NavList:
A Community Devoted to the Preservation and Practice of Celestial Navigation and Other Methods of Traditional Wayfinding
From: Brad Morris
Date: 2010 Mar 20, 18:45 -0700
Hi Frank
Well Played! I had not considered using a star to star distance in the determination of a backsight index error, but OH YES, that would indeed work. Probably far easier than observing an altitude at your zenith and of course, immediately available for several bright star pairs.
There would be no need to calculate for aberration, precession or proper motion at all. The refraction calculation can be ignored! Simply measure the distance using the foresight apparatus and then, setting the nonius of the vernier to arc for a backsight, adjust the backsight horizon mirror until it provides the same angle.
Definitely superior to my method, in that is it easier to do and much more immediately available. Now I can't wait until I get a backsight octant!
Best Regards
Brad
----------------------------------------------------------------
NavList message boards and member settings: www.fer3.com/NavList
Members may optionally receive posts by email.
To cancel email delivery, send a message to NoMail[at]fer3.com
----------------------------------------------------------------
