
A professional sextant for celestial navigation, featuring a bronze arc and aluminum frame. Lightweight, precise (±15"), and designed for seamless use at sea.
Data sheet
Specific References
Master the art of celestial navigation with the Astra III Professional sextant, a high-precision instrument designed for professional sailors who demand accuracy, durability, and ease of use. Whether you're navigating open oceans or preparing for advanced maritime certifications, this sextant delivers unmatched reliability where it matters most. Built to withstand the rigors of professional use, it combines time-tested craftsmanship with modern engineering to ensure pinpoint accuracy in every reading.
Unrivaled Precision for Celestial Navigation
The Astra III Professional sextant redefines what mariners can expect from a navigation instrument, blending centuries-old seafaring tradition with cutting-edge engineering. Designed for professional use, this sextant delivers an exceptional precision of ±15 arcseconds across its entire arc, ensuring that every reading is as accurate as it is reliable. Whether you're plotting a course across the Atlantic or refining your skills for advanced certifications, this instrument provides the confidence and consistency needed to navigate with precision.
Durable Construction for Demanding Conditions
Built to endure the harshest marine environments, the Astra III Professional features a unique construction that marries durability with lightweight handling. Its arc is crafted from fused bronze, providing unmatched stability and resistance to corrosion, while the aluminum frame keeps the overall weight at just 3 pounds and 2 ounces (1.42 kg). This balance of materials ensures that the sextant remains easy to handle during long navigation sessions, reducing fatigue without compromising on strength. The ergonomic handle, designed with an integrated electrical grip, allows for seamless connectivity to accessories, making it a versatile tool for modern mariners.
Optical Excellence for Clear and Accurate Readings
At the heart of the Astra III Professional is its advanced optical system, engineered to deliver clarity and precision in every observation. The standard 3.5x40 telescope provides a magnified view of celestial bodies and the horizon, while the large 51mm horizon mirror and 56x42mm index mirrors capture ample light for optimal reflection. With four index shades and three horizon shades, this sextant adapts effortlessly to varying light conditions, from the glare of midday sun to the dim light of twilight. The traditional split mirror design ensures precise alignment, allowing mariners to achieve accurate angle measurements with ease.
Designed for Professional Mariners
The Astra III Professional is not just a tool—it's a trusted companion for those who navigate the world's oceans. Its wide arc range, spanning from -5° to +130° with a 153mm radius, accommodates a broad spectrum of celestial observations, making it suitable for everything from basic navigation to advanced astronomical plotting. The micrometer drum, with its 1-minute scale and 0.2-minute vernier, allows for ultra-fine adjustments, ensuring that every reading is as precise as possible. Additionally, the sextant is equipped with LED illumination for the arc and drum, powered by two AA batteries, providing visibility in low-light conditions without sacrificing accuracy.
Ready for the Journey Ahead
Every detail of the Astra III Professional has been thoughtfully considered to meet the needs of professional mariners. The sextant comes complete with a sturdy wooden storage case, offering protection against the elements and ensuring safe transport. For those seeking enhanced functionality, optional upgrades such as a 7x35 telescope, sighting tube, bubble horizon, or dual artificial horizon with lighting are available. Manufactured to exacting specifications, this sextant is a testament to the enduring legacy of celestial navigation, combining traditional craftsmanship with the precision of modern engineering.
The Astra III Professional sextant is engineered to deliver exceptional performance with a precision of ±15 arcseconds across its entire arc, ensuring accurate readings in all conditions. Its construction features a fused bronze arc and an aluminum frame, providing durability without excess weight—just 3 pounds and 2 ounces (1.42 kg). The sextant includes a 3.5x40 standard telescope, a 51mm horizon mirror, and 56x42mm index mirrors, along with four index shades and three horizon shades for optimal light control. The micrometer drum offers a 1-minute scale with a 0.2-minute vernier for fine adjustments, while the arc spans from -5° to +130° with a 153mm radius. LED illumination for the arc and drum, powered by two AA batteries, ensures visibility in low-light environments.
The precision tolerance is ±15 seconds of arc across the entire arc, ensuring high accuracy for professional navigation.
The total weight is approximately 3 pounds 10 ounces (1.64 kg), including the additional 8 ounces from the bronze arc.
The standard telescope included is a 3.5x40 magnification model, designed for clear and precise sighting.
Yes, it features LED lighting for the arc and drum, powered by 2 AA batteries, and supports optional illuminated accessories.
The arc measures from -5° to +130°, with a radius of 153 mm, allowing for a wide range of celestial observations.
It was selected by NASA for testing on the International Space Station, indicating its reliability in demanding environments.
The frame is made of lightweight aluminum, while the arc is constructed from fused bronze, combining durability with precision.
You might also like