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From: Jared Sherman (no email)
Date: Mon Nov 24 2003 - 13:54:15 EST
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.<G>
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.<G>
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