NavList:

Hello Robert,

I, much like you, have come to appreciate the beauty (and applicatobility) of the concepts and mechanics of celestial navigation.  However, like many celnavers, I take mischevious delight in pointing out how we determine acceptable navigational positions on the basis of a fundamentally unacceptable cosmological view: geocentrism.  In a similar manner, I have come to appreciate the applicatability of flat-earthism.  Of course both views are incorrect; however, it seems that multiple cosmological views can productively co-exist depending on the problem at hand: a committed heliocentrist accepts the sun-centered view when discussing solar system mechanics but readily embraces geocentrism when using celestial methods to navigate an ocean passage and, the same individual, quickly morphs into a zealous flat-earther when levelling up the foundation for a new house.  May I suggest that you ask the flat-earthers you encounter to confirm their beliefs by building you a nicely levelled shed in the back yard.  The demand for those skilled with the tools of celestial navigation has declined in recent decades; however, with the severe housing shortages of recent times, those skilled with the tools of flat-earthism are in great demand.

Cheers,

Jim Wyse