Sextants remain a vital instrument for any navigator wishing to understand or practise celestial navigation. Long used by mariners to determine their position at sea, the sextant measures the angle between a celestial body – such as the sun, moon, or a star – and the horizon. These instruments operate independently of power or electronics, making them a dependable backup for long-distance passages and offshore sailing. They are equally valued by astro-navigation enthusiasts, maritime colleges, and traditional seafarers alike.
Modern marine sextants typically feature durable construction – often in brass or aluminium – and precision optics for reliable readings. When used in combination with a nautical almanac and sight reduction tables, they allow for the calculation of latitude and longitude using time-tested methods.