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Reading of Sextant

Reading a micrometer drum sextant is done in three steps. The degrees are read by noting the
position of the arrow on the index arm in relation to the arc. The minutes are read by noting the
position of the zero on the vernier with relation to the graduations on the micrometer drum. The
fraction of a minute is read by noting which mark on the vernier most nearly coincides with one of the
graduations on the micrometer drum. This is similar to reading the time with the hour, minute, and
second hands of a watch. In both, the relationship of one part of the reading to the others should be
kept in mind. Thus, if the hour hand of a watch were about on “4,” one would know that the time was
about four o’clock. But if the minute hand were on “58,” one would know that the time was 0358 (or
1558), not 0458 (or 1658). Similarly, if the arc indicated a reading of about 40°, and 58' on the
micrometer drum were opposite zero on the vernier, one would know that the reading was 39° 58',
not 40°58'. Similarly, any doubt as to the correct minute can be removed by noting the fraction of a
minute from the position of the vernier. In Figure 1608a the reading is 29° 42.5'. The arrow on the
index mark is between 29° and 30°, the zero on the vernier is between 42' and 43', and the 0.5'
graduation on the vernier coincides with one of the graduations on the micrometer drum.

The principle of reading a vernier sextant is the same, but the reading is made in two steps. Figure
1608b shows a typical altitude setting. Each degree on the arc of this sextant is graduated into three
parts, permitting an initial reading by the reference mark on the index arm to the nearest 20' of arc.
In this illustration the reference mark lies between 29°40' and 30°00', indicating a reading between
these values. The reading for the fraction of 20' is made using the vernier, which is engraved on the
index arm and has the small reference mark as its zero graduation. On this vernier, 40 graduations
coincide with 39 graduations on the arc. Each graduation on the vernier is equivalent to 1/40 of one
graduation of 20' on the arc, or 0.5', or 30". In the illustration, the vernier graduation representing 2
1/2' (2'30") most nearly coincides with one of the raduations on the arc. Therefore, the reading is
29°42'30", or 29°42.5', as before. When a vernier of this type is used, any doubt as to which mark on
the vernier coincides with a graduation on the arc can usually be resolved by noting the position of
the vernier mark on each side of the one that seems to be in coincidence.

Negative readings, such as a negative index correction, are made in the same manner as positive
readings; the various figures are added algebraically. Thus, if the three parts of a micrometer drum
reading are (-) 1°, 56' and 0.3', the total reading is (-) 1° + 56' + 0.3' = (-) 3.7’.

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 Micrometer drum sextant set at 29° 42.5'.

Sextant Adjustments

There are three adjustment that should made by the navigator and it should be made in order;

1- Index mirror must be perpendicular to the frame (reflection test).

2- Horizon mirror must be perpendicular to the frame (side error).
3- Horizon mirror may be adjusted for index error.

Horizon mirror adjustment is the most important but, it cannot be adjusted if the other two is not
adjusted.

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1- Reflection test; Hold the sextant horizontal. At a certain position of the arm and with just the
right viewing angle we will see a reflection of the arc in the mirror and also see the arc directly to the
right of the mirror. The two sections of the arc should appear to form a continuous line. If they do
not, then adjust the index mirror by turning the screw a little with the adjusting key.

2- Side Error; Set the main arc near zero and look up to a star. Make sure the telescope is sharply
focused. We will se two images of then star. Turn the micrometer drum while watching the two
images. They should pass through each other. If they do not, then give the adjusting screw on the
horizon mirror a small turn. This is the screw farthest from the frame. Check to make sure the error is
gone. We do not actually have to use a star; any clearly defined mark will do.

3- Index Error; Set the main arc near zero and look up to a faint star. Turn the micrometer drum
until the two images are coincident. Examine the reading. If there is no error it should be exactly zero.
Do it a couple of times to see what variation there is in our readings. An error can be left and applied
as an index correction or it may be removed. To remove it set the main arc exactly to zero and look
back to a star. The two images will be slightly separated. Apply the adjusting key to the screw on the
horizon mirror (the one nearer to frame) and turn it till the two star images coincide. Remove the key
and check what it actually reads- do it several times turning the micrometer off then on again.

If there was a lot of index error, adjusting it out may introduce some side error. If so take the side
error out before rechecking the index error and possibly refining the index adjustment. The index
error is the direct error in the reading of the sextant angle and so must be checked often. When
checking it, it is necessary to use, if not a star, then at least a distant object. A cloud or sea horizon
will do if it is sharp.

The sun also may be used and may be the most accurate. Make sure the sun is 20° or higher (to
obviate any differential refraction influence), select some suitable shades and look up to it. Now
instead of superimposing the two images turn the micrometer drum till the two just touch. Take a
reading of the arc. Look again to the sun and, by turning micrometer drum, exchange the images-
that is, put the bottom one on the top and the top to the bottom. Read the arc again. If there is no
index error then the two readings will be equally placed either side of zero, e.g. 0°32’.4 and
359°27’.6. If this is not the case then infer what they should read, set this on the arc and use the
adjusting screw on the horizon mirror to touch the images together. Check read it several times.

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