Description
A nautical sextant model is a device used for celestial navigation in marine navigation. It is an instrument that helps in measuring the angle between two objects such as the horizon and a celestial object, such as a star or planet. It is a hand-held device that uses an optical system to provide accurate measurements of angles between objects.
The nautical sextant model consists of a telescope, a sighting mechanism, and a series of calibrated scales. The user sights the horizon through the telescope while also sighting the celestial object. The sextant then measures the angle between the two objects using a series of calibrated scales. The angle is then used to determine the ship’s latitude and longitude, which is essential for navigation.
While modern navigation technology has largely replaced the need for sextants in navigation, they are still used in some situations, particularly in emergency situations when electronic navigation systems may be unavailable. They are also used in educational settings to teach the principles of celestial navigation.