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A sextant has several limitations, including its reliance on clear visibility of the horizon and celestial bodies, which can be hindered by poor weather conditions or obstructions. It also requires the user to have knowledge of celestial navigation and the ability to perform calculations, making it less accessible for untrained individuals. Additionally, the sextant's accuracy can be affected by factors such as parallax error and instrument calibration, which may lead to navigational discrepancies. Lastly, it is limited to use during the night or when celestial bodies are visible, restricting its functionality compared to modern navigational tools.

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5d ago

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What are the disadvantages using a sextant?

Some disadvantages of using a sextant include the need for manual operation and calibration, the potential for human error in readings, and limitations in poor visibility conditions like fog or heavy cloud cover. Additionally, sextants require knowledge and skill in celestial navigation techniques, which can be complex and time-consuming to learn.


What is the the least count of sextant?

The least count of a sextant is the smallest angle that can be measured with the instrument. It is typically determined by the design of the sextant and the precision of its scales. The least count is important for accurately measuring angles in celestial navigation and other applications where precise angular measurements are required.


What is the purpose of the horizon shades on a sextant?

The horizon shades on a sextant are used to block out excess light from the sun or other bright sources on the horizon, making it easier to take accurate measurements of celestial objects such as stars or planets. They help to reduce glare and improve visibility when using the sextant for navigation or celestial observations.


Who built the sextant?

The sextant was developed independently by multiple inventors in the late 18th century, including John Hadley and Thomas Godfrey. It is unclear who specifically should be credited with its invention, as the device was refined over time by various individuals.


How do you use a false horizon with a sextant?

To use a false horizon with a sextant, you would need to create an artificial horizon with a still reflecting surface, such as oil in a pan or a small pool of water. You would then line up the celestial body you are measuring with its reflection on the artificial horizon, allowing you to take an accurate sextant reading. This method is useful when the true horizon is obscured or not visible.

Related Questions

What can you find out about sextant?

you can find sextant on history.com


What is the sextant used for?

you use a sextant to navigate.


How do you draw a sextant?

you draw a sextant by looking at googler in the images.


What limitations are there on the sextant?

1- Obscurity of Sea Horizon 2- Illumination of Sea Horizon 3- Obscurity of the Body 4- Very Small Altitudes 5- Very High Altitudes


How do you use the word sextant in a sentence?

the sextant helped me navagate my way to alaska


What are the disadvantages using a sextant?

Some disadvantages of using a sextant include the need for manual operation and calibration, the potential for human error in readings, and limitations in poor visibility conditions like fog or heavy cloud cover. Additionally, sextants require knowledge and skill in celestial navigation techniques, which can be complex and time-consuming to learn.


How many years sextant becomes a symbol of navigation?

how many years that the sextant become a symbol of navigation


What has replaced the astrolabe?

The sextant


What replaced the astrolabe?

The sextant


Did Columbus use a sextant?

Yes Christopher Columbus did use a sextant along with a compass, ampoletta, and a cross staff.


Why sextant is named so?

The term "sextant" comes from the Latin word "sextans," meaning one-sixth. This refers to the instrument's ability to measure angles up to one-sixth of a circle (60 degrees). The sextant is commonly used in navigation to determine the altitude of celestial bodies.


Who made the first sextant?

my mom