The Art of Navigation
'A sextant can't be hacked' has become a new 'mantra' where safety and security are priorities at sea. Currently, Coast Guards and navies are beginning to bring back the art of celestial navigation. ![]() Brass sextant from the 19th century in its box.
The sextant was used first in the mid seventeen hundreds for celestial navigation. It is used to measure the height of a heavenly body above the horizon. This is accomplished through reflecting mirriors. The distinguishing feature of the sextant is the vernier scale of 120° rather than that of the earlier Oxtant which only had a 90° range. The one shown here was manufactured by Elliot in London, Egland, during the period 1850-1875. The Naval Marine Archive is fortunate to have a collection of various sextant types and ages. The most recent donation is shown above, and dates from the nineteenth century. |