NavList:

   

Reply

Bill B. you wrote:
"A new set of eyes thinking outside the established box may have something to add."

And in addition, this is what we all hope for. Even when a newcomer just asks 
a question that nobody has asked in quite the same way before can completely 
change our perspective on things that we "know" we understand.

You wrote:
"Do that even with presets for awkward positions. That exercise also helps in 
developing a kinetic sense/memory of what contortions/circus-people positions 
you need to assume to make the observation."

That's a good point. And if you're thinking about messing around with lunars, 
it's another reason for doing star-star sights --you get to try out those 
awkward poses and find physical tricks for minimizing the fatigue in your 
arms and shoulders.

You wrote:
"Try Frank's tip for lunars.  Get them close, relax and take a quick break.
Get them closer and relax, then move in for the money shot.  In star-to-star
distances there is no rush or pressure as they are not changing angular distances in a hurry."

Hey, I forgot all about that one. By that I mean, it's become so second-nature 
to me that I have forgotten to describe it for people just trying this out. 
The idea is to avoid "live" adjustment of the micrometer drum. That way you 
can hold the sextant with both hands, one on the handle and the other on the 
opposing side of the frame. It's a lot easier. You lower the sextant from 
your eye... adjust a bit... raise it with both hands and look again.. if it's 
not quite right, you lower and adjust again... and so on.

You concluded:
"I have witnessed two observers with advanced degrees who should have known 
better sitting on the same side of a picnic table, leaning backwards to get 
the angle--which caused the center of gravity to shift so the table rolled 
over on them as they fell backwards.

It was interesting that despite the fact both were falling on their backs and 
heads with a table on top of them they both came to rest in the same 
position--pinned under the table with the arm holding the sextant 
outstretched and vertical. No harm was done to the sextants.

I would normally have found this humorous, but it took two trips through the 
washing machine to get the grass stains out of my jacket."

LOL. I found it VERY humorous. Great image... --And the sextant is still 
standing! The crowd goes wild!! :-)

-FER



--~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~
Navigation List archive: www.fer3.com/arc
To post, email NavList@fer3.com
To , email NavList-@fer3.com
-~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---

   

Reply