sextant

简明释义

英[ˈsekstənt]美[ˈsekstənt]

n. 六分仪（航海定向仪器）；圆的六分之一

复 数 s e x t a n t s

英英释义

单词用法

同义词

反义词

例句

1.The sailor used a sextant to determine his position at sea.

水手使用六分仪来确定他在海上的位置。

2.By measuring the angle of the sun with a sextant, the navigator calculated their latitude.

通过用六分仪测量太阳的角度，导航员计算出他们的纬度。

3.In the past, a sextant was an essential tool for ocean explorers.

在过去，六分仪是海洋探险者必不可少的工具。

4.He polished his sextant before setting sail on his voyage.

在启航之前，他擦亮了他的六分仪。

5.The sextant is often used in conjunction with a chronometer for accurate navigation.

六分仪通常与计时器一起使用，以实现精确导航。

作文

The sextant is an essential instrument that has played a crucial role in the field of navigation for centuries. It is primarily used to measure the angle between two visible objects, typically the horizon and a celestial body such as the sun or a star. This measurement allows navigators to determine their latitude and longitude, which is vital for safe and accurate travel over long distances, especially at sea. The invention of the sextant marked a significant advancement in maritime navigation, enabling sailors to venture further from shore with greater confidence. Historically, the sextant evolved from earlier instruments like the astrolabe and quadrant. The design of the sextant includes a graduated arc of 60 degrees, hence its name derived from the Latin word 'sextus,' meaning sixth. This arc allows for precise angular measurements up to 120 degrees. The sextant consists of a frame, an index arm, a telescope, and a mirror system that reflects images of the celestial body and the horizon. By aligning these two images, navigators can read the angle on the scale, which is then used in conjunction with nautical charts to determine their position. In the age of GPS technology, one might wonder about the relevance of the sextant in modern navigation. While electronic devices have largely replaced traditional navigation tools, the sextant remains a valuable backup for sailors. In situations where electronic systems fail due to technical issues or power loss, the sextant provides a reliable alternative. Furthermore, understanding how to use a sextant fosters a deeper appreciation of navigation's history and the skills required by early explorers. Using a sextant involves several steps, including taking sightings at specific times and performing calculations to determine one’s position. This process requires knowledge of celestial navigation principles, mathematical skills, and patience. Many sailing schools and maritime academies still teach the use of the sextant as part of their curriculum, emphasizing its importance in developing a navigator's skills. The sextant also holds a place in popular culture, often symbolizing exploration and adventure. It represents the spirit of discovery that drove many explorers during the Age of Sail. The image of a sailor using a sextant against the backdrop of a sunset or a starlit sky evokes a sense of romance and mystery associated with the sea. In conclusion, the sextant is more than just a navigational tool; it is a testament to human ingenuity and the quest for exploration. Its legacy continues to influence modern navigation practices, reminding us of the skills and knowledge that paved the way for our current technological advancements. Whether you are a seasoned sailor or a history enthusiast, the sextant serves as a fascinating link to our past, embodying the challenges and triumphs of those who dared to navigate the uncharted waters of the world.

六分仪是一种重要的仪器，在航海领域发挥了至关重要的作用，已经有几个世纪的历史。它主要用于测量两个可见物体之间的角度，通常是地平线和天体（如太阳或星星）。这种测量使导航员能够确定他们的纬度和经度，这对于安全和准确地进行远距离旅行至关重要，尤其是在海上。六分仪的发明标志着海洋导航的一项重大进步，使水手能够更自信地远离海岸。 历史上，六分仪是从早期的仪器演变而来的，如天文仪和象限。六分仪的设计包括一个60度的刻度弧，因此得名于拉丁词“sextus”，意为第六。这个弧形可以精确测量高达120度的角度。六分仪由框架、指针臂、望远镜和镜子系统组成，该系统反射天体和地平线的图像。通过对齐这两幅图像，导航员可以读取刻度上的角度，然后将其与航海图结合使用以确定他们的位置。 在GPS技术时代，人们可能会怀疑六分仪在现代导航中的相关性。尽管电子设备在很大程度上取代了传统的导航工具，但六分仪仍然是水手们宝贵的备份。在电子系统由于技术问题或电源故障而失效的情况下，六分仪提供了可靠的替代方案。此外，了解如何使用六分仪能加深对导航历史及早期探险者所需技能的欣赏。 使用六分仪涉及几个步骤，包括在特定时间进行观测并进行计算以确定自己位置的过程。这一过程需要对天文导航原理的知识、数学技能和耐心。许多航海学校和海事学院仍然在其课程中教授六分仪的使用，强调其在培养导航员技能方面的重要性。 六分仪在流行文化中也占有一席之地，常常象征着探索和冒险。它代表了推动许多探险者在帆船时代进行探索的发现精神。一个水手在日落或星空背景下使用六分仪的画面唤起了一种与海洋相关的浪漫和神秘感。 总之，六分仪不仅仅是一种导航工具；它是人类聪明才智和探索追求的见证。它的遗产继续影响现代导航实践，提醒我们那些为我们当前的技术进步铺平道路的技能和知识。无论您是经验丰富的水手还是历史爱好者，六分仪都作为我们过去的迷人联系，体现了那些敢于在世界未被开垦的水域中航行的挑战和胜利。