An octant is an early navigation instrument used to measure the altitude of celestial bodies. This tool represents a predecessor to the modern sextant used by many ocean-going sailors today. It features a frame shaped like one-eighth of a circle to measure angles up to ninety degrees. A navigator looks through the eyepiece to align the horizon with a star or the sun. This measurement helps determine the position of the boat on a paper sea chart. Mirrors inside the device reflect the image of the sky onto a graduated scale for reading. While newer electronics are common, some sailors still carry an octant as a reliable backup tool. Understanding how to use this classic device is a hallmark of a skilled maritime navigator.
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