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George: Bill Morris posed this question:-

"Gentlemen
When I posed my initial question, I was looking for a general case solution. In my usual obtuse fashion, it came across as a special case question, and at that, poorly stated.
A search through the archives provided this clearing method. http://fer3.com/arc/m2.aspx?i=015102&y=200404 Would this still be considered a good general case solution? "
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George,
You queried my previous postings.
Are you now satisfied with my general case solution for the two star distance problem with included Zenith/Rational Horizon diagram? It should be a rigorous solution unless there are flaws I have not noticed.

I do not incidentally, understand your method which mentions an addition of refraction. Refraction should be subtracted every time.
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In my method there are three spherical triangles to calculate.
I have not included the trivial spherical formulae for the spherical geometry but will do so if you want. For calculation of Azimuth one can use spherical Cosine formula, or Four-Part Formula. Cosine formula for the second triangle: star1/star2/Azimuth difference for included angle.

The rational horizon diagram is not perfect and can be improved. I might do so later and re-send it. The lines through the stars to the horizon should be straight. The azimuth angles should have been indicated not the bearing angles (which I am used to with Marc St Hillaire all the time so that's how I drew it without thinking).

Douglas Denny.
Chichester. England.
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