SextantInstrument to measure angle of elevation/depression
Written By: Vishal Bhatt
Sextant Release: 2.0 [major] 2019-06-24Guide ID: 366 -
This document was generated on 2019-09-20 02:05:43 PM (MST).
© 2019 Page 1 of 6
INTRODUCTION
Make your own sextant using a plastic straw, thread and some weight. Use it to measure the angleof elevation to different objects around you.
TOOLS:Scissors (1)Tape (1)
PARTS:Thread (1)
12 cmMagnet (1)Fat Straw (1)Cardboard (1)Protractor Template (1)
Sextant Release: 2.0 [major] 2019-06-24Guide ID: 366 -
This document was generated on 2019-09-20 02:05:43 PM (MST).
© 2019 Page 2 of 6
— Precautions
Exercise caution when using scissor
— Step 1 - Half Protractor Template
Take a cardboard sheet of size 12 cm x12 cm.
Stick the protractor template on the cardboard piece using glue.
Cut the extra part of the cardboard, using scissors.
Sextant Release: 2.0 [major] 2019-06-24Guide ID: 366 -
This document was generated on 2019-09-20 02:05:43 PM (MST).
© 2019 Page 3 of 6
— Step 2 - Making the Hole
Make a hole at the origin of the protractor template, where all the angle-lines originate
Take a 12 cm piece thread.
— Step 3 - Inserting Thread
Insert the thread through the hole.
Knot the thread so that it does not slip back through the hole.
On the other side of the thread, tie some weight, like a ring magnet.
The weight needs to be heavy enough to keep the thread taught.
Sextant Release: 2.0 [major] 2019-06-24Guide ID: 366 -
This document was generated on 2019-09-20 02:05:43 PM (MST).
© 2019 Page 4 of 6
— Step 4 - Preparing Sextant
Take a 12 cm piece of fat straw .
Fix straw with tape on one edge of the protractor.
— Play !
Look at any object that is aroundyou through the straw and measurethe angle of elevation to that point.
Sextant Release: 2.0 [major] 2019-06-24Guide ID: 366 -
This document was generated on 2019-09-20 02:05:43 PM (MST).
© 2019 Page 5 of 6
— Troubleshooting
Angles are not correct - Make sure the markings are correct
Not able to measure proper angle of elevation - Check the position of the straw; it should beparallel to the 0-degree line
Thread should be inserted exactly at the origin
Sextant Release: 2.0 [major] 2019-06-24Guide ID: 366 -
This document was generated on 2019-09-20 02:05:43 PM (MST).
© 2019 Page 6 of 6