NavList:

Bruce,

You asked:

"1) What tables are needed (if any)
2) Where can I get more information
3) Is a sextant accurate to minutes and seconds good enough to get
reasonable results?"

1) I can recommend the Stark Tables for Clearing the Lunar Distance. The book contains sample forms and with practice can yield quick results.

2) Check Frank's website. In particular, you might find the "Easy Lunars" section of interest - all you need is an almanac and a scientific calculator to clear your lunars.

3) With practice ... certainly. I've determined UT to within a few seconds with an Astra IIIb. (Although some amount of luck was certainly involved there.)

It was my interest in lunars which brought me to NavList via Frank's site. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. As someone who clumsily stumbled through the process myself, I'd be happy to pass on what I've learned. If you want some "test" data to practice the clearing process with, see here for some of my past attempts. But remember - nothing will improve your results more than getting out there and shooting your own lunars ... the more the better.

Cheers!

Sean C.