The best-selling Sextant in the world!
The Sextant has been one of our bestsellers for over 20 years. It has been tried and tested in practice and has an accuracy of 5 to 10 arc minutes. With more than 50,000 copies sold, it is probably the best-selling sextant in the world and offers an introduction to the art of navigation. We recommend the artificial horizon as a useful addition.
Revolution of navigation
Until the introduction of satellite-based systems (GPS), the most important method for determining location on the high seas was to measure the height of the Sun or a star above the horizon or the distance between stars as accurately as possible. After the quadrant and astrolabe, Jacob's Staff and magnetic compass, a new era in astro-navigation began with the invention of the mirror sextant. This instrument revolutionised navigation because now it was possible to measure the height of the Sun or a star with unsurpassed accuracy and speed.
How it works
The principle is brilliant and at the same time amazingly simple: a rotating mirror makes it possible to align an image of the point to be measured with the horizon or another reference point and to read off the angle between the two on a scale.
This kit contains:
- 4 pre-cut and printed A4 sheets of construction cardboard
- Accessories:
2 stainless steel mirrors, 48 x 18 mm
1 solar filter foil, 38 x 18 mm, black - detailed assembly instructions
Features: measuring accuracy of 5 arc minutes
Dimensions of the built item: approx. 20 x 23 x 5.3 mm
Construction time: approx. 5 hours
Producer: AstroMedia GmbH, Im Wirrigen 30, 45731 Waltrop, Germany, astromedia.de
Below you can download the instructions for this kit.
Things you need for a successful assembly:
- a firm and flat working surface, useful is a cutting mat
- a craft knife or a scalpel
- a good universal glue
- fine sandpaper
- some alcohol to clean the mirrors
- a clothes peg
- a thin black waterproof marker pen
Supervision by adults:
Children under the age of 14 should use the kit under adult supervision to avoid risks due to improper handling.
Take care with small parts:
Choking hazard! Keep small parts out of the reach of small children.
Risk of injury:
Take particular care when handling pointed and sharp parts! Use sharp tools with care and take suitable safety measures to avoid injury if necessary.
Fire hazard:
Keep away from open sources of fire and heat. Product contains highly flammable materials.
Danger from sunlight:
Never look directly at the Sun through the sextant without using a suitable sun filter, as this can cause serious eye damage.
Use of adhesives:
Follow the manufacturer's safety instructions when using adhesives. Work in well-ventilated areas and avoid skin or eye contact.
Intended use:
The kit should be used in accordance with the enclosed instructions. Independent modifications may impair the functionality and safety of the model built.
