02-19-2021, 06:06 AM
Ahoy shipmates,
Years ago before being given a fine antique sextant by a working Italian captain who I will never forget, thank you Diego, I experimented with home made devices to get altitude. Some worked only in the day, some worked day or night. Practicing with each I was surprised with good accuracy.
The challenge is to look around your house for tools or other likely devices that when slightly modified might serve to measure a body sufficiently to reduce a sight to within, say, half a degree. You must post an observation and reduction numbers to confirm its application. A drawing or pic is also welcome.
After hearing from those who accept the challenge I'll post my personal examples which I'm confident will intrigue you.
HINT: The device does not need to read degrees directly, although it may, but there are other trigonometric solutions if you can find ways to measure the distance of a shadow. :)
Have fun, be creative, and don't put it off till tomorrow... everyone will want to see your ideas... especially me. Just think, your idea might inspire someone to get involved and study CN.
Cheers
Years ago before being given a fine antique sextant by a working Italian captain who I will never forget, thank you Diego, I experimented with home made devices to get altitude. Some worked only in the day, some worked day or night. Practicing with each I was surprised with good accuracy.
The challenge is to look around your house for tools or other likely devices that when slightly modified might serve to measure a body sufficiently to reduce a sight to within, say, half a degree. You must post an observation and reduction numbers to confirm its application. A drawing or pic is also welcome.
After hearing from those who accept the challenge I'll post my personal examples which I'm confident will intrigue you.
HINT: The device does not need to read degrees directly, although it may, but there are other trigonometric solutions if you can find ways to measure the distance of a shadow. :)
Have fun, be creative, and don't put it off till tomorrow... everyone will want to see your ideas... especially me. Just think, your idea might inspire someone to get involved and study CN.
Cheers