NavList:
A Community Devoted to the Preservation and Practice of Celestial Navigation and Other Methods of Traditional Wayfinding
Re: Star-sight discrepancy
From: Bill B
Date: 2005 Aug 25, 18:02 -0500
From: Bill B
Date: 2005 Aug 25, 18:02 -0500
> Yes. A principle means of establishing latitude on land, where a plumb > bob or spirit level can be used to establish one's "horizon." At sea, > with only a short time at twilight when both the real horizon and stars > are visible, tough to find a star undergoing meridian passage (and > wasting time better spent obtaining a 3-point or 4-point fix). > I believe by timing the actual moment of meridian passage, > longitude also can be determined, but I'm getting far out of my depth > here. Fred I think you are in your depth and spot on. I recall toying with the idea, and looking for bright stars that would be making their meridian passage during prime viewing time to discover--as you pointed out--the opportunities are few and far between. Bill