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Hi Frank,

> Frank Reed a ?crit:
>
> Pierre Brial, you wrote:
> "Not yet. My sextant has a mechanical accuracy of 0.2', but despite
> the
> fact I have adjusted it, repeated tests on star distances show me that
> it is difficult to have a practical accuracy of under 0.8'. But may be
> this is also because of my lack of experience or inaccuracies in my
> eye."
>
> Do you have a good telescope on it? I have found that I can only get
> down to 0.2' accuracy with a 7x35 monocular on my sextant.

I think you got the point. I've got a 3.5x38 telescope. Recently I tried
a lunar distance with Saturn. The ephemeris give for Saturn a semi
diameter of 0.2', that is a whole diameter of 0.4'. But through the
scope, I see only a spot. A bright one, but nevertheless a spot. So the
magnification is too small to get a 0.4' accuracy.

> "Are these [Bowditch] notes available somewhere ? Foreign accounts on Reunion for
> 18th century are not well known here..."
>
> It's in the Boston Public Library in Massachusetts. I have only read
> summary accounts, but next time I'm out east, it's on my list of
> things to read. I'll let you know if there's more of interest
> regarding Reunion.

I will be very grateful if you can find informations about this. Also
let me know in case these note will be published.

Best regards

Pierre Brial

   

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