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Subject: Re: Visibility at rising and setting
From: Chuck Taylor (ctaylor@XXX.XXX)
Date: Tue Apr 25 2000 - 12:46:38 EDT
On Tue, 25 Apr 2000, George Huxtable raised the topic of
celestial observations of the Sun, Moon, stars, and planets
as they rise or set.
Certainly one could argue that such sights are less than
ideal. I think it is appropriate, however, to consider them
in the context of "Lifeboat Navigation" or "Emergency
Navigation." I don't think anyone would claim that such
sights are superior to ordinary sextant sights, but in
extraordinary circumstances when a sextant is not available,
they could be quite useful.
I remember many a clear night horizon in the western Pacific
Ocean and the South China Sea from my U.S. Navy days. I
agree with George that lack of a clear horizon could be a
problem in the northern oceans.
----------------
Chuck Taylor
SEASCAPE GB 32-2
Everett, WA, USA
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