How a Sextant Works: Anatomy and Function in Celestial Navigation #2308377 (License: Personal Use)

This technical illustration shows a classic marine sextant with labeled parts: A is the index arm, B the horizon mirror, C the telescope/eyepiece, D the micrometer drum for fine adjustment, and E the graduated arc. The red dashed line traces the light path from a celestial body through the index mirror (A), horizon mirror (B), and into the observer’s eye (C), enabling angle measurement. The instrument’s precision allows navigators to determine latitude and longitude at sea using stars, the sun, or the moon.

Used on educational, maritime history, or navigation training websites; supports user intent to understand sextant mechanics, study nautical instruments, or prepare for certification exams like USCG or RYA.