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Using Pocket Stars (www.nomadelectronics.com) which is based on Novas
and JPL405 data, I'm getting a declination of:

  UTC      dec in minutes
-------------------------
19:15:46   -.01
19:16:00     0
19:16:23:  +.01

So interpolating these gives a time of about UTC 19:16:04.

- Jay

-----Original Message-----
From: Navigation Mailing List
[mailto:NAVIGATION-L@LISTSERV.WEBKAHUNA.COM] On Behalf Of Rob Gendreau
Sent: Saturday, March 16, 2002 8:05 AM
To: NAVIGATION-L@LISTSERV.WEBKAHUNA.COM
Subject: Equinox, eggs and other questions


I always assumed the equinox was when the sun crossed the equator, but
since taking a Cel Nav class I realize my naivete, and now assume that
it must be more complicated than that ;) For instance, is it when the
center of the sun crosses, or the lower limb, or what? A quick glance
through my Nautical Almanac didn't reveal an answer.

I figure the equinox will be between 19-00 and 20-00 UT (about 19-30 it
looks like) since that's when the sun's declination hits zero. If I just
fiddle with the increment tables to get a 0 deg dec, that's the equinox?

Oh, eggs. In Iran the new year begins on the equinox (helluv practical,
those ancient Persians). Tradition has it that at the moment of the
equinox you can stand an egg on end. Not to raise the specter of
scientific rationalism vs. folklore, but big bets are riding on this in
my office. Video evidence is being demanded. So an accurate time for the
equinox is essential.

And Happy New Year to all the Iranians out there!!

Rob

   

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