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    Re: FW: A noon sight conundrum
    From: Jared Sherman
    Date: 2003 Nov 24, 13:54 -0500

    Kiernan-
     I would expect that the use of 360 rather than 0 is simply the result of the 
    formula that the USN uses. If they are presenting 359+ degrees, their formula 
    probably does the usual and rounds it up to the next integer, i.e. 360. While 
    if they are using a position of 0+ degrees, their formula probably rounds it 
    down to the nearest whole integer, i.e. showing it "properly" as zero rather 
    than 360.
    
     On that unfirm assumption I would then stretch my neck a bit further to 
    assume that the "real" Zn of "really zero" lies between these two specific 
    positions:
    
    3h 15m 40s      47d 29.2'       360.0d
    3h 15m 38s      47d 29.2'           0.0d
    
    since the first is probably a position of 359+ degrees and the second is 
    probably actually in excess of 0 degrees.
    
    In any part of navigation, charting or calculating, you must always resist the 
    temptation to be misled by APPARENT precision. Usually the exact answer, 
    result, or position is not limited to the portion of it that you can see.
    
    
    On the second topic of the sun standing still? I know that historically there 
    is a record of that happening (in the biblical Battle of Jericho was it?) but 
    I'm afraid the scholars have shed some doubt on the literal details in that 
    work. I doubt the USNO has the authority to halt the sun, however briefly.
    
    
    

       
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