Forums

Ok, so this is kinda difficult to admit, but I've never taken a shot of Polaris.   I know, it's the most basic thing one can do with which to navigate, but I've sort of shied away from polars until recently.... I will soon give it a go. 

I do have, though, a preliminary question.

What ever happened to the A0, A1, A2 reduction?  All I see now is some Q method ive not yet grasped.  Please tell me what IS the current prevailing Polaris reduction and what tables are required.

Thanks in advance
Stupid me

My guess is the Polaris tables found in the USNO's nautical almanac are for long term use.  The Air Almanac Polaris table is recalculated every year.  Pub. No. 249 Polaris table is recalculated for each epoch could be several years apart.

The following is from Pub. No. 249 Epoch 2020 Volume 1 page 17  (I've also attached the page)

Pub. No. 249 Volume 1

Go to page 17 of Pub. No. 249 and it'll explain the difference between the two tables.

Here it is by itself- [attachment=43]

Lou