Learning path · Tromsø Sextant Nights
Sextant 69°N

Learning path

What to learn, in order

Each stage builds on the one before. Only move on when the check is true.

1Read the sextantHome · daylightVernier + index errorIE agrees to 0.3′ three times2Oil horizon on the balconyHome · nightTray of oil + Jupiter5 sights in 5 min, scatter < 1′3Tables on paperKitchen tableRedo the 3 worked examplesYour answers match the page4Polaris at the coastCoast · duskSea horizon, latitudeWithin 2′ of GPS, 3 evenings5Star pair inlandWilderness · nightTray, south + north starWithin 2′ of GPS6Three-star fixWilderness · nightLatitude and longitudeWithin 3 nm (5.5 km) of GPS7Teach itWith clients20–30 min sessionGuests get their own latitude
Seven stages. Don't move on until the green check is true. Tap a stage to open its page.

Read alongside

Celestial Navigation in a Nutshell

Hewitt Schlereth

Short. Read before stage 3. Covers the ideas behind the tables.

The Sextant Handbook

Bruce Bauer

Care, adjustment and use of the instrument. Useful at stage 1.