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A Community Devoted to the Preservation and Practice of Celestial Navigation and Other Methods of Traditional Wayfinding
Re: Latitude From Two Star Altitudes Only
From: Lars Bergman
Date: 2026 Apr 27, 07:06 -0700
From: Lars Bergman
Date: 2026 Apr 27, 07:06 -0700
Wendel,
You wrote "the sign you pick doesn't matter much". I do not agree, the sign does matter! As an example, if you calculate LHAP at the lower latitude (14.703°) you get either 25.479° or -25.479°. To get LHAC, add the difference between SHAs, 37.077°. Then you get LHAC either 62.556° or 11.598°. The first of these values will give an erroneous altitude of Capella.
But I am glad that you realized that the latitude(s) can be found without iteration.
Lars
