading is ............
• Answer: Follow the plus or minus sign when
working with I.C. (Index correction).
•
• HS 42˚ 05.4'
• + 2.1
• 42˚ 07.5'
90
91
 When the two images of the sun are brought into
coincidence, the sextant reading is + 0° 1.7' (on the
arc).
 a. What is the index error (IE)?
IE = +1.7'
 b. What is the index correction (IC)?
IC = -1.7'
92
14
For the following sight data, compute the corrected sextant

altitude.
a. Hs 28°15.8' IC +7.3'
b. Hs 47°27.3‘ IC -2.5'
c. Hs 46°27.2' IE 3.2' on the arc
d. Hs 18°59.8' IE 2.2' off the arc
Solutions:
Corrected
hs IC sextant altitude
a. 28°15.8' +7.3' 28°23.1'
b. 47°27.3' -2.5' 47°24.8'
c. 46°27.2' -3.2' 46°24.0'
d. 18°59.8' +2.2' 19°02.0'
93
Determination of Observed Altitude (Ho)
• After obtaining the Sextant altitude (Hs) and we have to make
corrections which are;
– Index error (error in the sextant itself) (IE or IC or On/Off
the arc))
– Difference between visible and geometrical horizon, due to
the observer’s height of eye adjustment to equivalent
reading at the center of the earth and the center of the
body (Dip)
– After making this two corrections we call it Apparent
Altitude (Ha) (Ha = Hs + IC + dip)
– Total correction. (Refractive, parallax, Semi-diameter)
– After all corrections made it is called observed altitude
(Ho) 94
Dip of horizon
If the earth's surface were an infinite plane, visible and sensible horizon would be
identical. In reality, the visible horizon appears several arc minutes below the sensible
horizon which is the result of two contrary effects, the curvature of the earth's surface
and atmospheric refraction.
The geometrical horizon, the surface of a flat cone, is formed by an infinite number of
straight lines tangent to the earth and radiating from the observer's eye. Since
atmospheric refraction bends light rays passing along the earth's surface toward the
earth, all points on the geometric horizon appear to be elevated, and thus form the
visible horizon. If the earth had no atmosphere, the visible horizon would coincide
95
with the geometrical horizon
Apparent
Altitude (Ha)
Dip=Çevren alçalımı For DIP corrections we

use nautical almanac.
96
DIP by formula
D=1,753√H (H in meters)
D=0.97√H (H in feets)
97
98
Which one to use?
• Height of eye is 5.2 meters.

• Dip correction is -4.0’.(If two
corrections next to the height of eye
always use the upper one)
• Height of eye is 6.5 meters.

• Dip correction is -4.5’.
99
Sextant altitude of Capella is measured as 54°28.3’ by
an observer on 3rd January 2011. Height of eye is 33
meters and the IC value of sextant is +1.8’. find the Ha.
• Index correction is +1.8’.

• Hight of eye is 33 meters.
• Dip correction is -10.2’.

• IC =+1.8’
• Dip=-10.2’ (-8.4’ total of IC and Dip correction)
• Ha= 54°28.3’- 8.4’ = 54° 19.9’
100
Examples
• The dip correction for heights of eye greater than 8.0
feet through 8.6 feet is 2.8'
• The dip corrections for heights greater than 20.1 feet
through 21.0 feet is -4.4.
• The dip corrections for 20.1 feet is 4.3' .
• If your height of eye is 9.7 meters, what is the dip
correction? 9.7 meters would fall between 9.5, meters
and 9.9 meters in the tables, so the dip correction would
be -5.5.
• The dip correction for a height of eye of 48.4 feet is -6.7'.
101
Examples
1. Height of eye: 22.8 ft. Dip correction is .........
2. Height of eye: 3.4 meters, dip correction is .......
3. Height of eye: 42.5 meters, dip correction is ..........
4. Sextant reading: 19˚-56.4', index error 1.3 on the arc, height of
eye: 30.4', Ha is ..
5. Sextant reading: 24˚-16.5', IC: -0.8, Ha is ...............
102
Examples
1. Height of eye: 22.8 ft. Dip correction is -4.6’
2. Height of eye: 3.4 meters, dip correction is -3.2
3. Height of eye: 42.5 meters, dip correction is -11.4
4. Sextant reading: 19˚-56.4', index error 1.3 on the arc, height of
eye: 30.4 ft, Ha is 19 49.8
5. Sextant reading: 24˚-16.5', IC: -0.8, Ha is 24 15.7
103
Dip of the Sea Short of the Horizon
• If land, another vessel, or other obstruction is

between the observer and the sea horizon,
use the waterline of the obstruction as the
horizontal reference for altitude
measurements, and substitute dip not from
the Nautical Almanac, calculate it or use
Bowdich table-14.
104
Dip of the Sea
Short of the
Horizon Table
105
Dip of the Sea Short of the Horizon
• Ds is the dip short of the sea horizon, in minutes of arc;

hf is the height of eye of the observer above sea level
in feet; bo (0.8321) accounts for terrestrial refraction;
ro is the mean radius of the earth, 3440.1 nautical
miles; and ds is the distance to the waterline of the
obstruction in nautical miles.
106
Distance of the Horizon
• hf is the height of eye in feet

• This formula is containing the terrestrial
refraction. (Not Geographic Range)
107
• After you correct Hs for index error and dip,
you have apparent altitude (Ha). It is used to
find the last (thankfully!) correction you will
need.
• This correction compensates for the refraction
of the light coming through the earth's
atmosphere, among other things.
108
SEXTANT- Refraction
Earth is wrapped in a blanket of atmosphere more
than 50 miles deep. Density of the atmosphere, like
that of the ocean, increases with depth and is greatest
at the bottom, next to Earth’s surface. Light rays do
not follow a straight line when passing through
atmosphere of different densities, but are slightly bent
into a gentle arc. This phenomenon is called refraction.
Refraction is defined as the deviation of light rays
from a straight line caused by their passage obliquely
through mediums of different density.
109
SEXTANT- Refraction
• Refraction, is extracted from the Nautical
Almanac. It allows for the bending of light
rays as they travel through successive
layers of varying density air.
110
(Alt) - the angle from the sextant - corrected for horizon dip!
(P) - the atmospheric pressure
(T) - the atmospheric temperature
Apparent Sun
Position
Must subtract angle
"Refraction of Atmosphere"
Actual Sun
Position
Refraction of sunlight
due to atmosphere
SPACE
ATMOSPHERE
Final Corrected Angle

Original Angle
Measured
Must subtract
"Dip of the Sea"
HORIZON
111
SEXTANT- Refraction
• Atmospheric refraction is a function of Ha.
Atmospheric standard refraction, is 0' at 90°
altitude and increases progressively to
approx. 34' as the apparent altitude
approaches 0°
112
SEXTANT- Parallax
Parallax is the difference between the altitude of a body, as
measured from Earth’s center, and its altitude (corrected for
refraction and dip) as measured from Earth’s surface. Altitude from
the center of Earth is bound to be greater than from the surface.
Consequently parallax is always a plus correction. Parallax increases
from 0° for a body directly overhead to a maximum for a body on
the horizon. In the latter instance, it is called horizontal parallax
(HP).
Parallax of the Moon is both extreme and varied because of its
changing distance from Earth in its passage through its orbit.
Parallax of the Sun is small; parallax of the planets is even smaller.
For the stars, parallax is so tiny it is negligible.
113
Parallax
• Parallax, corrections are needed if the
observed body is a planet, the sun or the
moon.
114
Semi diameter
Altitude of a body is measured to the centre of that body.
Because the Sun and Moon are of significant size, the
usual practice is to observe the lower limb. Therefore, semi
diameter correction must be added. It follows, then, that if
the upper limb of either body is observed, the semi
diameter correction is subtractive.
Semi diameter correction amounts to about 16 minutes of
arc for either the Sun or Moon.
Stars are considered as points, and they require no semi
diameter correction.
When observing a planet, the centre of the planet is
visually estimated by the observer, so there is never a semi
diameter correction.
115
Semidiameter
116
Calculating Observed
Altitude
(Ho)
117
IC (Index Correction) determined by the characteristics of the individual sextant used.
The dip correction is a function of the height of eye of the observer. It is
DIP (Height of Eye) always negative; its magnitude is determined from the Dip Table on the
inside front covert of the Nautical Almanac.
Sum Enter the algebraic sum of the dip correction and the index correction.
Hs (Sextant Altitude) Enter the altitude of the body measured by the sextant.
Ha (Apparent Altitude) Apply the sum correction determined above to the measured altitude
Every observation requires an altitude correction. This correction is a

function of the apparent altitude of the body. The Almanac contains tables
Altitude Correction for determining these corrections. For the sun, planets, and stars, these
tables are located on the inside front cover and facing page. For the moon,
these tables are located on the back inside cover and preceding page.
Mars and Venus

additional correction
from Table located at the front of the Almanac when obtaining a
Additional sight under non-standard atmospheric temperature and pressure
conditions.
H.P. (Horizontal – This correction is unique to reducing moon sights.
Parallax)
Correction to Ha
Ho (Observed Altitude) 118
Altitude
Correction
119
120
Moon
For first correction entring
argument is Ha.
Ha=6°12’
Ha=12°47’
121
For parallax correction
entering arguments are
degrees part of the Ha, limb
of the observation (UL or LL)
and HP. (HP is determined
from the daily page with
hour.)
Ha=6°12’ HP=57 LL
122
Additional corrections
• From Table located at the front of the Almanac

when obtaining a sight under non-standard
atmospheric temperature and pressure
conditions.
• Standard atmospheric temperature and
pressure conditions are vary.
123
124
Sextant altitude of Capella (Sun LL) is measured as 54°28’3 by an observer
on 3rd January 2011. Height of eye is 44 feet and the IE value of sextant is -
1’8. Find the Ho of Capella (sun) in standard atmospheric conditions.
Celestial Body Capella (Star) Sun

IC (Index Correction) +1,8’ +1,8’
DIP (Height of Eye)
Sum
Hs (Sextant Altitude) 54°28,3’ 54°28,3’
Ha (Apparent Altitude)
Altitude (Total)
Correction
Additional
H.P. (Horizontal –
Parallax)
Correction to Ha
Ho (Observed Altitude)
125
Dip correction of 44 ft = -6.4’
126
Sextant altitude of Capella (Sun LL) is measured as 54°28’3 by an observer
on 3rd January 2011. Height of eye is 44 feet and the IC value of sextant is
+1’8. Find the Ho of Capella (sun) in standard atmospheric conditions.

DIP (Height of Eye) -6,4’ -6,4’
Sum -4,6’ -4,6’
Ha (Apparent Altitude) 54°23,7’ 54°23,7’
Altitude (Total)
Correction
Additional
Parallax)
Correction to Ha
127
Hs= 54°23,7’ Hs= 54°23,7’
Jan 2011 Jan 2011
Sun LL Capella
128
Sextant altitude of Capella (Sun) is measured as 54°28’3 by an observer
on 3rd January 2011. Height of eye is 44 feet and the IC value of sextant is
+1’8. Find the Ho of Capella (sun) in standard atmospheric conditions.

Sum -4,6’ -4,6’
Altitude (Total)
-0,7’ +15,5’
Correction
Additional
Parallax)
Correction to Ha -0,7’ +15,5’
Ho (Observed Altitude) 54°23‘ 54°39,2’
129
If not in standard atmospheric conditions. Standart is 10° C and
1010Mb/29,8 inch. Additional corrections from A4

Sum -4,6’ -4,6’
Altitude (Total)
-0,7’ +15,5’
Correction
Additional
Parallax)
Correction to Ha -0,7’ +15,5’
Ho (Observed Altitude) 54°23‘ 54°39,2’
130
131
Temp= 20⁰ C
Barometer=1020
132
HoE= 2m IE= -1.3’ 12 April 2011 at 23h56m45s UL
Body Moon
Hs (Sextant Altitude) 17°42.1’
IC (Index Correction) +1.3’
DIP (Height of Eye) - 2.5’
Sum
Ha (Apparent Altitude) 17°40.9’
Altitude Correction 62.6’
Mars and Ven. additional -----
correction
Additional -----
Parallax correction)
Correction to Ha
133
17°
HoE= 2m IE= -1.3’ 12 April 2011 at 23h04m45s UL
Body Moon
Hs (Sextant Altitude) 17°42.1’
IC (Index Correction) +1.3’
DIP (Height of Eye) - 2.5’
Sum
Ha (Apparent Altitude) 17°40.9’
Altitude Correction 62.6’
Mars and Ven. additional -----
correction
Additional -----
H.P. (Horizontal – 4.5’
Parallax correction) -30’
Correction to Ha
Ho (Observed Altitude) 18°18’
From daily page find HP of the Moon

58.9’ 134
23 Jan 2011,height of eye 5.4 m, temparature -3 degress celcius, pressure
982 Mb. Observation made at about 10 UT.
Body Moon (LL) Venus Polaris
Hs (Sextant Altitude) 33⁰ 27’.6 4⁰ 32’.6 49⁰ 36’.6
IC (Index Correction) 3’.1 (On the arc) 2’.3 (Off the arc) 2’.1 (On the arc)
DIP (Height of Eye) -4’.1 -4’.1 -4’.1
Sum -7’.2 -1’.8 -6’.2

Ha (Apparent Altitude) 33⁰ 20’.4 4⁰ 30’.8 49⁰ 30’.4
Altitude Correction 57.3’ -10’.7 -0.8’
Mars and Ven. additional
+0.2’
correction
Additional -0.1’ -0.5’ -0.0’
7.8’ - -
Correction to Ha 1⁰ 05’ -11’ -0.8’
Ho (Observed Altitude) 34⁰ 25.4’ 4⁰ 19.8’ 49⁰ 29.6’
135
Find the body’s observed altitudes (Ho) by using the given values. During the all observations
temperature was ……….. degrees Celsius / Fahrenayt and pressure was ………. Mb.
Sun Upper/Lower Limb Moon Upper/Lower Limb (*) Star (………………) / Planet (………………..)
( …………………… ZT / UT ) ( …………………..…. ZT / UT ) ( …………………..…. ZT / UT )
Hs: ……..⁰ ………..’ Hs:…….⁰ ……..’ Hs:…….⁰ ……..’

IE : ………….’ On/Off the arc IE : ………….’ On/Off the arc IE : ………….’ On/Off the arc
IC : + / - …………’ IC : + / - …………’ IC : + / - …………’
Height of eye: ……….… m/ft Height of eye:…………….m/ft Height of eye:…………….. m/ft
Hs Hs Hs
IC IC IC
DIP DIP DIP
Ha Ha Ha
Alt.Corr. Alt.Corr. Alt.Corr.
(………)HP V/M
corr. add.corr.
Add.Corr. Add.Corr. Add.Corr.
Ho Ho Ho
136
Body
Hs (Sextant Altitude)
IC (Index Correction)
DIP (Height of Eye)
Sum
Ha (Apparent Altitude)
Altitude Correction
Mars and Ven. additional
correction
Additional
Correction to Ha
137
Care of Sextant
• A sextant is a delicate instrument. Careless handling
or neglect can cause harm. If you drop it, take it to
an instrument repair shop for testing and inspection.
• When not using the sextant, stow it in a strong and
sufficiently padded case.
• Keep the sextant out of excessive heat and
dampness.
• Do not expose it to excessive vibration.
• Do not leave it unattended when it is out of its case.
• Do not hold it by its limb, index arm, or telescope.
Lift it by its frame or handle. Do not lift it by its arc or
index bar.
138
SEXTANT
• Next to careless handling, moisture is the
sextant’s greatest enemy. Wipe the mirrors
and the arc after each use. If the mirrors
get dirty, clean them with lens paper and a
small amount of alcohol. Clean the arc
with ammonia; never use a polishing
compound. When cleaning, do not apply
excessive pressure to any part of the
instrument.
139
1. When reading sextant altitude, in
what order are degrees, minutes, and
tenths of minutes read?
1st Degrees
2nd Minutes
3rd Tenth of Minutes
140
2. When timing sights, in what order
are hours, minutes, and seconds read
from the watch?
1st Seconds
Minutes
2 nd
Hours
3rd
141
3. Before taking sights on the Sun, you
sight the horizon and align the direct
and reflected images of the horizon.
Your Sextant reading is 1.8' on the
arc.
a.What is the IE? +1.8'
b. What is the IC? -1.8'
142
4. Before taking sights on the Sun, you
sight the horizon and align the direct
and reflected images of the horizon.
Your Sextant reading is 58.2' off the
arc.
a.What is the IE? -1.8'
b. What is the IC? +1.8'
143
5. You need to use the shade glasses on
the sextant when taking sights on the
sun.
a. True
b. False
144
6. You take a run of sights on the Sun
with the following times of sights and
sextant altitudes. Which of the sights
are probably erroneous?
WT hs
17-42-33 27° 01.4'
17-43-12 26° 57.8'
17-43-52 26° 58.7' Bad Sight
17-44-27 26° 50.1'
17-44-49 26° 50.0' Bad Sight
17-45-17 26° 45.8'
Hint: Plot the run of sights [See next slide for plot]
145
Plot of hs versus WT
Time hs
27.05 Bad Sight

27
26.95
hs
26.9 Bad Sight
hs
26.85
26.8
26.75
26.7
42 42.5 43 43.5 44 44.5 45 45.5
WT
146
7. What is the purpose of "swinging the arc" when taking a sight
with a sextant?
a. To help obtain a clear view of the horizon.
b. To be sure that the sextant is horizontal at the time of the

sight.
c. To help focus the body in the sextant telescope.
d. To be sure that the sextant is vertical at the time of the

sight.
147
SEXTANT
Common sources of error are:

1. The sextant may not be rocked properly.
2. Tangency may not be judged accurately.
3. A false horizon may have been used.
4. Subnormal refraction (dip) might be present.
5. The height of eye may be wrong.
6. Time might be in error.
7. The index correction may have been determined
incorrectly.
8. The sextant might be out of adjustment.
9. An error may have been made in the computation.
148
The Artificial Horizon
• Measurement of altitude requires an exact

horizontal reference, normally provided at sea by
the visible horizon. If the horizon is not clearly
visible, however, a different horizontal reference is
required. Such a reference is commonly termed an
artificial horizon.
• If it is attached to, or part of, the sextant, altitudes
can be measured at sea, on land, or in the air,
whenever celestial bodies are available for
observations.
149
150
151
To use an external artificial horizon, stand or sit so

that the celestial body is reflected in the mirror or
liquid, and is also visible in direct view. With the
sextant, bring the double-reflected image into
coincidence with the image appearing in the liquid.
For a lower limb observation of the Sun or the Moon,
bring the bottom of the double-reflected image into
coincidence with the top of the image in the liquid.
For an upper-limb observation, bring the opposite
sides into coincidence.
152
• If one image covers the other, the observation

is of the center of the body. After the
observation, apply the index correction and
any other instrumental correction. Then take
half the remaining angle and apply all other
corrections except dip (height of eye)
correction, since this is not applicable. If the
center of the Sun or Moon is observed, omit
the correction for semidiameter.
153
154
QUESTIONS
155
156
If the sextant is set to 0°00.0', and you aim
the sextant telescope at the horizon, you see
both ______
reflected and ________
direct images of the
horizon through the telescope.
157
What is the sextant reading in Figure ?
a. 50°00.2'
b. 50°00.8'
c. 50°07.0'
d. 50°09.7'
Figure 2-11
158
What is the sextant reading in Figure ?
a. 25°50.2'
b. 25°53.4'
c. 25°57.4'
d. 26°02.4'
Figure 2-12
159
9
In the telescope views diagrammed in Figures a and b, the

sextant is set to 0°00.0' and aimed at the sun.
a. Which view indicates index error?

Figure a indicates that index error is present.
b. Which view indicates side error?
Figure b indicates that side error is present.
160
Figure 2-13
10
When the two images of the sun are brought into

coincidence, the reading on the limb is - 1° (off the arc)
and the reading on the micrometer drum is 57.8'.
a. What is the index error (IE)?

IE = -60' +57.8' = -2.2'
b. What is the index correction (IC)?

IC = +2.2'
Solution:
Sextant reading is -1 ° +57.8'. The index mark on
the arm will be slightly below 0°, which is "Off the
arc."
161
11
When the two images of the sun are brought into

coincidence, the sextant reading is 0° +1.7' (on the arc).

IE = +1.7'
IC = -1.7'
162
12
When the horizon is brought into continuity, the sextant

reading is 0° +3.3' (on the arc).

IE = +3.3'
IC = -3.3'
163
When the horizon is brought into continuity, the
sextant reading is - 1° (off the arc) and the reading on
the micrometer drum is + 1.5'.

IE = -60' + 1.5' = -58.5'
IC = -IE = -(-58.5') = +58.5'
164
14
For the following sight data, compute the corrected

sextant altitude.
a. hs 28°15.8' IC +7.3'
b. hs 47°27.3' IC -2.5'
c. hs 46°27.2' IE 3.2' on the arc
d. hs 18°59.8' IE 2.2' off the arc
Solution:
corrected
hs IC sextant altitude
a. 28°15.8' +7.3' 28°23.1'
b. 47°27.3' -2.5' 47°24.8'
c. 46°27.2' -3.2' 46°24.0'
d. 18°59.8' +2.2' 19°02.0'
165
To care for your sextant properly you should:
a. scatter a half inch of silica gel in the bottom of the

sextant box.
b. always put on gloves before handling the mirrors.
c. keep the brass arc bright with emery cloth
d. use fresh water on a swab to remove salt from the

mirrors.
166
16
When should you use shade glasses to observe the sun?
You should always use shade glasses to observe the sun.
167
Why would a navigator take an upper-limb observation of
the sun?
When the lower limb is obscured by cloud cover.
168
18. The purpose of "swinging the arc" when using a
sextant is to:
a. observe as wide an arc of the horizon as possible.
b. make certain that the sextant is vertical.
c. obtain the largest possible altitude reading.
d. improve the chances of seeing the celestial body.
169
Which of the following would have the least effect on
the accuracy of a celestial LOP?
a. six-foot to eight-foot beam seas
b. a haze on the horizon
c. observing the upper limb of the sun rather than the

lower limb
d. missing the correct time by 5 seconds
170
22. In the following runs of sights, which sights are more
likely to be bad?
a. Time hs b. Time hs c. Time

hs
07-14-32 35°12.4' 18-58-22 43°27.8' 18-09-58
35°22.8'
07-15-41 35°22.7' 19-00-16 43°12.2' 18-11-06
35°06.6'
07-16-59 35°01.3' 19-01-40 43°07.8' 18-12-09
34°49.2'
07-18-12 35°44.2' 19-03-02 43°03.4' 18-13-16
34°44.6'
07-19-20 35°54.3' 19-04-22 42°58.5' 18-14-26
34°16.6'
a. The third sight in this run is inconsistent and probably

bad
b. The first sight in this run is inconsistent and probably 171

DUİ2001 HF 11-12 Sextant

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Winslow Homer (1836–1910) Eight Bells

• Know the purpose, usage and care of a marine

• A marine sextant can measure angles up to

The index arm, is a movable bar of the

Shade glasses or filters, of varying

The altitude graduations, The release or locking device,

Micrometer drum, graduated in

Focus the telescope on the horizon.

• Sextant Sun Sights

• The sextant is vertical when the Sun appears

• Move the index arm with the drum slowly

• Star and Planet Sights

• Method 2. Direct the line of sight at the body

• Method 3. Determine in advance the

• Stars and planets have no visible upper or

• Unless you have a navigation calculator or

• The observer holds the watch in the palm of

Micrometer drum sextant set at 29° 42.5’

READ THE SEXTANT

READ THE SEXTANT

READ THE SEXTANT

READ THE SEXTANT

READ THE SEXTANT

READ THE SEXTANT

READ THE SEXTANT

Non Adjustable Adjustable

• Non Adjustable Sextant Errors:

• Adjustable Sextant Errors:

This sextant has an error

• Adjustable Sextant Errors:

• Adjustable Sextant Errors:

• Interaction between the two adjustment

1. Hold the sextant in your right hand and look at the

• To account Index error (IE), we apply an index

They must be at the

Index error (IE) Index correction (IC)

• An index error (I.E.) of plus 2.5'. This is sometimes stated

For the following sight data, compute the corrected sextant

Dip=Çevren alçalımı For DIP corrections we

• Height of eye is 5.2 meters.

• Height of eye is 6.5 meters.

• Index correction is +1.8’.

• Dip correction is -10.2’.

• If land, another vessel, or other obstruction is

• Ds is the dip short of the sea horizon, in minutes of arc;

• hf is the height of eye in feet

Final Corrected Angle

Every observation requires an altitude correction. This correction is a

Mars and Venus

• From Table located at the front of the Almanac

Celestial Body Capella (Star) Sun

Celestial Body Capella (Star) Sun

Celestial Body Capella (Star) Sun

Celestial Body Capella (Star) Sun

From daily page find HP of the Moon

Sum -7’.2 -1’.8 -6’.2

Hs: ……..⁰ ………..’ Hs:…….⁰ ……..’ Hs:…….⁰ ……..’

Height of eye: ……….… m/ft Height of eye:…………….m/ft Height of eye:…………….. m/ft

DIP DIP DIP

Alt.Corr. Alt.Corr. Alt.Corr.

Add.Corr. Add.Corr. Add.Corr.

3rd Tenth of Minutes

a.What is the IE? +1.8'