Convert Sextants to Signs
Convert Sextants (sxt) to Signs (sign) instantly and accurately.
Conversion Formula
sign = sxt × 2
About Sextants
A sextant, as an angle unit, equals 1/6 of a full circle - π/3 rad = exactly 60°. The marine sextant (invented ~1730s by John Hadley and Thomas Godfrey) measures the altitude between a celestial body and the horizon; its 60° arc gives 120° measurement range via double reflection. The 60° angle is geometrically fundamental: equilateral triangles, regular hexagons, hexagonal crystal structures, and sp²-hybridised carbon (benzene, graphene) all exhibit 60° symmetry. 1 sextant = 60° = π/3 rad = 100 grad.
About Signs
An astrological sign equals 1/12 of a full circle - π/6 rad = exactly 30°. The zodiac divides the ecliptic into twelve 30° signs (Aries through Pisces), originating in Babylonian astronomy ~5th century BCE. Historical ecliptic longitude was expressed as sign + degrees: "Scorpio 12°" = 222°. The 30° spacing also appears in music theory: the circle of fifths has twelve equally spaced positions 30° apart, and the octave divides into 12 equal semitones. 1 sign = 30° = 1,800′ = π/6 rad = 533.3 NATO mils.
Quick Reference Table
| Sextants (sxt) | Signs (sign) |
|---|---|
| 1 sxt | 2 sign |
| 2 sxt | 4 sign |
| 5 sxt | 10 sign |
| 10 sxt | 20 sign |
| 25 sxt | 50 sign |
| 50 sxt | 100 sign |
| 100 sxt | 200 sign |