When it comes to sextants, we are often asked why they are still being made.
Here are a few reasons why the sextant is still in use today:
Ocean navigation
The sextant is an emergency navigation instrument, as there are enough electronic instruments available today.
To be able to reliably determine the position with a sextant, you need experience in handling and calculations.
Astronomical navigation and handling of a sextant should therefore be practised regularly in order to be able to do this correctly in case of an emergency.
The sextant is therefore particularly useful for ocean navigation.
Incidentally, astronomical navigation with a sextant is also used for emergency navigation training in the aerospace industry. click here for more information
Reliability
There are many electronic navigation instruments that are linked to GPS. Electronics are always dependent on the on-board power supply. This can fail due to technical or human error. You are then ‘blind’ on the ocean.
As a mechanical angle measuring instrument, the sextant can still be used to determine your position even without power.
Manipulation
Even if you rely on GPS systems these days, the operator can switch them off or limit their use. In addition, the local GPS signal can be manipulated / ‘jammed’ with simple means and by anyone. (Example)
Other reasons
- Determining the height of objects (e.g. trees).
- Terrestrial navigation, as horizontal angle measurements can also be carried out with a sextant.
- As in many areas, the ‘back to basic’ trend can also be recognised in navigation.
- The sextant is also a very interesting instrument from historical point of view. (more information)
- Anyone who enjoys maths and astronomy will also enjoy astronomical navigation. The knowledge you gain literally broadens your horizon.
You can read more regarding this topic here
Recommendation from the author:
In the Facebook group ‘Practical Celestial Navigation’, with over 10,000 members, you can find a lot of knowledge, advices and help on the subject of astronomical navigation as well as sextants.
