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The Principle of the Sextant

The optical principle used in a sextant is

this: given that a ray of light is reflected
from two mirrors in succession, then the
angle between the first and last direction
of the ray is twice the angle between the
mirrors. This is the angle that is read off
on the ‘arc’ after the navigator ‘shoots a
star’ (takes an altitude).
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Sextant and Altitude Corrections

Altitude as indicated by a sextant or
similar instrument before corrections are
applied. It is the angle measured in a
vertical plane between an artificial or sea
horizon and a celestial body, without
application of any corrections.
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How to use a Sextant
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Perpendicularity
• Cause - index glass not perpendicular to the plane of the instrument.
• Test - put index arm at approximately 25o and check the direct and reflected
image of the arc.
• Adjustment - adjust the screw on the index mirror until both images of the arc
are lined up.
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Perpendicularity
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Side Error
• Cause - horizon glass not perpendicular to the plane of the instrument.
• Test - Direct and reflected image of the same star should appear as one when the
arc is moved through zero.
• Adjustment - adjust the outer screw on the mirror.
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Side Error
No Side Error
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Side Error
Side Error Present
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Collimation Error
• Cause - telescope is not parallel to the plane of the instrument.
• Test - Use inverting telescope with cross-wires parallel to the plane of the
instrument and view two objects at least 90o apart.
• Adjustment - collar on the telescope but this should not be loosened.
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Collimation Error
No Collimation
Error

Collimation
Present