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In a sextant, the circular scale is located on the arc of the instrument and is marked with degrees, allowing for precise angular measurements. The main scale, or the index arm, moves along this circular scale and is typically graduated in minutes for finer adjustments. The combination of these scales enables the user to measure angles between celestial bodies and the horizon accurately. The index mirror and horizon mirror facilitate this measurement by reflecting the observed objects.

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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 circular opening in the roof of the Pantheon called?

The circular opening in the roof of the Pantheon is called the oculus. It serves as the main source of light and ventilation for the building.


Who invented and used the first sextant?

The sextant was developed in the 18th century, with significant contributions from several inventors. The first practical sextant is attributed to British instrument maker John Hadley, who created a working model around 1730. However, the design was also influenced by earlier navigational instruments such as the quadrant and the astrolabe. The sextant became widely used by sailors for celestial navigation, allowing them to measure the angle between a celestial body and the horizon.


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.

Related Questions

How do you calculate readings of sextant?

first find out least count of main circular scale in degrees,then divide least count of main scale by total divisions on cylindrical scale(this cylindrical scale works as vernier scale for fist one,its least count will be in minutes) then further divide least count of cylindrical scale by total divisions of small vernier scale which touches it,(this small scale works as vernier scale for cylindrical scale and its least count will be in seconds).


How can say that one division of main scale of sextant is one degree?

In a sextant, the main scale is typically graduated into divisions that represent angular measurements. Each division on the main scale corresponds to a specific angle, and in most sextants, one division is calibrated to equal one degree. This is achieved through precise engineering, ensuring that the movement of the index arm aligns with these calibrated divisions as the user measures angles in the sky or horizon. Therefore, by design, each division on the main scale equates to a one-degree measurement.


How do you find pitch of spherometer?

pitch is the linear progress made by the circular scale on the main scale in one complete rotation


What do you use vernier scales for?

It is an auxiliary device for making fine adjustment to an instrument, generally by means of a fine screw thread. Used in certain measuring instruments. It is a small moveable scale running next to the main graduated scale which indicates a fractional part of the main scale. An example would be a sextant or barometer


What came first Astrolabe Compass Scale mapsAerial photography?

atrolabe came first, the astrolabe was invented before the sextant, and the sextant was the model that made the compass


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.


Definition of Pitch of screw gauge?

Pitch is the distance from the crest of one thread to the next. the displacement of the circular scale due to a complete rotation of the screw, along the main scale is called screw pitch..


A student noted the thickness of glass sheet using a screw guage. on this main scale it reads 3 divisions while 8 division on the circular scale concides with index line its thickness is?

The thickness of the glass sheet can be calculated using the screw gauge reading, where 1 main scale division corresponds to 0.5 mm and 50 equal circular scale divisions make one complete turn. In this case, the thickness would be (3 \times 0.5 + \frac{8}{50} \times 0.5) mm.


What is zero error of screw gauge?

When the anvil and spindle end are brought in contact, the edge of the circular scale should be at the zero of the sleeve (linear scale) and the zero of the circular scale should be opposite to the datum line of the sleeve. If the zero is not coinciding with the datum line, there will be a positive or negative zero error as shown in figure below. When the anvil and spindle end are brought in contact, the edge of the circular scale should be at the zero of the sleeve (linear scale) and the zero of the circular scale should be opposite to the datum line of the sleeve. If the zero is not coinciding with the datum line, there will be a positive or negative zero error as shown in figure below. When the anvil and spindle end are brought in contact, the edge of the circular scale should be at the zero of the sleeve (linear scale) and the zero of the circular scale should be opposite to the datum line of the sleeve. If the zero is not coinciding with the datum line, there will be a positive or negative zero error as shown in figure below.


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.


What is pitch in micrometer screw gauge?

Diametres of various objects can be measured br using a micrometre screw gauge: Readings can be obseved by adapting following steps 1-Main scale reading;when one revolve the THIMBLE a scale appears with divisions 2-Circular scale reading;the digit apearing on circular scale conciding with the main scale. Main scale readind+(Circular scale reading into Least count) yields answer following link can be fruit ful for better techniques http://www.tutorvista.com/content/physics/physics-i/measurement-and-experimentation/screw-gauge.php Regards:MALLICK TAYYAB