Sextant
Precision, Measurement & Control

Sextant

18th century onward

A sextant measures the angle between two visible objects using mirrors and a graduated arc. At sea, measuring a celestial body's height above the horizon supported astronomical navigation.

About this artifact

A sextant measures the angle between two visible objects using mirrors and a graduated arc. At sea, measuring a celestial body's height above the horizon supported astronomical navigation.

Sources & image credits

Reference article ↗

Documented image of this machine or its operating principle; see image credits for the original date and subject.

Image: Sextant.jpg
Creator:
License: Public domain

Original image & attribution ↗

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