Bubble Sextant

A Bubble Sextant is a navigational instrument used for measuring the angle between a celestial body (such as the sun or a star) and the horizon. It is commonly used in marine navigation to determine the ship's position at sea.

The instrument consists of a telescope, a bubble level, and a graduated arc or scale. The bubble level is used to ensure that the sextant is held horizontally, while the telescope is used to sight the celestial body. By measuring the angle between the celestial body and the horizon, the navigator can calculate the ship's latitude and longitude.

Bubble sextants are typically used in conjunction with a chronometer or a timepiece to determine the exact time of the observation. This is important for accurate celestial navigation calculations.

In the supply class Navigational Instruments, bubble sextants are categorized as a specific type of instrument used for celestial navigation. They are part of the broader supply group Instruments And Laboratory Equipment, which includes various instruments and equipment used in scientific research, experimentation, and measurement.

Bubble sextants are essential tools for navigators, especially in situations where other navigational aids, such as GPS, may not be available or reliable. They require skill and knowledge to use effectively, but they remain an important backup method for determining a ship's position at sea.