NavList:

   

Reply

Norm,
Yes, the rate of change of the distance was very small,
(and zero when the distance is minimal) so this observation
could not be used for determination of longitude.
But it was useful for sextant testing. And testing of the
observer skill.

All this was discussed few days ago in great detail,
when Frank brought the event to the list's attention.
(See the earlier messages of Frank and others under this title).

Alex.



> I hope to get started observing soon. Watching the Moon pass Jupiter the
> other night got me thinking-  At the nearest distance, the rate of change
> of the angle between Jupiter (or any very slowly moving object) and the
> Moon stops changing. It's as if our 'clock' has stopped. On either side of
> this point, the rate of angle change is quite small. It seems to me that
> if you try to use measurements taken near these times, your longitude
> would have a lot of uncertainty. Is this right?
>
> Also, could you point me to the tables that would be used, assuming I get
> my sextant working (highly possible)?
>
> Norm
> ----------------------------------------------------------------
> 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
> ----------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
>
>
> : http://fer3.com/arc/m2.aspx?i=122077
>
>
>

   

Reply