NavList:

Örjan,

My post regarding 'Round 1' also contains at least one error, which I noticed just after submitting it. If you look at the attached sight reduction, I mis-copied the Ho for Fomalhaut. I had calculated it to be 31°08!7, but for some unknown reason when I copied it to the intercept calculation, I wrote 31°08!0.

Granted, this wouldn't have made much difference in the plot. But I think it goes to show that these kinds of errors are not uncommon. And that one must remain vigilant against the ease at which we find ourselves when using well practiced methods. I could just as easily have copied the date incorrectly as well.

Errors also serve to highlight the weaknesses of our methods. Even while doing said reduction I was thinking about how I could reduce any duplicates in order to prevent exactly this kind of error. In other words, I could arrange my calculations so that I would only have to write the Ho once, thus eliminating the chance of a copy error. Or just use a form.

On the other hand, errors may also show us the strengths of our methods. For example: upon looking at your intercepts, you noticed right away that something was amiss. It has been mentioned before that a "hands on" technique like CelNav as opposed to just reading a GPS screen is a good way to help ensure the data and fix are accurate. Notice I said "help". Of course using multiple, independent methods is always best practice.

Just my twenty cents. ;)

Regards,
Sean C
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