NavList:

I suggest averaging the leading and trailing limb azimuth observations. An error
caused by a brightness contrast difference (irradiation) may be what you are noticing when observing just the trailing limb. To reduce the effect of time on azimuth try observing the Sun shortly after sunrise or before sunset.

Greg Rudzinski

Unrealistic expectations
From: rgaarden
Date: 2013 Oct 6, 10:12 -0700
I bought the Multiyear Interactive Computer Almanac from Willman-Bell, calculated a series of solar positions by second, and made observations during that sequence period. I then compared my observations with the calculations. I was in error on average 4.3 seconds (time) with a SD of 8.57 seconds. The sun is moving an arc minute every 4 seconds. With my current skill set locating North within 20" is out of reach.

I am not about to argue with my own numbers. Still, it is difficult to understand how I could miss the alignment of the trailing edge of the Sun with my vertical cross hair by multiple seconds.

What is a reasonable accuracy expectation for series of solar azimuth observations?

Thank you.
----------------------------------------------------------------
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
----------------------------------------------------------------