Using a sextant on dry land

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spillemw

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I am trying to exercise with my sextant away from the sea. I know I am supposed to create a artificial horizon by using for instance a pool in which the sun reflects. However, I don't quite understand from the manuals what I have to aim the telescope at. Do I aim the telescope at the reflection of the sun in the pool? It does not seem to work for me that way.
 
A shallow dish of oil will do the job, water ripples too much. Point the telescope at the reflection in the oil and bring the image of the sun in the mirrors down to it. Once you have an angle, halve it for your calculations.

I'll leave you to work out what to do with semi-diameter corrections - it depends how you choose to line up the two images of the sun.
 
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no - it`s just a reflection /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
Get a plank and rest it on a bit of old broom handle and try balancing on it whilst trying to take a reading, this will simulate a shifting deck. Its also a good idea to practice on a cloud covered day, again to simulate the weather you will probably have, no need to be out in the rain, but it will most likely be raining too. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
you could do this in the bath then - just open the window and turn the shower on .... /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
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