Description
The Celestaire Astra IIIB Deluxe Sextant – Whole Horizon Mirror is a classic metal sextant that has become one of the world’s most widely used models for astronomical navigation. The model has been produced by Celestaire since 1986 and is known for combining high precision, good optics and solid construction at a relatively accessible price. Today, the Astra IIIB is considered one of the most widespread sextants in the world and is used by long-distance sailors, navigation courses and enthusiasts who want to learn navigation with a sextant.
A sextant is used to measure the angle between a celestial body – such as the sun, moon or a star – and the horizon. With the help of nautical almanacs and tables, you can then calculate your position at sea without using GPS. Astronomical navigation is still used by many sailors as an independent backup system and as part of traditional navigation skills.
Astra IIIB has a lightweight and corrosion-resistant aluminum frame that provides good stability while keeping the weight low. This makes the instrument comfortable to use and reduces fatigue during observations. The low weight and good balance also make the sextant easier to keep stable during observations in waves and changing weather conditions.
The sextant is known to be one of the most user-friendly metal sextants on the market. The clear scale with white degree markings against a black background makes reading easy, even in low light conditions. The instrument is equipped with LED illumination of the arc and micrometer drum, powered by two standard AA batteries in the handle.
This version comes with Whole Horizon Mirror, where the entire horizon mirror reflects the horizon. This makes it easier to see the horizon clearly during observations and makes the model particularly suitable for beginners and astro-navigation courses.
Astra IIIB has high optical quality mirrors that are tested for perfect flatness during production. The hexagon is also designed so that the horizon mirror can be easily switched between full- and split-horizon types using two screws. This makes it possible to change the mirror type as you gain more experience with the instrument.
The sextant is delivered in a sturdy lacquered wooden box and includes a telescope, instruction manual, certificate of accuracy and adjustment tools. The model comes with a 3.5×40 monocular telescope as standard.
Astra IIIB is a robust and precise instrument that is well suited for both training and practical sextant sailing.
Production
Celestaire sextants are manufactured by Changzhou Celestaire Instrument Co. in China to Celestaire USA specifications and quality standards. Each sextant comes with a certificate of accuracy and in a protective lacquered wooden box with instruction manual and adjustment tools.
Navigasjonsbutikken Kart.no AS is a distributor of Celestaire in Norway. For schools, courses and institutions, we can also deliver larger batches of sextants – please contact us for price and delivery time.
