Sextant Meaning in Sailing

A sextant consists of a precision navigation instrument used to measure the angle between a celestial body (like the sun or stars) and the horizon. By measuring this angle at a specific time, a navigator can calculate their latitude and longitude. One specific example involves a sailor taking a ‘noon sight’ to determine their exact north-south position during an ocean crossing. While GPS has made sextants a secondary backup, they remain the hallmark of traditional celestial navigation because they require no electricity. Mastering the sextant is a point of pride for many offshore mariners, ensuring they can find their way even if all electronics fail.