i LI BRARY O F CONGRESS, '
! UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.*
.-.-.- ... . . ._
NAVIGATION
AND
NAUTICAL ASTRONOMY.
PREPARED FOR THE USE OE THE U. S. NAVAL ACADEMY.
SECOND EDITION.
NEW-YORK :
X>. VAJSC 3STOSXJK^JSTI>, 19£ BROADWAY.
1865.
Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1865, by
D. VAN NOSTRAND,
in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, for the Southern District
of New- York.
John A. Gray & Green,
Printers,
& 18 Jacob Street, New-York.
NOTICE.
This Treatise was originally prepared by Prof. Chauvenet to be
used in manuscript by the students of the Naval Academy. With
Bowditch's Navigator, oral instruction, the use of instruments, and
computation of examples, it constituted the course of instruction
in Navigation and Nautical Astronomy.
In its printed form, some subjects are more fully discussed, others
introduced, and various suggestions given on points of practice.
In this edition examples are supplied, which will serve both as
illustrations, and as forms for the arrangement of computations.
Those in Nautical Astronomy are mainly adapted to the Ephemeris
for 1865.
It has been my purpose, as I should find time from incessant offi-
cial duties, to prepare a more complete work, or to supplement it
with a treatise on the practice of Navigation.
J. H. C. COFFIN,
Prof, of Astronomy, Navigation, and Surveying.
Naval Academy, August 1, 1865.
GREEK
LETTERS.
A a
Alpha,
N v
Nu,
B /3
Beta,
S I
Xi,
r r
Gamma,
o
Oniicron,
A d
Delta,
n re-
Pi,
E s
Epsilon,
p P
Eho,
z c
Zeta,
S a
Sigma,
H v
Eta,
T T
Tau,
e e
Theta,
r u
Upsilon,
i t
Iota,
that an^le.
p « opposite) S F . g2
In the Tables, the columns of distance, difference of lati-
tude, and departure, might be appropriately headed, respect-
ively, hypothenuse, side adjacent, and side opposite.
4. The first two of equations (3) afford the solution of the
most common elementary problem of navigation and survey-
ing, viz. :
Problem 1. Given the course and distance, to find the
difference of latitude and departure, the distance being so
small that the curvature of the earth may be neglected.
These equations also afford solutions of all the cases of
Plane Sailing. (Bowd., pp. 52-58.)*
5. Problem 2. Given the course and distance, to find the
difference of latitude and departure, when the distance is so
great that the curvature of the earth cannot be neglected.
Solution. Let the distance C A (Fig. 1) be divided into
parts, each so small that the curvature of the earth may be
neglected in computing its corresponding difference of lati-
tude and departure.
* The first and sixth are the most important.
10 NAVIGATION.
For each such small distance, as c a,
l — d cos (7, p — d sin C.
Representing the several partial distances by df 15 d^ c? 3 ,
&c, the corresponding values of I and p by ? 19 l 2 , Z 3 , &c, and
jt? 1? jp 2 , j9 3 , &c, and the sums respectively by [cZ], [7], [j?], we
have
?i+4+ ?3 + &C. == (^H-c^ + c^ &c.) cos (7,
J Pi+i>a+#i + &c.= (d^ + dk + dk &c.) sin (7/
or,
[l]= : [rf] cos (7,
l>] = [*] nn a
Since the distance between two parallels of latifliae is the
same on all meridians, the sum of the several partial differ-
ences of latitude will be the whole difference of latitude ; As
in Fig. 1.
CB = EA=: the sum of all the sides, c 5, of the
small triangles ;
and we shall have generally, as in Prob. 1, whatever the
distance, <#,
l — d cos (7.
We also have
p == d sin (7,
if we regard p as the sum of the partial departures, each
being taken in the latitude of its triangle ; so that the differ-
ence of latitude and departure are calculated by the same
formulas, when the curvature of the earth is taken into ac-
count, as when the distance is so small that the curvature
may be disregarded ; or, in other words, as if the earth were
a plane.
But the sum of these partial departures, b a of Fig. 1, is
evidently less than C E, the distance between the meridians
left and arrived at on the parallel C E, which is nearest the
equator ; and greater than B A, the distance of these meri-
dians on the parallel Bl A, which is farthest from the equa-
TRAVERSE SAILING. 11
tor. But it is nearly equal to F G, the distance of these
meridians on a middle parallel between C and A ; and
exactly equal to the distance on a parallel a little nearer
the pole, and whose precise position will be subsequently
determined. (See Problem 10, Mercator's Sailing.)
We take then i a = \ (i + i'), or, more exactly,
Z = -%(Z + Z f ) + AZ,
as the latitude for the departure, p.
6. Middle Zatitude Sailing regards the departure, p, as
the distance between the meridian left and that arrived at
on the middle parallel of latitude ; or takes Z = \ (Z + Z').
T R AT ERSE SAILING.
7. If the ship sail on several courses, instead of a single
course, she describes an irregular track, which is called a
Traverse.
Problem 3. To reduce several courses and distances to a
single course and distance, and find the corresponding dif-
ferences of latitude and departure.
Solution. If in Fig. 1 we regard C as different for each
partial triangle, and represent the several courses by 6\, (7 2 ,
<7 3 , &c, we evidently have
l x =± d x cos Ci,
p x = d x sin dj
l % = d 2 cos C 2 ,
p 2 = d 2 sin (7 8 ,
l z = d z cos <7 3 ,
p z — c7 3 sin <7 3 ,
&c.
&c.
[*] = ?!+ k+ k> &c,
l>]
= l>i + J P* + J ft> &c,
and
or, as in the more simple case of a single course,
The ivhole difference of latitude is equal to the sum of the
partial differences of latitude ;
The whole departure is equal to the sum of the partial de-
partures.
12
NAVIGATION.
This applies to all cases, if we use the word sum in its
general or algebraic sense.
If we represent byZ n the sum of the northern diffs. of latitude,
" " L s " " southern " M
" P xo " " western departures,
" P e " " eastern
we have as the arithmetical formulas,
[ I ] = L n ~ L s of the same name as the greater,
[p] = P w ~I> e «
which accord with the usual rules. (Bowd., p. 59 and p.
264.)
The Traverse Form (p. 60 and pp. 266 to 286) facilitates
the confutation.
The course, (7, and distance, [c?], corresponding to [/] and
[j:>], may be found nearly by Plane Sailing.*
8. The departure may be regarded as measured on the
middle parallel, either between the extreme parallels of the
traverse, or between that of the latitude left and that ar-
rived at. In a very irregular traverse it is difficult to deter-
mine the precise parallel ; but, except near the pole, and for
* C and [d~\ are not accurately found, because [_p], the sum of the partial
departures of the traverse, is not the same as p y the departure of the loxo-
dromic curve connecting the extremities of the traverse. Thus suppose a
ship to sail from C to A by the traverse
C B, B A, her departure will be by tra-
verse sailing d e + m n ; whereas, if the
ship sail directly from C to A, the depart-
ure will be o p, which is greater or less
than d e + m n, according as it is nearer to,
or farther from the equator. Thus we
should obtain in the two cases a different
course and distance between the same
two points. In ordinary practice, how-
ever, such difference is immaterial.
PARALLEL SAILING.
13
a distance exceeding an ordinary day's run, the middle lati-
tude suffices. (Bowel., p. 59, note.)
It is easy, however, to separate a traverse into two or
more portions, and compute for each separately.
PARALLEL SAILING.
9. The relations of the quantities (7, d, Z, and p are ex-
pressed in equations (3). When the difference of longitude
also enters, then some further considerations are necessary.
Problem 4. To find the relations between
Z, the latitude of a parallel,
p, the departure of two meridians on that parallel, and
D, the corresponding difference of longitude.
Solution. In Fig. 3, let
PAA',PC C be two meridians.
AC = jp, their departure on the
parallel A C, whose latitude is
A O A' = -O A B = Z, and whose
radius is B A = r.
A' C = Z>, the measure of A P C,
the difference of longitude of the
same meridians, on the equator
A' C' a whose radius is O A' = A = JR.
A C, A! C are similar arcs of two circles, and are there-
fore to each other as the radii of those circles ; that is,
A C : A' C = B A : O A', or p:D = r: JR.
In the right triangle O B A,
B A = O A X cos O A B, or r = R cos Z; (4)
that is, the radius of a parallel of latitude is equal to the
radius of the equator multiplied by the cosine of the latitude.
Substituting (4) in the preceding proportion, we obtain
14
NAVIGATION.
p : D = cos L : 1,
or
p — D cos Z, D — p sec X, (5)
which express the relations required. (Bowd., p. 63.)
These relations may be graphically represented by a right
plane triangle (Fig. 4), of which
I) is the hypothenuse,
L, one of the angles,
p, the side adjacent that angle.
The Traverse Table, or Table of Right Triangles, may
therefore be used for the computation (Bowd., p. 65, u by
inspection").
MIDDLE LATITUDE SAILING.
10. Problem 5. Given the course and distance and the
latitude left, to find the difference of longitude.
Solution. By plane sailing,
I z=z d cos 6 T , p = d sin C; (3)
by Arts. 2 and 6,
JJ = Z + l, Z Q '= J (Z'+Z) = Z+} l ; (6),
and by equation (5),
D=psecZ , (7)
or JD — d sin (7 sec Z . (8)
Equations (3), (6), and (7) or (8) afford the solution re-
quired.
The assumption of Z = -J (X' + i), or the middle latitude,
suffices for the ordinary distance of a day's run; but for
larger distances, and where precision is required, we must
take (Art. 5)
MIDDLE LATITUDE SAILING.
15
in which A L is a small correction to be added numerically
to the middle latitude. A formula for computing it is
given in Prob. 10, under "Mercator's Sailing." Its value in
the most common cases is given in Bowd., p. 76, and in
Stanley's Tables, p. 338.
11. Strictly, the middle latitude should be used only when
both latitudes, L and Z', are of the same name, as is evi-
dent from Fig. 1.
If these latitudes are of different names, and the distance
is small, \ (L + L'), numerically, may be used; or we may
even take p = Z, since the meridians near the equator are
sensibly parallel.
If the distance is great, the two portions of the track on
different sides of the equator may be treated separately.
Thus, in Fig. 5, the track
C A is separated by the equator into two parts, C E and E A.
For C E, we have
p x = — Z tan (7,
C'E^Z^ =p l seG$Z i
= — Z tan C sec i Z
nearly.
For E A, we have
A'A = ^=.2/,
p 2 == U tan (7,
EA' =D 2 =p 2 sec£Z',
=Z' tan C sec ^ U
nearly.
Whence we obtain C A' or D — A + -A-
Instead of the middle latitudes \ Z and -J- Z', we may use
more rigidly (| Ii+A Z) and (|Z' + A L').
When several courses and distances are sailed, as is ordi-
narily the case in a day's run, p and I are found as in trav-
16
NAVIGATION.
Fig. 6.
erse sailing, and then D by regarding p as on some parallel
midway between the extremes of the traverse. (Art. 8.)
(Bowd., p. 264.)
12. The relations of the quantities involved in middle
latitude sailing, namely,
(7, d, p, I, X , and D,
are represented graphically by combin-
ing the two triangles of Plane Sailing
and Parallel Sailing, as in Fig. 6, in
which
C = A C B,
= AE.
By these two right triangles, all the common cases classed
under Middle Latitude Sailing (Bowd., p. 68) maybe solved,
if we add the formulas,
13. Other problems may be stated, which never occur in
practice; as, for example, —
Problem 6. Given the course and distance, and the differ-
ence of longitude, to find both latitudes.
Solution. We have, c, d, and D being given,
p = d sin C,
I = d cos (7,
cos Z = |,
L={L Q —AL)— £/,
Z'=(Z_JZ) + H
A L being taken from the table (Bowd., p. 76) correspond-
ing to X .
MIDDLE LATITUDE SAILING. 17
Examples in Middle Latitude Sailing.
L and \ represent the latitude and longitude of the place sailed from.
L and ?,', the latitude and longitude of the place arrived at.
X /L It 71 COURSE. DIST.
1. 39 30S. 74 20E. 41 28 S 70 30 E. S.W.byW. 210
2. 46 24 N. 47 15 W. 49 15 N. 42 21 W. X. E. £ E. 270
3. 51 10 S. 168 37 E. 48 31 S. 158 42 E
4. 22 18 S. 57 28E E. by S. 317
5. 23 15 S. 13 35 W E. 255
6. 20 5N. 154 17 W. 18 28 S E. S E. $ E. ...
7. 56 N. 29 34 W S. 47° E. 168
8. 45 16 S. 3 46E. 43 10 S. 5 22 W
9. 57 ION. 178 51 W N. 6fpts. E. 290
10. Required the bearing and distance of Cape Race from
Cape Hatteras.
[tan C = j cos (i + J L) <&—l sec C]
Cape Hatteras,
Cape Race,
I
I*
35 15 1ST.
46 39 "
= 11 24 " =
=40 57 D =
75 31 W. Tab.LIV.
53 5 "
684 ,
22 26 E. = 1346
logD
= 4- 17
=41 14
3.1290
lcos(Z + d Z) 9.8762
ar co log I 7.1649
<7=N.55°57'E.?.tan<7 0.1701
log I 2.8351
1. secC 0.2518
tf=1222'
log d 3.0869
Note. — The logs of I and D may be obtained from the Table of " loga-
rithms of small arcs in space or time " in the American Ephemeris and in
Chauvenet's Lunar Method by regarding ' and * as ° and '.
11. A ship sails from Cape Frio south-easterly until her
18 NAVIGATION.
departure is 3173 miles, and then, by observation, is in lati-
tude 34° 30' S. ; required the course, distance, and longi-
t tude.
[tan C—t d=lsecC D — p sec (i + A Z)]
O / O /
Cape Frio, 23 1 S. 41 59 W.
U — 34 30 « p — 3173 E. logp 3.5015
I— 11 29 " logZ 2.8382
Z = 28 45 " <7:=S. 77 45 E. L tan (7 0.6633
JI= 17 " 1. sec (7 0.6733
d — 3247 logce 3.5115
Z + AZ= 29 2" 1. sec 0.0583
D — 61 54 E. log D 3.5698
A' = 19 55 E.
12. A ship in latitude 39° 8' N., longitude 33° 45' W.,
sails N". 51° 5' E. 1014 miles ; required her position.
Z' = 49° 45' N. r = 15° 16' W.
13. A ship in latitude 56° 46' S., longitude 170° 0' E., sails
E. N. E. until she is in latitude 50° 10' S.; what is the dis-
tance sailed, and what is her longitude ?
d — 1035 miles, X ! == 163° 9' W.
14. A ship in 42° 42' N., 12° 49' W., sails 645 miles N. Wy.,
and is then in 49° 30' 1ST. ; required the course and longi-
tude in.
C = N. 50° 46' W. A' = 24° 51' W.
15. A ship sails from Port Jackson in New-Holland N.
40° W. until the departure made is 300 miles ; what is her
position ?
Z= 33° 50' S. Z'= 27° 52' S.
X = 151° 18' E. A' =c 145° 28' E.
.16. A ship in latitude 18° 50' N., and longitude 153° 45'
W., sails S. E. | E., 3656 miles; what is her position?
This example conies under Art. 11.
MIDDLE LATITUDE SAILING. 19
\l = d cos G -A = L tan (7 sec (| L + A L )
D 2 =: U tan C sec \% E + A Z')]
C = S. 41 E. 1. cos C 9.8024: 1. tan C 0.0858
d— 3656' logtf 3.5630 log L 3.0531
J = 38° 40' S. log I 3.3654 1. sec (U + J i) 0.0080
Z=18 o 50'N. D 1 = 23°22'E. log A 3,1469
L = 19° 50' S. 1. tan C 0.0858
iL+JL= 9° 25'+ 1° 31'= 10°56'N. log L 3.0756
■iX'+J-^'= 9° 55'+ 1° 37'= 11° 32' S. 1. sec Q £'+ A L) 0.0089
i) i = 23°22'E. D a = 24°40'E. log D 2 3.1703
D == 48° 2' E.
A = 153° 45' W.
7J = 105° 43' W.
If J i and ^ i r are neglected, the resulting value of U
will be 105° 57' TV". If the computations are made with the
middle latitude, 0° 30 S., // will be 106° 39' W., or in error
nearly 1°.
17. Find the latitudes of two places, whose longitudes
are 12° 49' W. and 24° 51' W., their distance 645 miles, and
the course from the first to the second N". 50° 46' W.
(Problem 6.)
c =
N. 50 46 W.
1
cos
9.8010
1. sin 9.8891
d =
645
log
9.8096
log 9.8096
l=z
6 48 N.
log
9.6106
log^ 9.6987
z> =
12 2 W.
46 12 N. or
S.
log 9.8585
4 =
1. cos 9.8402
a r=x
— 6
46 6 tf.
or
46° 6'
S.
**=
3 24 X.
3 24
N.
L-
42 42 N.
or
49 30
S.
U =
49 30 X.
or
42 42
s.
Examples in Traverse Sailing.
A ship from the position given at the head of each of the
following traverse forms sails the courses and distances
20
NAVIGATION.
stated in the first two columns ; required her latitude and
longitude.
1. August 8, noon— Lat. by Obs., 35° 35' N.
Long, by Chro. 18° 38' W.
Courses.
DlST.
N.
S.
E.
W.
N. N. E. i E.
/
50
44.1
/
23.6
'
S.|W,
46.2
45.7
6.7
S. by E. i E.
16.5
15.8
4.8
N. E.
38
26.9
26.9
S. S. W. i w.
41.8
37.8
17.9
192.5
71.0
99.3
55.3
24.6
S. 4J E.
41.5
28.3
30.7
38 =
= D.
August 9, noon — Lat by Acct., 35° 7' IS.
Long. " 18° 0' W.
2. September 25, noon— Lat. by Obs., 49° 53' S.
Long, by Acct., 158° 27' E.
Courses.
DlST.
N.
s.
E.
w.
Pts.
/
/
'
/
/
S. 4* E.
45.3
28.7
35.0
S. 5£ E.
19.5
10.0
16.7
S. 7 W.
38
7.4
37.3
S. 6i W.
25.7
8.7
24.2
S. 3 W.
51.2
42.6
28.4
N. 7i E.
13
1.9
12.9
N. 5f E.
10
4.3
9.0
73.6
202.7
6.2
97.4
89.9
S. 1 W.
93
91.2
D =
16.3
= 26
September 26, 8 a.m. — Lat. by Acct., 51° 24' S.
Long. " 158° 1' W.
In this example the courses are expressed m points, which
is the preferable method.
When the reductions are the same for all the compass
courses, we may find the difference of latitude and depar-
MERCATOR S SAILING.
21
ture for these compass courses, and the course and distance
made good. The traverse is thus referred to the mag-
netic meridian instead of the true. The course made good
may then be corrected for variation, etc. ; and with this cor-
rected course and the distance made good the proper diifer-
ence of latitude and departure may be found.
3. September 16, 6 p.m.-
-Lat by Obs.,
Long, by Chro.
50° 16\S.
Comp. Course.
DlST.
N.
s.
E.
w.
S. W. i s.
25
'
19.3
'
15.9
s. s. w.
30
27.7
11.5
S. by W.
18
17.7
3.5
s.
43
43
S. by E. i E.
255
24.7
6.2
S. E. i S.
33
26.5
19.7
174.5
25.9
30.9
(map.) S. 2° W.
159
158.9
5.0
Var'n, &c, 18° W.
(true) S. 16° E.
159
152.8
43.8
or S. by E. £ E.
70 =
= D
September 17, noon — Lat. by Acct., 52° 49' S.
Lon^. "
MERCATOR' S SAILING.
14. Middle Latitude Sailing suffices for the common pur-
poses of navigation ; but a more rigorous solution of pro-
blems relating to the loxodromic curve is needed. These
solutions come under " Mercator's Sailing."
Pkoblem 5. A ship sails from the equator on a given
course, C, till she arrives in a given latitude, X, to find the
difference of longitude, D.
Solution. Let the sphere (Fig. 7) be projected upon the
plane of the equator stereographically. The primitive circle
A B C . . . ,M is the equator.
22
NAVIGATION.
Fig. 7.
P, its centre, is the pole (the eye or projecting point being
at the other pole).*
The radii, PA, PB, PC, &c, are meridians making the
same angle with each other in the projection as on the sur-
face of the sphere.*
The distance P m, of any point
m from the centre of the projec-
tion, =tan|(90 o — X), the tangent
of \ the polar distance of the
point on the surface which m re-
presents, the radius of the sphere
being 1.*
This curve in projection makes
the same angle with each merid-
ian, as the loxodromic curve with
each meridian on the surface.*
A M is the whole difference of longitude D.
If we suppose this divided into an indefinite number of
equal parts, A B, B C, C D, &c, each indefinitely small, and
the meridians P A, PB, PC, &c, drawn, the intercepted
small arcs of the curve A b c .... m may be regarded as
straight lines, making the angles P A 5, P b c, P c d, &c,
each equal to the course C ; and consequently the triangles
PAJ,PJc,Pcrf, &c, similar.
We have then
PA:PJ = PS:Pc = Pc:P(?, &c,
or the geometrical progression,
PA:PJ :Pc:....Pra.
If then
_D = the whole difference of longitude,
d = one of the equal parts of 2>,
~j will be the number of parts, and
-j + 1 the number of meridians PA,P5....Pm,
* Principles of stereographic projection.
mercator's sailing. 23
or the number of terms of the geometrical progression : and,
employing the usual notation,
the first term a = PA = l,
the last term l — Ym — tan £(90° —Z),
the ratio r s= ^— .
PA
To find this ratio, we have in the indefinitely small right
triangle AB5,
tan BAJ = cotPAJ=:^-r,
or „ PA — Vh
cot 6 = 5 ,
a
whence P A— P 6 == d cot (7/
Pft = PA-dfcot C,
and, since PA=I,
P5
r = p-: = l — df cot (7.
Then by the formula for a geometrical progression,
(Algebra, p. 240,) we have
tan \ (90°— Z) = (l — c? cot C) 7 . (8)
Taking the logarithm of each member, we have
logtan|(90°— Z)=^log(l— tfcot C). (9)
But we have in the theory of logarithms
71/ 71? 71/
(JVaperian) log (1 + ^)=^ — — + — — — + &c
and
|- ^,2 ^,8 ^ 4 "1
( Common) log (1 +7i) = m rc — — + «- •— j" + & c — K 10 )
in which the modulus m =.434294482.
Hence, putting n = — c? cot (7,
log (1 -6? cot £7)= m [-d cot (7-i d 2 cot 2 C-\ d 2 cot 3 <7-&c. . . .],
and substituting in (9) and reducing,
log tan i (90°— Z)= -m x D [cot tf+£ cZ cot 2 G
+ id 3 cot 3 6'+&c. ...]. C 11 )
24
NAVIGATION.
This equation is the more accurate the smaller d is taken,
so that if Ave pass to the limit and take e?=0, it becomes
perfectly exact. The broken line A b e. . . .m then becomes
a continuous curve, and our equation (11) becomes
log tan \ (90°— L) = — m X D cot C ;
whence
2> =
logtani(90°-Z)
tan (7,
(12)
But in this equation D is expressed in the same unit as
tan (7, that is, in terms of radius. (Trig., Art. 11.)
To reduce it to minutes we must multiply it by the radius
in minutes, or r'=3437'.74677.
Substituting the value of m, we shall have (in minutes),
3437'. 74677, . - /aa0 rw n
.484294482 l ^ Un * < 90 ~ Z > tan (7 '
Z> = -
To avoid the negative sign, w^e observe that
1 1
tan £ (90°— X):
cot i(90°-Z) tan £(90° + Z)'
or that
—log tan i (90°— Z)=log tan £ (90° + i).
Hence we have, by reducing,
Z> = 7915 , .70447 log tan (45° + £Z) tan C. (13)
Note. — Problem 5 may be more readily solved, and equation (13) obtained
by aid of the Calculus.
In Fig. 1, suppose c a to be an element,
or infinitesimal part, of the loxodromic
curve C A :
cb will be the corresponding element of
the meridian, and
b a x sec X, the element of the equator ;
L being the latitude of the indefinitely
small triangle cab.
Fig. 1.
mercator's sailing. 25
By articles 5 and 10, using the notations of the Calculus, we have
d X = cos Odd d p = tan C d X
d D = sec Ldp = tan (7 sec XdX,
in which C i3 constant.
By integrating the last equation between the limits X = and X = Z, we
shall have
r L
X = tan C\ sec X d X,
the whole difference of longitude required in Problem 5.
To effect the integration, put
sin X = x, then by differentiating
d x
d X = — , and multiplving by sec L
cos L
t j t- d x d x
sec X d L =
sec Z d X =
1 — x
cos 2 X 1— sin 3 X'
d x
Resolving into partial fractions, we obtain
sec X d X = 4- — v and
Ll + x 1 — xj
J o L secXdX = i[log(l +x)-log(l-x]
= log|/L^
' 1 — X
. . /l+sin
= iogy - — -
" 1 — sic
X
-sinX
-sinX
= log tan (45° + 1 X) Trig. (154).
Whence we have
D = log tan (45° + i X) tan C.
But in this the logarithm is Naperian, and D is expressed in terms of the
radius of the sphere. To reduce to common logarithms, we divide by
,m =.434294482, and to minutes by multiplying by r'= 3437'.T4677, and
obtain
D = 1915'. 70447 log tan (45° + } X) tan C y
as in (13).
15. To facilitate the practical application of the formula
just obtained, put
ilf=7915 , .70447 log tan (45° + £ L) ; (14)
26
NAVIGATION.
and let M be computed for each minute of L from up-
ward, and its values given in a table. We shall thus form
the Table of Meridional Parts or of Augmented Latitudes,
such as Bowditch's Table III. This formula accords with
that given in the Preface. (Bowd., Pref. p. iv.)
In practice, then, we have only to take the value of M
corresponding to X, and D is then found by the formula,
D=M tan C. (15)
M has the same name, or sign, as L.
Example.
To find tne meridional parts, or augmented latitudes, for
each minute, from 30° to 33° ;
log 791 5'.70447= 3.898490.
L. 45° + JZ. log tan. I. log tan. log M. M.
30
30 20
30 40
31
31 20
31 40
32
32 20
32 40
60
60 10
60 20
60 30
60 40
60 50
61
61 10
61 20
0.2385606
.2414830
.2444154
.2473580
.2503108
.2532741
.2562480
.2592328
.2622286
9.377599
.382887
.388129
.393326
.398480
.403591
.408660
.413690
.418680
3.276089
.281377
.286619
.291816
.296969
.302081
.307150
.312180
.317170
1888.37
23.14
1911.51 7
23.21
1934.72 8
23.29
1958.01 9
23.38
1981.39 7
23.45
2004.84 9
23.54
2028.38 9
23.63
2052,01 9
23.72
2075.73 8
23.80
2099.53
33 61 30 .2652356 .423632 .322122
The second differences afford a check of the work.
By interpolating into the middle, M can be found for each
10' ; and then, by simple interpolation, for each 1'. In the
first step, one eighth of the second difference is to be sub-
tracted. The following is an example :
hercator's sailing. 27
M L M
30
1888.37
30 11
1901.09
1
1889.53
12
1902.24
2
1890.68
13
1903.40
3
1891.84
14
1904.56
4
1893.09
15
1905.72
6
1894.15
16
1906.87
6
1895.31
17
1908.03
1
1896.46
18
1909.19
8
1897.62
19
1910.35
9
1898.77
20
1911.51
1899.93
&c.
16. Problem 6. A ship sails from a latitude, L, to an-
other latitude, U, upon a given course, C / find the differ-
ence of longitude, D.
Solution. Let
M be the augmented latitude corresponding to L,
M' " " " " JO.
The difference of longitude from the point, A, where the
track crosses the equator to the 1st position, whose latitude
is L, will be
D =31 tan C;
and to the second position, whose latitude is U,
D=M' tan C ;
and we shall have
D=D-I>={M'-M) tan C; (16)
or, when M r in which
C is one of the angles,
m = CE, the side adjacent,
D = E F, the side opposite.
The triangle of " Plane Sailing" has
the same angle (7, with
;— C B, the adjacent side,
and ]) = BA, the opposite side.
Fig. 8 represents these two triangles combined. By them,
all the common cases under Mercator's Sailing can be solved,
either by computation or by the Traverse Table. (Bowd.,
p. 79.)
The relations between the several parts involved are
I — d cos (7, L'=L + l,
p^dsmC, m =M'—M,
D — m^nC, X f ~X + D;
and since p = 1 tan (7,
I : m =p : D.
18. Problem 7. Given the latitudes and longitudes of
two places, find the course, distance, and departure. (Bowd.,
p. 79, Case I.)
Solution. L and U being given, we take from Table III.
JfandJf'.
We have I = Z'-Z, m = M'-M, D ^ X'- X-
by Mercator's sailing, tan C = — ;
and by Plane sailing, d = I sec (7, p = I tan (7/
(18)
mercator's sailing. 29
/, m, and C are north or south according as U is north or
south of X.
D, p. and (7 are east or wes£, according as X' is eas£ or
westf of A.
If the two places are on opposite sides of the equator, we
have numerically
Mercator's sailing is rarely used except in this case, and
when the differences of latitude and longitude are consider-
able.
There are two limits of its accuracy :—
1. Table III. contains the augmented latitude only to the
nearest minute or mile.*
• 2. It is computed on the supposition that the earth is a
sphere. Some works on Navigation, as Mendoza Rios and
Riddle, contain a table of augmented latitudes, in which
the true form is taken into consideration.!
Examples.
1. Required the course and distance from Cape Frio to
34° 30' S., 18° 30' E.
Cape Frio,
23 1 S.
41 59 W.
M - 1420 S.
£'==
34 30 S.
W = 18 30 E.
M* = 2208 S.
log D 3.5598
I =
11 29 S.
D = 60 29 E.
M = 788 S.
logm 2.8965
c =s.
11 45 E.
1 sec C
log/
0.6733
2.8382
1. tan C 0.6633
d =
3247'
logd
3.5115
* The most convenient unit for nautical distances is the geographical,
nautical, or sea mile, which is 1' of the earth's equator, or 6086.43 feet.
Regarding the earth as a sphere, this is also 1' of any great circle,
f The formula for the terrestrial spheroid is
M— 7915'.70447 log tan (45° +£ L)
— 22'.98308 sin Z + 0'.01276 sin 3 L+ &c.
Delambre has shown that a table of meridional parts constructed for the
sphere may be used for the spheroid by using as the argument the geocen-
tric latitude instead of the true latitude.
30 NAVIGATION.
2. Required the course and distance from Cape Frio to
Lizard Point, England.
Cape Frio, 23 1 S.
41 59 W.
M
= 1420 S.
Lizard Pt., 49 58 N.
5 12 W.
M'
— 3471 N.
log D 3.3438
1= 72 59 N.
Dr
= 36 47 E.
M
= 4891 N.
log m 3.6894
<7=:N.24 17 E.
1. sec C
log*
0.0402
3.6414
1. tan C. 9.6544
d = 4804'
logd
3.6816
3. A ship in latitude 18° 50' 1ST., longitude 153° 45' W.,
sails S. 4^ points E., 3656 miles ; what is her position ?
, , d = 3656 log d 3.5630
L = 18 50 N. A = 153 45 W. M = 1151 JST. 1 cos C 9.8024
I = 38 40 S. log I 3.3654
L' — 19 50 S. M' — 1215 S. 1. tan C 0.0858
M — 2366 S. log m 3.3740
log D 3.4598
D - 48 3 E.
X = 105 42 W.
19. Other problems might be stated than those com-
monly given ; as, for example, —
Problem 8. Given the latitude left, the course and both
longitudes, to find the latitude arrived in.
Solution. We have D = A'— X,
by Mercator's sailing m —D cot C (N. or S. as is C),
by Table III. M corresponding to L,
M' = M+m,
and again by Table III, U corresponding to M'.
Problem 9. Given the difference of longitude and differ-
ence of latitude of tico places, and the course between them,
find both latitudes.
Solution. We have
m = M— M — D cot C.
But 3F= 7915'.70447 log tan £ (90° + Z')
M = 7915'.70447 log tan £ (90° + Z),
mercatok's sailing. 31
consequently,
log tan \ (90° +27) - log tan * (90° +L) = 79 f 5 ^ 7 - (19)
Put logcot^^^, * (20)
then equation (19) gives
tani(90° + Z') , .
t^-WTT) = cot *•
By PL Trig. (109)
tan i (x + y) sin x -f sin y
tan \ (x — y) sin a; — sin y'
In this, if we take
x + y = 90° + L'
x — y — 90° + X, '
we have
or putting
cc = 90 o +i (Z'+i),
i = | {11 + L) the middle latitude,
»== 90° + i ,
and y = £ (Z'-Z)-= J Z,
and
tan j (90° + Z') _ cos L Q + sin j- Z __
tan" J (90° + L) ~~ cos Z — sin £ 2 ~~ COt "
whence
T cot ^ + 1 . , f
cos Jj = — — sin 4- /,
cot 9 — 1 z '
which, by PL Trig. (151), reduces to
cos X = tan (45° + 0) sin £ I. (21)
We have also
The solution is effected by equations (20), (21,) (22).
32
NAVIGATION.
Example.
The difference of longitude of two places is 5 10 E.
3 28 N".
N. 32 59 E;
ar. co. log 6.10151
log 2.49136
log cot 0.18776
log 8.78063
log tan 1.15900
log sin 8.48069
W cos 9.63969
the difference of latitude,
the course
find the latitudes.
(Constant) 7915'.70447
C= 32° 59'
log cot = 0.06034
0=41° 2'
45°+ = 86° 2'
%l = 1° 44'
Z =s 64° 8' N". or 64° 8' S.
Z = 62° 24' 1ST. or 65° 52' S.
L' = 65° 52' N. or 62° 24' S.
This problem cannot be solved with precision when Z is
near 0.
20. Problem 10. To find the correction of the middle
latitude in Mid, Lat. Sailing. (Tab. Bowd., p. 76 ; Stan-
ley, p. 338.)
Solution. In Mid. Lat. Sailing we have
cosZ = -g. (23)
in which precision requires that Ave take
Z = i(Z' + Z) + AZ;
A Z being a correction of the middle latitude, which it is
now proposed to find.
In plane sailing p = I tan C,
in Mercator's sailing D = ?n tan (?,
which substituted in (23) give
l_
■m
COS Z :
(24)
MERCATOR'S SAILING. 33
whence 1—2 sin 2 i i ==— ,
and sin £ i = |/ m ~ Z . (25)
Now for different values of Z and X' we may find
(in minutes) I = U — X,
the middle latitude, i m == ^ (X' + Z),
m=7915'.70447 [log tan (45° + | Z') -log tan (45° + £ Z)],*
and then i by (24), or if small by (25), from which sub-
tracting Z m we have A Z, which is required.
In computing m, logarithms to 7 places should be used
when the difference of latitude is less than 12°.
The correction of the Middle latitude computed for differ-
ent middle latitudes and differences of latitude may be given
in a table, as on page 76 (Bowd.) It becomes too large to
be conveniently tabulated, when the latitudes are of differ-
ent names, or the middle latitude is very small.
Example.
Find the correction of the Middle Latitude, when the lati-
tudes are i = 12°, Z ! = 18°.
o /
(45° + £ Z') = 54 I. tan 0.1387390
(45° -f | Z) — 51 I. tan 0.0916308 const, log 3.89849
i {Z' + Z) = 15 0.0471082 log 8.67310
I = 6 == 360' ar. co. log 7.44370
Z — 15 7 I. sec 0.01529
AZ = 7
21. The loxodromic curve on the surface of the earth and
its stereographic projection (Fig. 7) present a peculiarity
* log 7915.70447 = 3.8981896. Another formula, requiring only 5 place
logarithms, is
m = 6875'.493 [q + 1 ? 3 + \ q* + \ q 1 + - .]
in which q = sin ^ 1 sec % (L' +L).
34 NAVIGATION.
worthy of notice. Excepting a meridian and parallel of
latitude, a line which makes the same angle with all the me-
ridians which it crosses would continually approach the
pole, until, after an indefinite number of revolutions, the
distance of the spiral from the pole would become less than
any assignable quantity. It is usual to say that such a curve ,
meets the pole after an infinite number of revolutions. Still,
however, it is limited in length.
For we have for the length of any portion,
by plane sailing, d == (Z'—Z) sec C.
If Z =: o and Z' = 90° = J,
the whole spiral from the equator to the pole will be,
with radius == 1,
d =— sec C.
If Z = - 90° = -J, and Z' = 90° =J,
we have, as the entire length from pole to pole,
d = re sec C,
If also C =: 0, or the loxodromic curve is a meridian,
d = 7r, a semicircumference, as it should be.
So also the length of the projected spiral A b c . . . (Fig. 1)
from A to m can readily be shown to be (calling this
length 6) ;
6 = Mm sec C = [1 — tan (45° — £ Z)] sec (7,
or, (H. Trig. (.51),) * = ^f^;
and its length from the equator to the pole — taking Z == 90° ;
d = sec C.
a meecatoe's chart.
22. On a Mercator's chart, the equator and parallels of
latitude are represented by parallel straight lines ; and the
A MERCATOR S CHART.
30
meridians also by parallel straight lines at right angles with
the equator. Two parallels of latitude, usually those which
bound the chart, are divided into equal parts, commencing
at some meridian and using some convenient scale to repre-
sent degrees, and subdivided to 10', 2', 1', or some other
convenient part of a degree, according to the scale em-
ployed.
Two meridians, usually the extremes, are also divided
into degrees and subdivided like the parallels of latitude,
but by a scale increasing constantly with the latitude : so
that any degree of latitude on such meridian, instead of be-
ing equal to a degree of the equator, is the augmented de-
gree, or augmented difference of 1° of latitude, derived from
a table of " meridional parts." (Bowd., Table III.) The
meridian is graduated most conveniently by laying off from
the equator the augmented latitudes ; or from some parallel,
the augmented difference of latitude for each degree and
part of a degree, — using the same scale of equal parts as
for the equator.
Thus, on such a chart,
the length of 1° in lat. is 60' of the equator,
IC
cc
cc
10°
cc
61'
cc
cc
cc
cc
cc
20°
cc
64'
cc
cc
cc
cc
cc
30°
cc
69'
cc
cc
cc
cc
cc
40°
cc
78'
cc
cc
cc
cc
cc
50°
cc
93'
cc
cc
cc
cc
cc
60°
cc
120'
cc
cc
cc
cc
cc
70°
cc
176'
cc
cc
90°.
When A X > % A, X 2 is negative, and the vertex, C , is be-
yond B, as in Fig. 10, instead of being between A and B, as
in Fig. 9.
In (30) we have Z v positive, or of the same name with the
greater latitude, since numerically X 2 < 90°.
The vertex, which is here used, is that which is nearest
the point B, or the place whose latitude is numerically the
greater. For this in (27) A X < 90°.
There are, however, two vertices, which are diametrically
opposite, as C and C' of the great circle C' E C in Fig. 10.
For the vertex C, we have in (27) A X> 180°, or in the
third quadrant, and in (30), Z v of a different name from Z 2 .
2d. To find any number of points, C, C", C"\ &c, C 19 C 2 ,
C 3 , &c, we may assume at pleasure the differences of longi-
tude from the vertex C P C, C P C", C P G", &c. It is
best to assume them at equal intervals of 5° or 10°.
Let X ! = C P C, U = (90°- P C), the lat, of C,
a" = C PC", Z^^-PC"), " C",
X'"=: C P C", Z m = (90°- P C ,,; ), " C"\
&C. &G.
then the right triangles C P C r , C P C'\ C P C", &c, give
tan U = tan L v cos X\
tan L" = tan Z v cos X", \ (31)
tan Z'"= tan Z v cos X'", &c. J
42
NAVIGATION".
Or we may assume values of Z', Z", L"\ &c., and find the
corresponding values of A/, A", A'", &c., by the formulas
cos X' z=z tan J7 cot L v
cos A" =i tan L" cot i y h (32)
cos A"'= tan X'" cot Z v &c. J
from which we shall have two values of A for each value
of Z.
Having thus found as many points as may be deemed
sufficient, we may plot
them upon the chart, and
through them trace the
required curve.
29. Another method con-
sists in finding the longi-
tude of the point E (Fig.
10), where the great circle
intersects the equator, and
then by the right triangles
E C c\ E C" c", E &' c"\
&c, the latitudes and lon-
gitudes of C, 0", C", &c.
Let X L = E a, the longitude of A from E ;
A 2 = E 5, the longitude of B from E ;
A = X 2 — X x = a&, the difference of longitude of B
from A ;
Li and Z 2 , respectively the latitudes of A and B ;
i v — Q C , the latitude of the vertex, and also the
measure of QE C , the inclination of the
great circle to the equator.
From the right triangles E A a, E B S, we have
tan A a tan B b
Fig. 10.
or
tan E =
tan L v =
sin E a
tan L x
* sin E V
tan Z.>
sin I, sin
7 *
GREAT-CIRCLE SAILING.
43
whence
sin ?i t
sin /t 2
tan L x
tan L 2 ?
and by composition and division,
sin ^ + sin \ tan L 2 + tan Z x
sin X 2 — sin a x tan L 2 — tan Z x *
By PL Trig., (109) and (126), this becomes
tan £ (% 2 + /Ij) sin (Z 2 4- L x )
tan \ {\ — \) sin (L. 2 — L x )*
But A = A 2 — A x , and if we put A'X = -| (A 2 -}- A x ) we have
sin (Z 2 4- A)
tan J 'A
sin (L 2 — L x )
A x = J'A ■
A 2 = J'A + iA
tan £ A
£A
(33)
a
(34)
From these we find A 19 or A 2 , which applied to the longitude
of A, or of B, gives the longitude of E, the intersection with
the„ equator. This point, it may be observed, is nearer A
than B ; and is outside of A, when the two places are on the
same side of the equator ; and between A and B when they
are on different sides.
For finding the inclination of the circle to the equator, we
have above
tan L v = tan i x cosee A x
tan L v = tan X 2 cosee A 2
in which L v will have the same name, or sign, as Z 2 .
To find any numbers of points, C, C", C", &c, we may as-
sume at pleasure, as in Art. 28, the differences of longitude,
A', A", A'", &c, from E ; and from the right triangles E CV,
E C" c" E C" c"\ &c, find the corresponding latitudes
L\ U\ U'\ &c, by the formulas
tan U = tan L v sin A'
tan Z"= tan L v sin A" j> (35)
tan Z"= tan L v sin A'" &c. J
The great circle intersects the equator at two opposite
44: NAVIGATION.
points. The intersection, E, given by these formulas is that
which is nearest A, the place whose latitude is the smallest.
This method is preferable to that of Art. 28, only when
the two places are on different sides of the equator, and the
intersection with the equator is between them. In this case,
X l and A 2 , as well as L^ and Z 2 , will have opposite signs.
30. Problem 12. To find the great-circle distance of two
given points.
Solution. Let A and B (Fig. 9) be the two given points.
In the triangle P A B are given, as in Problem 11,
PA = 90 o -Z n P B = 90°-Z 2 , A P B = A>
to find AB = c?, the distance required.
1st Method. By (27), (28), (29), and (30), we may find
Z„, the latitude of the vertex, and X x and A 2 , the longitudes
of the two given places from the vertex.
Then from the right triangles, A C P, B C P, (Fig. 9),
putting A C = d i and BC = c? 2 , we have
tan c?! = tan X x cos L v
tan d 2 = tan A 2 cos L v \ (36)
and d = d Y + d 2 .
d reduced to minutes Avill be the distance in geographical
miles.
When A 2 is negative, which happens when the vertex is
beyond B (Fig. 10), d 2 is also negative, and d is numerically
the difference of d l and d 2 .
2d Method. By (33) and (34) we may find X l and A 2 the
longitudes of the two given places from E (Fig. 10), the in-
tersection, and L v the angle which the circle makes with the
equator.
Then from the right triangles, E a A, E b B, we have,
putting d f = E A, d"= E B,
tan dl = tan X v sec L v 1
tan d"~ tan A a sec L v \ (37)
and d=d"-d'. J
GREAT-CIRCLE SAILING. 45
When £ x and L 2 are of different names, so also are a x and A 2 ,
and d is numerically the sum of d' and d" .
Zd Method. By Sph. Trig. (4) we have
cos d c= sin j^ sin Z 2 + cos X x cos L 2 cos A,
and, putting
Jc cos = sin X 2 ) _
* sin 4> = C os A cos X or tan ^ = cot A cos A, 1
COS
, sin Z 2 sin (Z 2 + 0)
COS a = 2 »
from which is in the same
quadrant with X.
30. Problem 13. To find the course on a great-circle
route.
Solution. If A (Fig. 9), the point whose latitude is nu-
merically the smaller, is the point of departure, it is required
to find the angle P A B : if B is the point of departure, then
the angle P B A.
1st Method. The position^ of the vertex having been found
by (27), (28), (29), (30), we have from the right triangles,
A C P, B C P,
cos A = sin L v sin X x )
cos B == sin L v sin A 2 j ^ '
in which A < 90° ; and B < 90°, when the vertex is between
A and A (Fig. 9), but > 90°, when the vertex is beyond B
(Fig. 10).
2c? 3fethod. Having found the intersection and angle with
the equator by (33) and (34), we have from the right tri-
angles E a A, E b B (Fig. 10),
cos A = sin L v cos X x
cos B == — sin L v cos JL
Sd Method. By Napier's Analogies we have
46
NAVIGATION.
tan £ (B + A)
tan i (B-A)
cos \ {L^—L x )
sin i (Lz+LJ
sin \ (A— L x )
cos \ (Z 2 + L x )
A=i(B + A)-l(B
B = * (B + A) + | (B
cot J A
cot % X
A)
A)
(41)
When A and B are on opposite sides of the equator,
^ (i 2 — i x ) is numerically half the sum, and % (J0 2 + X x ) is
half the difference of the two latitudes.
31. When the courses are found by this last method, the
distance may be found by
or,
tan £ d •■
tan £ d :
sin j(B + A)
: sin i (B— A)
cos^(B + A)
: cos i (B-A)
tan $ (i 3 — ij),
cot i (i 2 +ii),
(42)
The 1st is preferable, when % (Z 2 -f .Z^) is near 0, and conse-
quently J (B-f A) is near 90° ; the second when % (X 2 — L x )
and consequently \ (B — A) are near 0. (Sph. Trig. 74.)
32. Example. To find the great circle from San Francisco
to Jedo. (Formulas 27, 28, 29, 30.)
San Francisco,
Jedo,
Lat. Z 2 = 37 48 N.
L x = 35 40N.
Z 2 +Z 1= 73 28
Z a — L x = 2 8
A = 97 38
i A = 48 49
JA= 1 57
\=\X—A\= 50 46
^=£ A— .J A = 46 52
Long 122 22 W.
140 E.
1. cosee 0.0183
1. sin 8.5708
1. cot 9.9420
1. tan 8.5311
1. sec \ 0.1990 L sec ^0.1651
1. tan L x 9.8559 1. tan Z 2 9.8897
Vertex, Z„=48° 37' N. Long.169 14 W. I. tan Z„ 0.0549 0.0548
GREAT-CIRCLE SAILING.
47
Long, from "
Vertex. L cos A. 1. tan L.
± 5
±10
±15
±20
±25
±30
±35
±40
±45
±50
0.0000
9.9983
.9933
.9849
.9729
.9573
.9375
.9134
.8842
.8494
.8081
0.0549
.0532
.0482
.0398
.0278
.0122
9.9924
.9683
.9391
.9043
.8630
Lat.
48 37 N.
48 30
48 10
47 37
46 50
45 48
"44 30
42 55
41
38 44
36 7
Longitudes.
169 14 W.
164 14
159 14
154 14
149 14
144 14
139 14
134 14
129 14
124 14
119 14 W.
169 14 W.
174 14
179 14 W.
175 46 E.
170 46
165 46
160 46
155 46
150 46
145 46
140 46 E.
(Vertex).
(36).
(39)
1. sin A x
1. sin A 2
1. sin L v
1. cos d
9.8891
9.8632
9.8753
9.7444
1. cos C» 9.7385
1. tan A x 0.0880
1. tan A 2 0.0283
L cosi v 9.8202
1. tan d x 9.9082
1. tan d 2 9.8485
d, = 39° 0' Course, C l N. 54° 27' E. from JTedo.
d 2 = 35 13 C 9 N. 5Q 48 W. from San Francisco.
Distance, d = 74° 13' = 4,453 miles.
Distance by Mercator's sailing, 4,689 miles.
33. To follow a great circle rigorously requires a con-
tinual change of the course. As this is difficult, and indeed in
many cases is practically impossible, on account of currents,
adverse winds, &c, it is usual to sail from point to point by
compass, thus making rhumb-lines between these points.
When the ship has deviated from the great circle which
it was intended to pursue, it is necessary to make out a new
one from the point reached to the place of destination. It
is a waste of time to attempt to get back to an old line.
34. As the course, in order to follow a great circle, is
practically the most important element to be determined,
mechanical means of doing it have been devised. Towson's
Chart and Table is used much by English navigators.
48
NAVIGATION.
Chauvenet's Great-Circle Protractor renders it as easy as
taking the rhumb-line course from a Mercator chart.
Charts have been constructed by a gnomonic projection,
on which great circles are represented by straight lines ;
but by these computation is necessary to find the course.
35. A great circle between two points near the equator
or near the same meridian differs little from a loxodrornic
curve. But when the differences both of latitude and of
longitude are large, the divergence is very sensible. It is
then that the great circle, as the line of shortest distance, is
preferred.
But it is to be noted, that in either hemisphere the great-
circle route lies nearer the pole, and passes into a higher
latitude, than the loxodrornic curve. Should it reach too
high a latitude, it is usually recommended to follow it to the
highest latitude to which it is prudent to go, then follow
that parallel until it intersects the great circle again.
36. A knowledge of great-circle sailing will often enable
the navigator to shape his course to better advantage. Let
A B (Fig. 11) be the loxodrornic curve on a Mercator's chart,
AC B, the projected arc of a great circle.
The length on the globe of the great circle A C B is less
than that of the rhumb-line A B, or of any other line, as
A D B, between the two. But A C B is also less than lines
that may be drawn from A to B on
the other side of it, that is, nearer
the pole ; and there will be some
line, as A D' B, nearer the pole
than the great circle, and equal in
length to the rhumb-line. Between
this and the rhumb-line may be
drawn curves from A to B, all less
than the rhumb-line. If the wind
should prevent the ship from sail-
Fig, n.
SHAPING THE COURSE. 49
ing on the great circle, a course as near it as practicable
should be selected. If she cannot sail between A B and
A C, there is the choice of sailing nearer the equator than
A B, or nearer the pole than A C. The ship may be near-
fing the place B better by the second than by the first, al-
Ithough on the chart it would appear to be very far off from
the direct course.
This may be strikingly illustrated by the extreme case of
a ship from a point in a high latitude to another on the same
parallel 180° distant in longitude. The great-circle route is
across the pole, while the rhumb-line is along the small
circle, the parallel of latitude, east or west ; the two courses
differing 90°. Any arc of a small circle drawn between the
two points, and lying between the pole and the parallel of
latitude, will be less than the arc of the parallel. Hence
the ship may sail on one of these small circles nearly west,
and make a less distance than on the Mercator rhumb, or
parallel due east. This is, indeed, an impossible case in
practice, but it gives an idea of the advantage to be gained
in any case by a knowledge of the great-circle route.
It is possible in high latitudes that a ship may have such
a wind as to sail close-hauled on one tack on the rhumb-
line, and yet be approaching her port better by sailing on
the other tack, or twelve points from the rhumb-line course.
37. The routes between a number of prominent ports
recommended by Captain Maury are mainly great-circle
routes, modified in some cases by his conclusions respecting
the prevailing winds.
SHAPING THE COURSE.
. 38. The intelligent navigator, in selecting his course to a
destined port, will not only have regard to the directness
of the route, but will take into consideration obstructions
and dangers which may be in his way ; prevailing winds
50 NAVIGATION.
and currents ; and, in case of a threatening storm, the course
to be taken to avoid its greatest violence, or being driven on
a lee shore.
Good charts and books of sailing directions afford all
requisite information respecting obstructions and dangers
in the most frequented seas. Exploring expeditions from
England, France, and the United States have of late years
added greatly to this branch of nautical knowledge.
The labors of Maury, and his recent colaborers in Eng-
land and France, have greatly increased our knowledge of
prevailing winds in large portions of the ocean. The care-
ful observations of intelligent navigators are much needed
still further to develop it.
A few of the stronger currents, such as the Gulf Stream
off the coast of the United States, are well known. But
more extended observations are wanted. Currents are often
indicated by the difference in the temperature of their wa-
ters from that of those surrrounding them ; so that the
thermometer, as well as barometer, has become an import-
ant instrument to the navigator.
The works of Redfield, and especially of Reid and Pid-
dington, afford much information respecting storms and tor-
nadoes. That class of storms called cyclones is particularly
deserving of attention. .
These branches of physical geography are well worthy
of study by those engaged in navigating the ocean.
CHAPTER II.
REFRACTION. —DIP OF THE HORIZON.— PARALLAX.—
SEMIDIAMETERS.
REFRACTION.
39. It is a fundamental law of optics, that a ray of light
passing from one medium into another of different density
is refracted, or bent, from a rectilinear course. If it passes
from a lighter to a denser medium, it is bent toward the
perpendicular to the surface, which separates the two me-
dia ; if it passes from a denser to a lighter medium, it is
bent from that perpendicular. Let
M and N (Fig. 12) represent two
media each of uniform density,
but the density, or refracting
power, of N being the greater;
a b c, the path of the ray of light
through them ;
P 5, the normal line, or perpendicu-
lar, to the separating surface at b.
If a J is the incident ray, b e is the refracted ray ; P b a
is the angle of incidence / P b a 1 is the angle of refraction.
If c b is the incident ray, b a is the refracted ray, and
P b a! and P b a are respectively the angles of incidence
and refraction.
Moreover, these angles are in the same plane, which, as it
passes through P 5, is perpendicular to the surface at which
the refraction takes place ; and we have for the refraction
Fig. 12.
52
NAVIGATION.
a r b a ~ P b a — P b a\
or the difference of direction of the incident and refracted
rays.
A more complete statement of the law for the same two
media is, that
- — TJrnr-7 — m > a constant for these media ;
sin V o a
or, the sines of the angles of incidence and refraction are in
a constant ratio.
This law is also true when the surface is curved as well as
when it is a plane.
40. If the medium N instead of being of uniform density
is composed of parallel strata, each uniform but varying from
each other, the refracted ray b c will
be a broken line ; and if, as in Fig.
13, the thickness of these strata is
indefinitely small, and the density
gradually increases in proceeding
from the surface 5, b c will become a
| n curved line. But we shall still have
for any point c of this curve, c a! be-
Fig. 13. j ng a tan g ent to it,
sin P h a
a constant for the particular strata in which c is situated.
This law, which is true for strata in parallel planes, ex-
tends also to parallel spherical strata, except that the nor-
mals P i, P' c are no longer parallel, but will meet at the
centre of the sphere. But the refraction takes place in the
common plane of these two normals.
41. The earth's atmosphere presents such a series of pa-
rallel spherical strata, denser at the surface of the earth, and
decreasing in density, until at the height of fifty miles the
refracting power is inappreciable.
REFRACTION.
53
In Fig. 14, the concentric, circles M N" represent sections
of these parallel strata, formed by the vertical plane passing
through the star S and
the zenith of an observer Z E S
at A. The normals C A Z
at A, and C B E at B,
are in this vertical plane.
S B, a ray of light from
the star S, passes through
the atmosphere in the
curve B A, and is re-
ceived by the observer
at A.
Let A S' be a tangent
to this curve at A ; then Fig. 14.
the apparent direction of
the star is that of the line A S' ; and the astronomical re-
fraction is the difference of directions of the two lines B S
and A S'. This difference of directions is the difference of
the angles EBS,EDS', which the lines SB,S'A make
with any right line C B E, which intersects them. If, then,
r represent the refraction, we have
r = E B S-E D S'.
Also, E B S is the angle of incidence, and Z A S', the appa-
rent zenith distance, is the angle of refraction ; and we
have
sin E B S
sin ZAS'
== m,
a constant ratio for a given condition of the atmosphere and
a given position of A ; but varying w T ith the density of the
atmosphere, and for different elevations of A above the sur-
face. For a mean state of the atmosphere and at the sur-
face of the earth, experiments give m = 1.000294.
The principles of Arts. 39 and 40, applied to this case,
54 NAVIGATION.
show that astronomical refraction takes place in vertical
planes, so as to increase the altitude of each star without
affecting its azimuth. The refraction must therefore be
subtracted from an observed altitude to reduce it to a true
altitude; or
h = h'-r,
in which h is the true altitude,
h\ the apparent altitude,
r, the refraction.
These laws are here assumed. The facts and reasoning
on which they depend belong to works on optics. (Bowd.,
p. 153 ; HerschePs Astronomy, p. 37 ; Lardner's Optics.)
42. Problem 14. To find the refraction of a star.
Solution. In Fig. 14, let
2 = Z A S', the apparent zenith distance of the star,
r = EBS-EDS',the refraction,
w=ZCE;
then EDS' = ADC = ZAS'-ZCE^2-w,
E B S % E © S' f r w a — u + n
, sin E B S sin (z — u 4- r)
and . „ . Q , = = m,
sm ZAS sin z
or sin \z— (u— r)~\ == m sin z\ (43)
which is of the same form as (309) of Plane Trig.,
sin (z + a) = m sin z,
the solution of which gives
tan (z + ia) he tan * a.
Putting a =z — (ii—r), its value in (43), we have
tan [z-i {u-r)] = j— J tan J (u—r) ;
whence
tan | (u-r) = y-j-^ tan [z— £ (w-r)]. (44)
REFRACTION.
55
In this u and r are both unknown, but we may note that
each is a very small angle, being when the zenith distance
is 0, and increasing with the zenith distance. As it is ne-
cessary to make some supposition respecting them, let us
assume that they vary proportionally, and that
u
7 = ?'
a constant, reserving it for observations to test the rigor of
this assumption.
Equation (44) then becomes
tan \ (q-1) r = ~=^ tan [>-£ (y-l>r],
or, since i {q— 1) r is quite small,
* (3.-1) r sin 1" =\=^ tan |>-| (q-1) r] ;
whence
1 +m
1 — m
tan (z— \ (q— 1) r).
(q — 1) sin V 1+m
Since observation is to determine q, we may as well con-
sider that it determines the whole of the constant factor
into which q enters.
2 1 — ra
Put then
n = ■
(q — 1) sin 1" 1+m'
and the formula reduces to
r — n tan (z— p r),
which is known as Bradley's formula.
Suppose at two given zenith distances z' and z n the refrac-
tions r' and r ,r are found by observations in a mean state of
the atmosphere, then we have the two equations,
r' = n tan (z! —p r'),
r /r = ntan ty'—pr");
56 • NAVIGATION.
and the two unknown quantities n and p may be found by
proper transformations, or by successive approximations.
By comparing pairs of observations in this way at various
zenith distances, the values of n and p come out very nearly
the same, except at very low altitudes ; so that the hypothe-
sis that <7, and therefore n and p are constant, is found to
be nearly, though not rigorously exact.
The values that have been found are, with the barometer
at 29.6 inches, and the thermometer at 50°,
n ~ 57 /; .036, p = 3 ;
and the formula by which Tab. XII. (Bowd.) has been com-
puted is
r =z 57".036 tan (z — 3 r). (46)
In computing by this formula, we must find an approximate
value of r, by assuming first
r = 57".036 tan z,
and substitute the value thus obtained in the second member
of the proper equation.
Example.
Find the refraction for the altitude 30°.
log 57".036 — 1.75615 . . . . . . . . 1.75615
2=60° l.tanO.23856 z— 3 r = 59°55'4" 1. tan 0.23712
r= 98".8 log 1.99471 r = 98 /r .46 log 1.99327
3r = 4' 56".4 r = l'38 /r .46
43. Laplace, from a more profound investigation of this
problem, obtained a more complicated formula, which agrees
better with observations.
Bessel has modified and improved Laplace's formula. His
tables of refractions are now considered the most reliable.
They are found in a convenient form for nautical problems
in Chauvenet's Method of Equal Altitudes, Table III. The
mean refractions in this Table are for the height of the
REFRACTION. 57
barometer, 30 inches, and the temperature 50° of Fah-
renheit.*
44. The mean values of n and p in Art. 42 correspond to
the height of the barometer, b = 29.6 inches,
the thermometer, t = 50° Fahrenheit.
Xow, the refraction in different conditions of the atmos-
phere is nearly proportional to the density of the air ; and
this density, the temperature being the constant, is propor-
tional to its elasticity ; that is, to the height of the baro-
meter. Hence, if
b is the noted height of the barometer (in inches),
r, the mean refraction of Tab. XII.,
A r, the correction for the barometer,
r -\- A r ~b
then
29.6'
By this formula the correction for the barometer in Tab.
XXXVI. is computed.
Again, the elastic force being constant, the density in-
creases by T £o part for each depression of 1° Fahrenheit.
Hence, if
A 1 r = the correction for the thermometer,
t = the temperature in degrees of Fahrenheit,
A ' r = ^m^( r + A ' r ) ( 48 )
which reduces to A 1 r = ^ a0 . ^ r
oOU -f- t
* Chauvenet's Astronomy, Vol. I. pp. 127-172, contains a thorough in-
vestigation of the problem of refraction, especially of Bessel'? formulas.
58
NAVIGATION.
by which the correction for the thermometer in Table
XXXVI. is computed.
Bessel's formulas are more rigid, but more complex.
45. Problem 15. To find the radius of curvature of the
path of a ray in the earth? s atmosphere.
Solution. By the radius of curvature for any point of a
curve, is meant the radius of the circular arc, which most
nearly coincides with the curve at that point.
If we consider the curvature of the path of a ray to be
uniform from B to A (Fig. 14), it is the same as considering
the curve B A itself to be a circular arc, and the problem is
reduced to finding the radius of this arc.
Let C be the centre of the arc A B,
B! ~ C A, the radius of curvature,
H = C A, the radius of the earth.
Z E S
Fig. 14.
Since S B and S' A are
tangents to the curve at
B and A respectively,
they are perpendicular
respectively to the radii
C B, C A; hence,
AC'B = r,
the difference of direc-
tions of S B and S' A.
As A B is a very small
arc, we may put
AB=:i2' sinr,
and, since they are very nearly equal, we may also put
AD=AB=:jft'sinr.
REFRACTION'.
59
In the triangle ADC,
AD
AC"
R' sin r
sin A C D
sin ADC
or
whence
R
sin (z — u) '
R sin u
sin (z — u)' sin r
or nearly enough, since u and r are small,
B! = — - 5.
sin s* r"
But in the preceding problem
u = qr, jP = i^— 1)== 3 >
whence 2—^f u = 7 r ;
7R
so that
J?'=
sin 3'
(49)
(50)
(51)
which is the required formula, nearly.
46. When z = 0, or the star is in the zenith,
JR = cc ;
that is, the path is a straight line.
When z = 90°, or the object is in the horizon,
H r = 1 E ;
that is, near the earth's surface a ray of light nearly horizon-
tal moves in a curve, which is nearly the arc of a circle whose
radius is seven times the radius of the earth.
This, however, is in a mean condition of the atmosphere.
The curve is greatly varied in extraordinary states of the
atmosphere, or by passing near the earth's surface of differ-
ent temperatures ; in very rare cases even to the extent of
becoming convex to the surface a short distance.
60
NAVIGATION
DIP OF THE HORIZON.
Fig. 15.
47. Problem 16. To find the dip of the horizon.
Solution. Let A (Fig. 15) be the position of the observer
at the height BA = A, above the
level of the sea ; A H, perpendic-
ular to the vertical line, C A, re-
presents the true horizon.
The most distant point of the
horizon visible from A is that at
which the visual ray, H" A, is
tangent to the earth's surface.
The apparent direction of H"
is A H', the tangent to the curve
A H" at A. /H == H A H' is
the dip of the horizon to be
found.
Let C be the centre of the earth,
C, the centre of the arc H" A.
H", C, C, are in the same straight line, since the arcs H" B,
LT A are tangent to each other at H",
C A, C A, are perpendicular respectively to AH, A H' ;
hence
C A C'= II A H'= A H, the dip.
Let JR = C B, the radius of the earth ;
then R + h = C A,
7 B = C A = C B.% the radius of curvature of H"A,
We have, then, in the triangle C A C, by PL Trig. (268),
siniJH^j/^
• **)(**) .
7 B.(R + h) »
and, since h is comparatively very small and may therefore
be omitted alongside of i?,
DIP OF THE HORIZON.
61
or, putting sin \ A H—\ A H sin 1",
AH= * i/Jl=*^/J-Vh. (52)
sin 1" V 7 E sin 1" r 7E
Taking B = 20923596 feet (Herschel, p. 126), we find the
constant factor
2 J 8 = 59".040,
sinl" ' 7i2
(53)
and
J,ff=59 ,/ .040 4 / A,
log J j? = 1.77115 + | log h,
h being expressed in feet, which is nearly the formula for
Tab. XIII. (Bowd.)
Since . „ y — ^ is constant, depending only upon the
radius of the earth, J H is proportional to Vh y or the dip is
proportional to the square root of the height of the observer
above the level of the sea.
48. Were the path of the ray, H A, a straight line, we
should have
A f H=KAW=WCA,
and in the triangle H /; C A
cos A' Hz
E
JK+ff
whence,
and
2 sinVj#2?=^=|, nearly,
AJECz
h
2J2'
sin I'
or with h in feet, A' H= 63".77l Vh.
Comparing this with A H= 5 9". 040 Vhl we find
A H= AH- 4".731 Vhzzz A'lT-.OU A' H y
(54)
62 NAVIGATION.
or that the dip is decreased by refraction by .074, or nearly
tV of it.
But from the irregularity of the refraction of horizontal
rays (Art. 46), the dip varies considerably, so that the tabu-
lated dip for the height of 16 feet can be relied on ordinarily
only within 2'. When the temperatures of the air and water
differ greatly, variations of the dip from its mean value as
great as 4' may be experienced. In some rare cases, varia-
tions of 8' have been found.
The dip may be directly measured by a dip-sector. A series
of such measurements carefully made, and under different
circumstances, both as to the height of .the eye, temperature
and pressure of the atmosphere, and temperature of the
water, are greatly needed.
Prof. Chauvenet (Astron. L, p. 176) has deduced the fol-
lowing formula, which it is desirable to test by observations :
t — t n
or
in seconds, AH- A'H-24:02l" •
in minutes, AH— A'H—Q'.6l
in which
A'H
t is the temperature of the air,
t that of the water,
by a Fahrenheit thermometer.
When the sea is warmer than the air, the visible horizon
is found to be below its mean position, or the dip is greater
than the tabulated value ; when the sea is colder than the air,
the dip is less than its tabulated value. (Raper's N~av.,
p. 61.)
This uncertainty of the dip affects to the same extent all
altitudes observed with the sea horizon.
49. Near the shore, or in a harbor, the horizon may be ob-
structed by the land. (Bowd., p. 155.) The shore-line may
then be used for altitudes instead of the proper horizon. Tab.
DIP OF THE HORIZON.
63
XVI. (Bowd.) contains the dip of such water-line, or of any
object on the water, for different heights in feet and dis-
tances in sea miles. It is computed by the formula
q X
D=:-d+ 0.56514 -j
7 a
(55)
in which
h is the height in feet ;
c?, the distance of the object in sea miles ;
Z>, the dip in minutes.
50. Problem 17. To find the distance of an object of
known height, which is just visible in the horizon.
Solution. If the observer is
at the surface of the earth at
the point H /; (Fig. 15), a point
A appears in the horizon, or is
just visible, when the visual ray
A W just touches the earth at
H". Let
h = B A, the height of A,
d = H" A, the distance of A.
As this arc is very small, we
have
d= H" C A sin 1' X C A = 1 R X H" C A sin l\
since by (51) C A = 1 B.
From the three sides of the triangle C C A by PL Trig.
(268),
Fig. 15.
sin iH'C'A = f
/\h(R+\K)
42 R 2
or nearly
and
i H" C A sin 1
W;
84 £?
H' C' A sin 1' = i/III.
y 21 r
64 NAVIGATION.
This, substituted in the expression for c?, gives
*-**VS«y (■£•**); (»)
In this, <#, A, and J? are expressed in the same denomina-
tion.
But if h and B are in feet,
in statute miles, d = -^— -^ j/ f — B A J,
in geographical miles, d = -^ |/ f- B h).
Taking B ■== 20923596 feet as before, we find
in stat. miles <#= 1.323 V\ orlogc?=:0.12l72-h£log A, ) , ,v
ingeog. " c7= 1.148 Vh, or log c?= 0.05 994 + i log A. )
The first of these is nearly the formula given by Bow-
ditch for computing Table X. (Bowd., Preface.)
51. Were the visual ray, H" A, a straight line, we should
have from the right triangle C H" A y
H"A = |/(C A 2 -ir'C 2 ), or d f = V {2 B + h) h;
or nearly d' = V 2 B X VL
Introducing the same numerical values as before, we have
in statute miles
d' = 1.225 Vh.
Comparing this with the expression above, we see that
the distance is increased about y 1 ^ part by refraction. This,
however, is subject to great uncertainty.
52. If the observer is also elevated at the height of B' A'
(Fig. 16), and sees the object A in his horizon, then its dis-
tance is
A' ir -fir a,
PARALLAX.
65
or the sum of the distances of each
from the common horizon, H".
By entering Table X. with the
heights of the observer and the ob-
ject respectively, the sum of the cor-
responding distances is the distance
of the object from the observer. The
distances in this table are in statute
5280
miles. Multiplying them by
to geographical miles.
=s .86751, reduces them
P AE ALL AX .
53. The change of the direction of an object, arising from
a change of the point from which it is viewed, is called
parallax ; and it is always expressed by the angle at the
object, which is subtended by the line joining the two
points of view. (Hersch. Ast., Art. 70.) Thus in Fig. 17,
the object S would be seen from A in the direction A S ;
and from C in the direction C S. The angle at S, subtended
by A C, is the difference of these directions, or the parallax
for the two points of view, C and A.
54. In astronomical
observations, the ob-
server is on the surface
of the earth ; the con-
ventional point to which
it is most convenient to
reduce them, wherever
they may be made, is the
earth's centre. (Hersch.
Ast., Art. 80.) In those
problems of practical
astronomy which are
used by the navigator,
we have only to con-
66
NAVIGATION.
sider this geocentric parallax, which is the difference of the
direction of a body seen from the surface and from the cen-
tre of the earth. It may also be defined to be the angle
at the body subtended by that radius of the earth, which
passes through the place of the observer. Thus, in Fig. 17, if
C is the centre of the earth, and
A the place of the observer,
the geocentric parallax of a body, S, will be the angle
S = ZAS-ZCS,
at the body subtended by the radius C A.
If the earth is regarded as a sphere, C A Z will be the
vertical line through A, and will pass through the zenith Z.
Then will the plane of C A S be a vertical plane ;
Z A S, the apparent zenith distance of S as observed at A ;
Z C S, its geocentric or true zenith distance ; and
Z A S > Z C S.
Thus we see that this parallax takes place in a vertical
plane, and increases the zenith distance, or decreases the
altitude, of a heavenly body without affecting its azimuth.
55. This suffices for all nautical problems except the com-
plete reduction of lunar distances.
For these and the more refined ob-
servations at observatories, the spher-
oidal form of the earth must be con-
sidered. Then, as in Fig. 18, the
radius C A does not coincide with
the normal or vertical line C A Z,
but meets the celestial sphere at a
point Z', in the celestial meridian, nearer the equator than
the zenith, Z.
We may remark here that
A C" E, the angle which the vertical line makes with the
equator, is the latitude of A ; and
Fig 18.
PARALLAX. 67
ACE, the angle which the radius makes with the equator,
is its geocentric latitude.
56. Problem 18. To find the parallax of a heavenly body
for a given altitude.
Solution, In Fig. 17, let
p = S, the parallax in altitude ;
z — Z A S, the apparent zenith distance of S, corrected for
refraction ;
H == C A, the radius of the earth ;
d h= C S, the distance of the body, S, from the centre of the
earth.
Then from the triangle C A S, we have
sin C S A = ^-h sin CAS,
ii? sin z ..
or sin p = — -= — , (58)
If the object is in the horizon as at H, the angle A H C is
called its horizontal parallax ; and denoting it by 7r 3 we have
from (58), or from the right triangle C A H,
sin 7T = ~ (59)
which substituted in (58) gives
sin^> = sin n sin z. (CO)
If h = 90°— z, the apparent altitude of the object, we
have
sin^? = sin n cos h; (61)
or, nearly, since p and it are small angles,
p = n cos h. (62)
57. The horizontal parallax, tt, is given in the Nautical
Almanac for the sun, moon, and planets. From Fig. 17 it
is obviously the semidiameter of the earth, as viewed from
the body. As the equatorial semidiameter is larger than
any other, so also will be the equatorial horizontal parallax.
68 NAVIGATION.
This i3 what is given in the Almanac for the moon. Strictly
it requires reduction for the latitude of the observer, and
such reduction is made at observatories, and in the higher
order of astronomical observations.
58. Tables X. A and XIV. (Bowd.) are computed by for-
mula (62).
Table XXIX. contains the correction of the moon's alti-
tude for parallax and refraction corresponding to a mean
value of the horizontal parallax, 57' 30". It should be used,
however, only for very rough observations or a coarse ap-
proximation.
Tab. XIX. contains the difference of 59' 42" and the com-
bined correction of the moon's altitude for parallax and re-
fraction. The numbers taken from this table subtracted
from 59' 42", give the correction of an apparent altitude for
parallax and refraction. To this may be applied the reduc-
tion of the refraction to the actual condition of the atmos-
phere (Art. 42). If, instead of the equatorial hor. parallax,
we enter the table w T ith the augmented parallax of Chau-
venet's Lunar Method (Tab. III.), we shall obtain the re-
duction, not to the centre of the earth, C (Fig. 18), but to
the point, C, where the normal line through A intersects
the axis of the earth.
Table XIX. of Bowditch was arranged especially for one
of the Lunar methods in that work, so that the reductions
of the distance should all be additive.
APPARENT SEMIDIA METERS.
5 \ The apparent diameter of a body is the angle which
its disk subtends at the place of the observer.
Problem 19. To find the apparent semidiameter of a
heavenly body.
Solution. In Fig. 19, let M be the body;
d = C M, its distance from the centre of the earth ;
APPARENT SEMIDIAMETERS.
69
d r = AM, its distance from A;
r = MB, its linear radius or
semidiameter ;
5 = MCB, its apparent semi-
diameter, as viewed
from C ;
J = M A B',its apparent semi-
diameter, as viewed
from A (B and B' are
too near each other to
be distinguished in
the diagram) ;
iJ-CA, the earth's radius.
1st. For finding s, the right triangle C B M, gives
sin s = y r (63)
Were the body M in the horizon of A, or Z A M = 90°,
its distance from A and C would be sensibly the same, so
that the angle s is called the horizontal semidiameter.
In (59) we have for the horizontal parallax,
R „ R
sin n = ? ,
which, substituted in (63), gives
Fig. 19.
or d :
sin s = r- sin 7r,
Jtc
or nearly, since s and n are small,
s== n n -
(64)
(65)
^ is constant for any particular body, as it is simply the
ratio of its linear diameter to that of the earth. (Hersch.
Ast., p. 544.)
For the moon (Hersch. Ast., p. 214),
■^ = 0.2729,
n.\ ( 66 )
70 NAVIGATION.
s = 0.2729 7T,
and log s = 9.43600 + log
By this formula the moon's horizontal semidiameter may
be found from her horizontal parallax.
The Nautical Almanac contains the semidiameters as well
as the horizontal parallaxes of the sun, moon, and planets.
2d. For finding s', the apparent semidiameter as viewed
by an observer at A on the surface of the earth, the right
triangle A B' M gives
sins=^. (67
In the triangle
CM A,
sinMAC CM
sin M C A ~~ A M>
or, putting
and
h = 90°— Z A M, the apparent,
h! = 90°— Z C M, the true altitude of M,
cos h d ,
cosA'-rf" < 68
whence,
,, ,cos^'
cosh
which, substituted in (67), and by (63), gives
. r cos h . cos h
Bin s = -= 77 = sin s — T7,
a cos A cosA '
or approximately, s' = s — =7, (69)
by which s' may be found when s and A are known.
Since h < A', cos h > cos A', and consequently s r > s ;
that is, the semidiameter increases with the altitude of the
body. The excess
A s = «'— s, is called the augmentation.
The moon is the only body for which this augmentation is
sensible.
APPARENT SEMIDIAMETERS.
71
60. Problem 20. To find the augmentation of the moorf s
horizontal semidiameter.
/Solution. From (69) we find
A , cos h — cos h!
A S = S 5 — 5 r . ,
cos A'
which, by PI. Trig. (108), becomes,
As
2 sin j (N + h) sin \ Qi' — h)
cos h'
h! — h =p, the parallax ; since it is small, we may put
2 sin \ (h' — h) = 2 sin \p =p sin 1" == 77 cos A sin 1* ;
and, in computing so small a quantity as A s, we may take h
for \ (A' + A), and cos A for cos h'; and then
A s = s 7T sin 1" sin A,
or, since (65)
For the moon
S =E^
A s — -^ 7T 2 sin 1" sin A.
r
E
0.2729; then
A s = .000001323 tt 2 sin A. (70)
If we take 7r = 57' 20", which is nearly its mean value, we
have
A s = 15".65 sin A, (71)
which agrees nearly with the formula for Tab. XV. (Bowd.)
The augmentation may differ 2" from this mean value.
Tab. II. of Chauvenet's Lunar Method contains this aug-
mentation for different values of s, as well as of A, computed
by a more precise formula.
CHAPTER III.
TIME.
61. Transit. The instant when any point of the celestial
sphere is on a given meridian is designated as the transit of
the point over that meridian.
62. Hour-angle. The hour-angle of any point of the sphere
is the angle at the pole, which the circle of declination pass-
ing through the point makes with the meridian. It is pro-
perly reckoned from the upper branch of the meridian, and
positively toward the west. It is usually expressed in hours,
minutes, and seconds of time. The intercepted arc of the
equator is the measure of this angle.
63. Sidereal Time. The intervals between the successive
transits of any fixed point of the sphere (as, for instance, of
a star which has no proper motion) over the same meridian
would be perfectly equal, were it not for the variable effect
of nutation, (Hersch. Ast., Art. 327.) This correction,
arising from a change in the position of the earth's axis, is
most perceptible in its effect upon the transit of stars near
the vanishing point of that axis, i. e. near the poles of the
heavens. Hence, for the exact measurement of time, we use
the transits of some point of the equator, as the vernal
equinox. This point is often called the first point of Aries.
Its usual symbol is c p.
64. The interval between two successive transits of the
vernal equinox is a sidereal day ; and such a day is regarded
as commencing at the instant of the transit of that point.
TIME. 73
The sidereal time is then O h O m s . This instant is sometimes
called sidereal noon.
The effect of nutation and precession in changing the time
of the transit of the vernal equinox is so nearly the same at
'two successive transits, that the sidereal days thus defined
[are sensibly equal. It is unnecessary, then, except in refined
discussions, to discriminate between mean and apparent
sidereal time.
65. The sidereal time at any instant is the hour-angle of
the vernal equinox at that instant, and is reckoned on the
equator from the meridian westward around the entire cir-
cle, that is, from to 24 h . It is equal to the right ascension
of the meridian at the same instant.
66. Solar Time. The interval between two successive
transits of the sun over a given meridian is a solar day, and
the hour-angle of the sun at any instant is the solar time of
that instant.
In consequence of the motion of the earth about the sun
from west to east, the sun appears to have a like motion
among the stars at such a rate that it increases its right as-
cension daily nearly 1°, or 4 m of time. With reference to
the fixed stars, it therefore arrives at the meridian each day
about 4 m later than on the previous day ; consequently, solar
days are about 4 m longer than sidereal days.
67. Apparent and Mean Solar Time. If the sun changed
its right ascension uniformly each day, solar days would be
exactly equal. But the sun's motion in right ascension is
not uniform, varying from 3 m 35 s to 4 m 26 s in a solar day.
There are two reasons for this, —
1st. The sun does not move in the equator, but in the
ecliptic.
2d. Its motion in the ecliptic is not uniform, being most
rapid at the time of the earth's perihelion, about January 1,
and slowest at the time of the aphelion, about July 2.
74 NAVIGATION.
To obtain a uniform measure of time depending on the
sun's motion, the following method is adopted. A fictitious
sun, called a mean sun, is supposed to move uniformly in the
ecliptic at such a rate as to return to the perigee and apogee
at the same time with the true sun. A second mean sun is
also supposed to move uniformly in the equator at the same
rate that the first moves in the ecliptic, and to return to each
equinox at the same time with the first mean sun.
The time which is measured by the motion of this second
mean sun is uniform in its increase, and is called mean time.
That which is denoted by the true sun is called true or
apparent time.
The difference between mean and apparent time is called
the equation of time. It is also the difference of the right
ascensions of the true and mean suns.
The instant of transit of the true sun over a given meridian
is called apparent noon. The instant of transit of the second
mean sun is called mean noon. The mean time is then h
m s .
Mean noon occurs, then, sometimes before and sometimes
after apparent noon, the greatest difference being about 16 m ,
early in November.
68. Astronomical Time. The solar day (apparent or
mean) is regarded by astronomers as commencing at noon
(apparent or mean), and is divided into 24 hours, numbered
successively from to 24.
Astronomical time (apparent or mean) is, then, the hour-
angle of the sun (true or mean) reckoned on the equator
westward throughout the entire circle from h to 24 h .
69. Civil Time. For the common purposes of life, it is
more convenient to begin the day at midnight, that is, when
the sun is on the meridian below the horizon, or at the sun's
lower transit. The civil day begins 12 h before the astro-
nomical day of the same date; and is divided into two
TIME. 75
periods of 12 h each, namely, from midnight to noon, marked
A.M. (ante-meridian), and from noon to midnight, marked
P.M. (post-meridian). Both apparent and mean time are
used.
The affixes A.M. and P.M. distinguish civil time from as-
tronomical time. During the P.M. period, this is the only
distinction, — the day, hours, &c. being the same in both.
70. Sea-Time. Formerly, in sea-usage, the day was sup-
posed to commence at noon, 12 h before the civil day, and 24 h
before the astronomical day of the same date ; and was di-
vided into two periods, the same as the civil day. Sea-time
is now rarely used.
71. To convert civil into astronomical time, it is only
necessary to drop the A.M. or P.M., and when the civil time
is A.M., deduct l d from the day and increase the hours by
12b.
To convert astronomical into civil time, if the hours are
less than 12 h , simply affix P.M. ; if the hours are 12 h or more
than 12 h , deduct 12 h , add l d , and affix A.M.
Examples.
Ast. Time. Civil Time.
dhme dhms
1860 May 10 14 15 10 = 1860 May 11 2 15 10 A.M.
1862 Sept. 8 9 19 20 = 1862 Sept. 8 9 19 20 P.M.
1863 Jan. 3 23 22 16 = 1863 Jan. 4 11 22 16 A.M.
1863 Jan. 4 3 30 = 1863 Jan. 4 3 30 P.M.
72. The hour-angle of the sun (true or mean), at any me-
ridian, is called the local (apparent or mean) solar time. The
hour-angle of the sun (true or mean) at Greenwich at the
same instant is the corresponding Greemcich time.
So also the hour-angle of °p at any meridian, and its hour-
angle at Greenwich at the same instant, are corresponding
local and Greenwich sidereal times.
76 NAVIGATION.
73. Tlxe difference of the local times of any two meridians
is equal to the difference of longitude of those meridians.
Demonstration. In Fig. 20, let
P M, P M' be the celestial merid-
ians of two places ;
P S, the declination circle through 9^
the sun (true or mean) ;
M P S, the hour-angle of the sun
at all places whose meridian is
P M, will be the local time (apparent or mean) at those
places ; so also
M' P S will be the corresponding local time at all places
whose meridian is P M 7 ; and
M P M'= MPS- W P S will be the difference of longitude
of the two meridians.
If P °p is the equinoctial colure,
M P °p and M' P °p will be the corresponding sidereal times
at the two meridians ; still, however,
M P M'= MPf-MTT.
The proposition is true, then, whether the times compared
are apparent, mean, or sidereal.
The difference of longitude is here expressed in time. It
is readily reduced to arc by observing that
24*= 360° 1 rio_ 4m
; . \ or <^ 1' = 4 s
IB =: 15' J l "" 15
Iu comparing corresponding times of different meridians,
the most easterly meridian is that at which the time is
greatest.
74. If (Fig. 20) PM is the meridian of Greenwich,
M P S is the Greenwich solar time, and
M P M' the longitude of the meridian P M'.
TIME. 77
MPM'=MPS-M'PS;
so also MPM'=MPf-M'Pfj
or, the longitude of any meridian is equal to the difference
between the local time of that meridian and the correspond-
ihg Greenicich time.
75. If we put
r o =MPS, the Greenwich time,
T = M' P S, the corresponding local time,
A = MP M', the longitude of the meridian, P M',
we have X = T — T, ) ,» .
and T =T+^ J V ;
in which A is + for west longitudes, and T and T are sup-
posed to be reckoned always westward from their respective
meridians from h to 24 h ; that is, T and T are the astro-
nomical times, which should always be used in all astro-
nomical computations.
76. Usually the first operation in most computations of
nautical astronomy is to convert the local civil time into
the corresponding astronomical time (Art. 71).
The Greenwich time should never be otherwise expressed
than astronomically. On this account it would be conven-
ient to have chronometers intended for nautical or astronomi-
cal purposes marked from h to 24 h , instead of h to 12 h as
is now customary with sea-chronometers.
* 77. The second operation often required is to convert the
local astronomical time into Greenwich time. For this we
have (72), which numerically is
( + when the longitude is west)
• ~~ \ — when it is east,
and, in words, gives the following
Rule. Having expressed the local time astronomically,
add. the longitude, if west ; subtract it, if east: the result is
the corresponding Greenwich time.
78 NAVIGATION.
TIME.
Examples.
1. In Long. 76° 32' W., the local time being 1861, April
Id 9 h 3 m 10 s A.M., what is the Greenwich time ?
Local Ast. T. == March 31 d 21 h 3 m 10 3
Longitude — +568
G. T. = April "1 2 9 18
2. In Long. 30° E., the loc. time being March 20 d 6 h 3 m
A.M., what is the G. T. ?
Loc. Ast. T. = March 19 d 18 h 3 m
Long. = — 2
G. T. s= March 19 16 3
3. In Long. 105° 15' E., the loc. time being Aug. 21 d 4 h 3 m
P.M., what is the G. T. ?
Loc. Ast. T. = Aug. 21 d 4 h 3 m
Long. = — 7 1
G. T. == Aug. 20 21 2
4. Long. 175° 30' W., Loc. T. Sept. 30 d 8 h 10 m A.M.
G. T. Sept. 30 d 7 h 52 m .
5. Long. 165° 0' E., Loc. T. Feb. l d 7 h ll m P.M.
G. T. Jan. 31 d 20 h ll m .
6. Long. 72° 30' W., Loc. T. April 10 d 7 h 10 ra A.M.
G. T. 10 d h m .
7. Long. 100° 30' E., Loc. T. June l d b m A.M. (or mid-
night.) G. T. May 31 d 5 h 18 m .
8.- Long. 75° W., Loc. T. June 3 d h m M. (noon.)
G. T. June 3 d 5 h m .
By reversing this process, that is by subtracting the longi-
tude if west, or adding it if east, we may reduce the Green-
wich time to the corresponding local time.
78. When observations are noted by a chronometer regu-
lated to Greenwich time, an approximate knowledge of the
TIME. 79
longitude and local time is necessary in order to determine
whether the chronometer time is A.M. or P.M., and thus fix
the true Greenwich date. If the time is A.M., the hours
must be increased by 12\
Examples.
1. In Long. 5 h W., about 3 h P.M., on Aug. 3 d , the Green-
wich chronometer shows 8 h ll ra 7% and is fast of G. T. 6 ra 10 9 .
What is the G. T. ?
Approx. Loc. T. Aug. 3 d 3 h G. Chro. SMl m T
Long. + 5 Correction — 6 10
Approx. G. T. Aug. 3 d 8 h G. T. Aug. 3 d 8 b 4 m 57 s
2. In Long. 10 h E., about l h A.M., on Dec. 7 d , the G. Chro.
shows 3 b 14 m 13 8 .5, and is fast 25 m 18 9 .7, find the G. T.
Approx. Loc. T. Dec. 6 d 13 h G. Chro. 3 h 14 m 13 3 .5
Long. — 10 Correction — 25 18 9 .7
Approx. G. T. Dec. 6 d 3 h G. T. Dec. 6 d 2 h 48 m 54 s .8
3. In Long. 9 h 12 m W., about 2 h A.M., on Feb. 13 d , the
G. Chro. shows ll h 27 m 13 9 .3, and is fast 30 ra 30 9 .3, find the
G. T.
Approx. Loc. T.Feb. 12 d 14 h m G. Chro. ll h 27 ra 13 9 .3
Long. + 9 12 Correction — 30 30 9 .3
Approx. G. T. Feb. 12 d 23 h 12 m G. T. Feb. 12 d 22 h 56 m 43\0
The operations on the approximate times may be per-
formed mentally.
CHAPTER IV.
THE NAUTICAL ALMANAC.
79. The American Ephemeris and Nautical Almanac " is
divided into two distinct parts. One part is designed for
the special use of navigators, and is adapted to the meridian
of Greenwich. The other is suited to the convenience of
astronomers, on this continent particularly, and is adapted
to the meridian of Washington."
80. The Nautical part of this Ephemeris and the British
Nautical Almanac give at regular intervals of Greenwich
time the apparent right ascensions and declinations of the
sun, moon, planets, and principal fixed stars, the equation of
time, the horizontal parallaxes and semidiameters of the sun,
moon, and planets, and other quantities, some of which little
concern the navigator, but are needed by astronomers.
81. Before we can find the value of any of these quanti-
ties for a given local time, we must first find the correspond-
ing Greenwich time (Art. 77). When this time is exactly
one of the instants for which the required quantity is put
down in the Almanac, it is only necessary to transcribe the
quantity as it is there given. When, as is mostly the case,
the time falls between two Almanac dates, the required
quantity is to be obtained by interpolation. And generally,
except when great precision is desired, it is sufficient to use
first differences only ; that is, regard the changes of the
quantity as proportional to the small intervals of time,
which are employed.
THE NAUTICAL ALMANAC. 81
Thus, for a day the change of the sun's right ascension
may be regarded as uniform, so that for l h it is ^\ of the
daily change ; for 2 h , ^ T ; and in general for any part of a
day it will be the same part of the daily change.
Generally, then, if
A represent the quantity in the Almanac, for a date pre-
ceding the given Greenwich time ;
J x , its change in the time T ;
£, the time after the Almanac date for which the value of
the quantity is required, expressed in the same unit as T ;
and
A, the required value ;
we have,
A = A,+ ^A lm (73)
When A is increasing, A l has the same sign as A ; but
when A is decreasing, A x has the opposite sign.
82. If the given time is nearer the subsequent than the
preceding Almanac date, it may be convenient to interpolate
backward. If, then, A x represent the quantity in the Al-
manac for a subsequent Greenwich date, and t' the time be-
fore the Almanac date, we have
A^A-^A,. (74)
83. The Almanac contains the rate of change, or difference
of each of the principal quantities for some unit of time.
Thus, in the Ephemeris of the sun and planets the "Diff.
for l h ," in part of that of the moon, the " Diff. for l m ," are
given. If t or t r is expressed in the same unit of time as
that for which the " Diff.," J 19 is given, formulas (73) and
(74) become
Thus, for using hourly differences, we w r ish the hours,
82 NAVIGATION.
minutes, U
M. T. of mer. pass. June 6 9 59.6 +1^ June 5 12 41.8 —4.45 in l d
T1L82 (T.Tlin6 h
— 13.2 J 1.18 + 1.1
( 1.11 in
] .16 (1 .08
June 6 9 46.4 [ 1 June 5 12 43.0
or June 6 43.0 A.M.
94 NAVIGATION.
In the case of the moon the hourly differences have been
interpolated for half the longitude.
96. Problem 27. To find the right ascension or declines
tion of the moon, or a planet, at the time of its transit over
a given meridian on a given day.
Solution. Find the local mean time of transit, as in Pro-
blem 25 ; deduce the corresponding Greenwich time by ap-
plying the longitude ; and for this Greenwich time take out
the right ascension or declination, as in Problem 21.
If the time of transit has been noted by a clock or chrono-
meter, regulated to either local or Greenwich time, it should
be used in preference to the time of transit computed from
the Almanac.
97. Problem 28. To find the Greenwich mean time of a
given lunar distance.
Solution. The angular distances of the moon from the sun,
the principal planets, and several selected stars, are given in
the Almanac for each 3 h of Greenwich mean time.
If d represent the given distance ;
c? , the nearest distance of the same body in the Almanac
preceding in time the given distance ;
J 15 the change of distance in 3 h ;
t, the required time (in hours) from the date of d ;
by (75) we have approximately, using 1st differences only,
whence, for the inverse interpolation,
* = !(-<£), (79)
or, with t in seconds of time, which is better for computation,
t = ——(d-d ), (80)
in which it is most convenient to express A x and (d — d ) in
seconds.
THE NAUTICAL ALMANAC. 95
Then by logarithms :
-rx i 10800 fMS
log t = log (d - do) '+ log—,-, (81)
Ji
— ^- is the change of distance in 1" ; hence log — j- is the
ar. complement of the " log diff. for I s ."
It is given in the Almanac for the middle instant between
the tabulated distances under the head " P. L.* of Diff." ;
the index, which is 0, and the separatrix being omitted.
In the same way, if
d Y represent the distance in the Almanac following the given
distance ; and
t\ the interval before the date of c? 19
we shall have by (76
and t f =-j(d l —d)^
or with t' in seconds, and by logarithms,
r i / t 7x t 10800 , .
log t = log (d- d) +log-^-. (82)
The computation is simplified by using a table of "loga-
rithms of small arcs in space or time."f It differs from the
common table of logarithms only in having the argument in
sexagesimal instead of natural numbers. With such a table
it is unnecessary to reduce differences of distance to seconds,
or to first find the intervals of time in seconds.
From (81) and (82) we have the following rule : Find in
the Almanac the two distances between which the given
distance falls ; take out the nearest of these, the hours of
Greenwich time over it and the " P. L. of Diff." between
* Proportional Logarithm.
f Tab. I. of the American Ephemeris before 1865 : Tab. IX. of Chauvenet's
Lunar Method.
96 NAVIGATION.
them. Find the difference between the distance taken from
the Almanac and the given distance ; and to the log. of
this difference add the " P. L. of Diff." from the Almanac ;
the sum is the log. of an interval of time to be added to the
hours of Greenwich time taken from the Almanac, when the
earlier Almanac distance is used ; to be subtracted from the
hours of Greenwich time when the later Almanac distance is
used. (Chauvenet's Lunar Method, p. 8.)
98. The result, however, may not be sufficiently approxi-
mate, owing to the neglect of 2d differences. To correct it
for 2d differences, Tab. X. of Chauvenet's Method, Tab. IT.
of the Almanac, or the table on p. 245 of Bowditch, may be
used. For either, take the difference between the two Prop.
Logs., which precede and follow the one taken from the Al-
manac. With half this difference, and the interval of time
just found, enter the table and take out the seconds, which
are to be added to the approximate Greenwich time when
the Prop. Logs, are decreasing ', but subtracted when they are
increasing.
2d differences may also be introduced by first finding, or
estimating, the Greenwich mean time to the nearest 10 m , and
interpolating the Prop. Log. in the Almanac to the middle
instant between that time and the Almanac hour used, as in
Art. 88 for direct interpolation.
99. Maskelyne, the author of the present arrangement of
Lunar distances, to facilitate their interpolation, devised
what he chose to call proportional logarithms.
If n represent any number of seconds, either of space or
time, the proportional logarithm of n is the log of .
Tab. XXII. (Bowd.) contains these proportional loga-
rithms for each second of n from to 3°, or to 3 h , the argu-
ment being in ° ' " or in h m fl . But such a table is less use-
ful for other purposes than Tab. I. of the American Ephe-
meris, previously refer red to.
THE NAUTICAL ALMANAC. 97
Dividing both members of (80) by 10800, and inverting,
we have
10800 _ A 10800
t ~ 10800 X cl—dj
and,
P. log t = P. log {d-d Q )-V. log 4 U (83)
which accords with the rule on page 231. (Bowd.)
100. Examples.
1865, Oct. 31, the distance of Fomalhaut from the moon's
centre is 42° 3' 35", what is the Greenwich mean time ?
Oct, 31 15 h d — 41 17 58 P. log 0.3142 % cliff. — 91
d — d Q — 45 37 log 3.4373
t = + l h 34 ra 3 s log 3.7515
Red. for 2d diff. + 28
G. m. time Oct, 3116 34 31
or, by back interpolation,
* c?=42° 3' 35"
Oct, 31 18 h ^.= 42 45 17 P. log 0.3142 £ diff. — 91
d x — d — 41 42 log 3.3983
t r = — l h 25 m 58 9 log 3.7125
Red. for 2d diff. + 28
G. m. time Oct. 31 16 34 30
The P. L. interpolated to 15 h 47 m is 0.3163, and to I7 h I7 ra
is 0.3118. Had these been used instead of 0.3142, the result-
ing values of t and t' would have included the reduction for
2d difference.
CHAPTER V.
CONVERSION OF THE SEVERAL KINDS OF TIMR-
RELATION OF TIME AND HOUR-ANGLES.
CONVERSION OF TIME
101. Problem 29. To convert apparent into mean time,
or mean into apparent time.
Solution. For the same instant, let
T m represent the local mean time ;
T a , the local apparent time ; and
JEj the equation of time with the sign of its application to
apparent time.
Then, since the equation of time is the difference of mean
and apparent times (Art. 67),
T m =T a +EA
T a = T m -E\ I 84 '
The reduction, then, is made by finding from the Almanac
the equation of time for a given apparent time, from page
I. of the month (Prob. 22), or for a given mean time from
page II. (Prob. 21), and applying it to the given time
according to the precept at the head of the column where it
is found.
102. The equation of time on page I. is sometimes called the
mean time of apparent noon ; and on page II. the apparent
time of mean noon. Regarding it, as in (84), as the reduc-
tion of apparent to mean time, it indicates, when additive
CONVERSION" OF TIME. 99
and increasing, or subtractive and decreasing, that mean
time is gaming on apparent time.
103. Problem 30. To convert a mean into a sidereal time
interval, or a sidereal into a mean time interval.
Solution. The sidereal year is 365.25636 mean solar days,
or 366.25636 sidereal days; so that the same interval of
time which is measured by 365 d . 25636 reckoned in mean
time, is measured by 366 d .25636 if reckoned in sidereal time
(Herscb., Ast. 305). Since both are uniform measures of
time, if we represent any interval by
t, if expressed in mean time,
s, if expressed in sidereal time, then
■= 1.0027379;
365.25636
wdience
s = 1.0027379 t = £ + .0027379 t, (85)
t == 0.9972696 s = s— .0027304 s, (86)
by which the reduction from one to the other may be made.
The computation is facilitated by Tab. II. of the American
Ephemeris, the first part of which, for converting sidereal
into mean solar time, contains for each minute of s the value
of .0027304 s ; the second part, for converting mean solar
into sidereal time, contains for each minute of t the value of
.0027379 t.
Tables LI. and LII. (Bowd.) contain the same quantities
to tenths of seconds only.
104. If in (86) t = 24 h ; *= 24 h 3 m 56 s .5553 ; ormnmean
solar day sidereal time gains on mean time 3 ra 56 s .5553.» In
l h of mean time the gain is 9 s . 8565.
If in (87) s = 24 h ; t = 24 h — 3 m 55 9 .9094 ; or in a sidereal
day mean time loses on sidereal time 3 m 5 5 s . 90 94. In l h of
sidereal time the loss is 9 8 .8296.
If t and s in the last term are expressed in hours, (85) and
(86) become
100 NAVIGATION,
s = t + 9\85Q5 %
t — s— 9 9 .8296 s; J ' y
by which the reductions may be more readily calculated,
when the tables are not at hand.
105. Problem 31. To convert mean time at a given place
into sidereal time.
Solution. Let
X represent the longitude of the place, expressed in time,
+ when ivest,
T, the local mean time,
$, the corresponding sidereal time,
t, the interval from mean noon in mean time (differing from
^only by omitting the day),
/S Y , the same interval in sidereal time,
/Sq, the sidereal time of mean noon at Greenwich,
/S Y ' , the sidereal time of mean noon at the place ;
then, since X expresses the Greenwich time of local noon,
(Art. 92),
S' =S + .0027379 A; 1
evidently S = s + S' . L (88)
and by (86) s == t +.0027379 t; J
whence we have
S=t +£ + .0027379 (X + t). (89)
The Almanac (page II.) contains JS for each Greenwich
mean noon, under the head " Sidereal Time." It should be
taken out for the given astronomical day of the place ;
.0027379 X is then the reduction for longitude, additive in
west longitude, subtractive in east. It, as well as .0027379 £,
the reduction to a sidereal interval, may be taken from the
second part of Tab. II. of the Almanac, or from Tab. LI.
(Bowd.) ; or either may be computed by (86) or first of (87).
From (89), then, we have the following rule :
To the local mean time add the sidereal time of Green-
CONVERSION OF TIME. 101
toich mean noon of the given astronomical day, the reduction
of this sidereal time for the longitude of the place, and the
reduction of the hours, minutes, &c, of the mean time to a
sidereal interval.
The astronomical (solar) day is usually retained. But if
it be desirable to state the sidereal day, as well as the hours,
&c, of the sidereal time, we prefix to S the sidereal day at
the instant of mean noon, which is the same as the astro-
nomical day after the vernal equinox of each year ; one day
less before that date. At the instant of the vernal equinox
the sidereal time and mean solar time coincide. Before that
time the mean sun transits before the vernal equinox ; after
that time it transits after the vernal equinox.
106. T+ X is the Greenwich mean time. When this is
given, or found in the course of computation, it will be more
convenient to take out S for the Greenwich day, and the
combined reduction, .0027379 (t + X), for the hours, minutes,
&c, of Greenwich mean time, instead of for t and X sepa-
rately.
It should be noted, however, that in the first method
(Art. 105), S Q is taken out for the local day ; in this, it is
taken out for the Greenwich day, provided X + 1, as used,
expresses properly the Greenwich time.
107. S + .0027379 (t + X) is the "sidereal time" of the
Almanac interpolated for the Greenwich mean time. It is
more convenient to term it the right ascension of the mean
sun (Art. 93) ; and then the translation of (89) will be, the
sidereal time is equal to the right ascension of the mean. sun
+ the mean time.
This is also evident from Fig. 21, in which
102 NAVIGATION.
P is the pole ;
P M, the meridian ;
f, the vernal equinox ;
T M, the equator.
°p M is also the right ascension
of the meridian, and measures
MPf, the hour-angle of T, or
the sidereal time (Art. 65).
If P S is the declination-circle passing through the mean sun,
T S is the right ascension of the mean sun, and
MPS is its hour-angle or the mean time (Art. 72), and is
measured by the arc of the equator, S M.
Evidently T M = T S + S M. (90)
The hour-angles MPf, MPS, are reckoned from the
meridian toward the west ; hour-angles east from the me-
ridian are then regarded as negative.
If P S is the declination-circle of the true sun, then will
T S be the right ascension, and
MPS the hour-angle of the true sun ; and
S M will measure the apparent time,
and the interpretation of (90) will be, the sidereal time is
equal to the right ascension of the true sun + the apparent
time.
Examples.
1. Find the sidereal time of 1865, Jan. 30, 10 11 15 m 26 9 .6,
ast. mean time in long. 150° 13' 10" (10 h m 52 s .7) W.
First Method. Second Method.
h m s h m ■ s
L. m. t. Jan. 30 10 15 26.6
L. m. t. Jan. 30 10 15 26.6
S 20 38 56.00
Long. +10 52.7
Red. for long. + 1 38.71
G. m. t. Jan. 30 20 16 19.3
Red. ofL.m.t. + 141.10
L. m. t. 10 15 26.6
Sid. t. 6 57 42.4
S 20 38 56.00
Red. for G. m. t, + 3 19.81
Sid. t. 6 57 42.4
CONVERSION OF TIME. 103
2. Find the sidereal time of 1865, Jan. 30, 10 h 15 ra 26 8 .6,
ast. mean time in long. 10 h m 5 2 s . 7 E.
h m s
L. m. t. Jan. 30 10 15 26.6
S 20 36 56.00
Red. for long. — 1 38.71
Red. of L. m. t. +
Sid. t. 6 54 25.0
1 38.71 ) •■ „ mi _
-i 4-1 10 f 2d part of lab. II.
3. Find the sidereal time of 1865, Sept. 25, 21 h 16 m 15%
in long. 60° 13' (=4 h m 52 s ) W.
h m s h m s
L. m. t. Sept. 25 21 16 15 L. m. t. Sept, 25 21 16 15
S 12 17 15.9 Long. + 4 52
G. m. t, Sept. 26 1 17 7
Red. for long.
+ 39.6
G.
Red. of L. m. t.
+ 3 29.7
S
Sid. t.
* 9 37 40
R(
12 21 12.7
Red. for G. m. t. + 12.6
Sid. t. 9 37 40
4. Find the sidereal time of 1865, Sept. 25, 3 h 16 m 15 9 .0,
in long. 8 h 16 m 25 s .3 E.
o
h m 8 h ra s
L. m. t. Sept. 25 3 16 15.0 L. m. t. Sept. 25 3 16 15.0
S 12 17 15.89 Long. — 8 16 25^3
Red. for long. — 1 21.55 G. m. t. Sept, 24 18 59 49.7
Red. for L. m. t. + 32,24 S 12 13 19.34
Sid. t. 15 32 41.6 Red. for G. m. t. + 3 7.25
Sid. t, 15 32 41.6
108. Problem 32. To convert sidereal time at any place
into mean time,
1st Solution. The sidereal time at mean noon at the place
is from (88)
g' =z S + . 0027379 A; ■
the sidereal interval from mean noon,
s = S—S f = S—S — .0027379 A ; (91)
and from (86) the corresponding mean time interval,
£ = s--.0027304 s. (92)
104 NAVIGATION".
The mean time T is completed by prefixing to t the astro-
nomical day.
From (91) and (92) we have the following rule:
From the local sidereal time subtract the sidereal time of
Greenwich 'mean noon of the given astroyiomical day and
the reduction of this sidereal time for the longitude of the
place ; and from the sidereal interval thus obtained subtract
the reduction to a mean time interval ; and to the residt pre-
fix the giv n astronomical day.
The local sidereal time may be increased by 24 h if neces-
sary. The reduction for longitude, .0027379 A, may be taken
from the 2d part of Tab. II. of the Almanac, or from Tab.
LI. (Bowd.) ; numerically, it is subtr active ixiicest longitude,
additive in east, as applied to the given sidereal time. The
reduction of the sidereal interval, .00273.04 s, may be taken
from the 1st part of Tab. II., or from Tab. LII. (Bowd.),
and is always subtractive.
2d Solution. Let
M represent the "mean time of the preceding sidereal h " *
at Greenwich ;
M ' , the " mean time of the preceding sidereal h " at the
place ;
S, the interval from h in sidereal time ;
£, the same interval in mean time :
then, since X will be the sidereal interval between the
Greenwich and local sidereal h (Art. 92),
M\ — M — . 0027304 A,
evidently, T— t + M' ,
and by (86) t =: £—.0027304 IS ;
whence we have
T= S+3I— .0027304 (X + jS). (93)
* It is equal to 24 h — the right ascension of the mean sun. In the British
Almanac it is called " Mean time of transit of first point of Aries."
CONVERSION OF TIME. 105
The Almanac (page III.) contains Jf for the Greenwich
sidereal h on each mean day. The Almanac date of the
preceding sidereal h is generally the same as the local
astronomical date when the sidereal time is less than the
"sidereal time at mean noon" (page II.), but l d less when
the sidereal time is greater than that at mean noon. The
doubtful case is w r hen the mean time is within 4 m of noon :
the comparison must then be made with the sidereal time at
the nearest local mean noon.
The reduction of M to the local meridian is — .0027304 A,
which may be taken from the 1st part of Tab. II., or from
Tab. LIL (Bowd.) It is subtr active in icest longitude, ad-
ditive in east.
The reduction of the sidereal interval, .0027304 /S", maybe
taken from the same tables ; it is always subtractive.
The combined reduction, .00^304 (A-f £), may be taken
out for the Greenwich sidereal time, (A + $), instead of for
A and S separately ; but with these precautions, that when
A + $>24 l1 , M may be taken out for l d later than stated in
the previous precept, and interpolated for the excess of
(A + /S) over 24 h ; and when (A + £) is negative, to retain its
negative character, or else take out M Q for one day earlier.
3d Solution. From (89) we have
t = £-[£ + .0027379 (£ + A)], (94)
so that, when the Greenwich mean time (£+A) is sufficiently
known, we may find for it the right ascension of the mean
sun, (Art. 107)
$, + .0027379 (£ + A),
and subtract it from the given sidereal time : or, the mean
time is equal to the sidereal time — the right ascension of the
mean sun. So also we have from Art. 107 the precept:—
the apparent time is equal to the sidereal time— the right
ascension of the true sun.
106 NAVIGATION.
Examples.
1. 1865, Jan. 30 (ast. day), in long 10 h m 52 9 .7 TV\, the
sidereal time is 6 h 57 m 42. 8 4 ; find the mean time.
h m s h m s
L. sid. t. 6 57 42.4 L. sid. t. 6 57 42.4
— # (Jan. 30) —20 38 56.00 M (Jan. 30) 3 20 31.06
— Red. for long. — 1 38.71 Red. for long. — 1 38.44
Sid. int. 10 17 7.69 Red. of sid. t. — 1 8.43
Red. of sid. int. — 1 41.10 L. m. t. Jan. 30 10 15 26 .6
L. m. t. Jan. 30 10 15 26.6
2. 1865, Jan. 30, (ast. day,) in long. 10 h m 52 s .7 E. ? the
sidereal time is 6 h 54 m 25\0; what is the mean time?
h m • s h m s
L. sid. t. 6 54 25^) L. sid. t. 6 54 25.0
— # (Jan. 30) —20 38 56.00 M (Jan 30) 3 20 31.06
— Red. for long. + 1 38.71 Red. for long. + 1 38.44
Sid. int. 10 17 7.71 Red. of sid. t. — 1 7.89
Red. of sid. int. — 1 41.10 L. m. t. Jan. 30 10 15 26.6
L. m. t. Jan. 30 10 15 26.6
3. 1865, Sept. 26, 9 b A.M., in long. 4 h m 52 9 W., the sidereal
time is 9 h 37 m 40 s . 1 ; find the mean time.
h m s h m s
L. sid. t. 9 37 40.1 L. sid. t. 9 37 40.1
— S (Sept. 25) —12 17 15.89 M (Sept. 25) 11 40 48.98
— Red. for long. — 39.57 Red. for long. — 39.46
Sid. int. 21 19 44.64 Red. of sid. t. —1 34.64
Red. of sid. int. — 3 29.65 L. m. t. Sept. 25 21 16 15.0
L. m. t. Sept. 25 21 16 15.0
4. 1865, Sept. 25, 3 h P.M., in long. 8 h 16 m 25 s .3 E.,the side-
real time is 15 h 32 m 41\6 ; find the mean time.
RELATION OF HOUR-ANGLES AND TIME.
107
L. sid. t.
— S (Sept. 25) -
— Reel, for long.
Sid. int.
Red. of sid. int.
15 32 41.6
12 17 15.89
+ 1 21.55
3 16 47.26
— 32.24
L. m. t. Sept. 25 3 16 15.0
L. sid. t.
M (Sept. 24)
Red. for long.
Red. of sid. t.
15 32 41.6
11 44 44.89
+ 1 21.33
— 2 32.80
L. m. t. Sept. 25 3 16 15.0
RELATION OF HOUR-ANGLES AND TIME.
109. Problem 33. To find the mean time of meridian
transit of a celestial body, the longitude of the place or the
Greenvrich time being known.
Solution. In the case of the sun the instant of meridian
transit is apparent noon of the place ; for which we have
(84)
T m — E, the equation of time,
which can he taken from page I. of the Almanac, and inter-
polated for the longitude, which in this case is also the
Greenwich apparent time ; or from page II., and interpo-
lated for the Greenwich mean time. When E is subtractive,
the subtraction from the number of days can be performed.
The apparent right ascension of any body at the instant
of its meridian transit is also the right ascension of the me-
ridian, or sidereal time. (Art. 65.) It suffices therefore to
find the right ascension of the body, and, regarding it as the
sidereal time, reduce it to mean time by Problem 31.
The American Ephemeris contains the apparent right as-
censions of two hundred principal stars for the upper cul-
minations at Washington ; the British Almanac contains the
positions of one hundred for the upper culminations at
Greenwich. They are reduced to any other meridian, when
necessary, by interpolating for the longitude.
The right ascensions of the moon are given for each hour,
and of the planets for each noon, of Greenwich mean time,
108 NAVIGATION.
and may be found for a given Greenwich mean time by
Problem 21. If, however, the longitude of the place is given,
the local mean time of transit of the moon, or a planet, may
first be found from the Almanac to the nearest minute or
tenth (Probs. 25, 26) ; then for this mean time the right as-
censions of the moon, or of the planet (Prob. 21), and of
the mean sun (Prob. 24), may be computed. Subtracting
the right ascension of the mean sun from the right ascen-
sion of the moon, or planet, will give the mean time of
transit (Prob. 32, 3d solution). If it differ sensibly from
that previously obtained, the process may be repeated with
this new approximation.
If the time of transit has been noted by a clock, or chro-
nometer, regulated either to local or Greenwich time, it
should be used in preference to the approximate time of
transit found from the Almanac in computing the right
ascensions.
The American Ephemeris contains also the right ascen-
sions of the moon and principal planets at their transits of
the upper meridian at Washington. They can be reduced
to any other meridian by interpolating for the longitude
from Washington.
This solution will give the time of the upper culmination
of a heavenly body. To find the time of a lower culmi-
nation, 12 b may be added to the right ascension of the body,
if sufficiently Avell known ; or, as is generally preferable,
12 h may be added to the longitude of the place. The in-
stant of a lower culmination on any meridian will be that
of an upper culmination on the opposite meridian.
Examples.
1. Find the times of meridian passage of the moon and
Jupiter for 1865, June 6 (civil day), in long 100° 15' W.
(Example 1, Art. 95, p. 93.)
RELATION OF HOUR-ANGLES AND TIME. 109
Approx. m. t.
Long.
G. m. t.
2)
h m
June 6 10 12.9
+ 6 41.0
June 6 16 53.9
June
June
U
h m
5 12 40.6
+ 6 41.0
5 19 21.6
R. Asn.
Red. for G. m. t.
R. As'n at transit
h m s
15 13 28.54-j-
+ 1 53.66 |
15 15 22.20
s
2.1088
105.440
6.326
1.898
h m s
17 39 52.S0-
— 25.64 h
17 39 27.16
s
- 1.340
"13.40
11.760
.402
80
So
Red. for G. m. t.
4 59 3S.32
+ 2 46.56
5 2 24.88
4 55 41.76
+ 3 10.82
4 58 52.58
M. t. of transit,
June 6 10 12 57.32
t. + 8.32
June 5
12 40 34.58
Diflf. from approx.
— 1.42
- „, O0 ( Ch. of R. A. + .117
In o,o2- _ CLof ^ _ <0()9
M. t. of transit, June 6 10 12 57.43
110. Problem 34. To find the hour-angle of the sun for
a given place and time.
Solution. The hour-angle of the sun, reckoned from the
upper meridian toward the west, is the apparent time
reckoned astronomically (Art. 72). Its hour-angle east of
the meridian is negative, and numerically equal to 24 h — the
apparent time.
A given mean or sidereal time must then be converted
into apparent time ; for this, the longitude, or the Green-
wich time, must be known approximately.
111. Problem 35. To find the hour-angle of the moon, a
planet, or a fixed star, for a given p>lace and time.
Solution. In Fig. 21, as described in Art. 104,
T M is the right ascension of the meridian, and measures
M P Y, the sidereal time.
Let
110 NAVIGATION.
PS be the declination-circle of
the mean sun, then
°f S is the right ascension of the
mean sun, and cfr
M P S is the mean time, and is
measured by the arc of the
equator, S M.
Let
P M' be the declination-circle of some other celestial body ;
then
Y M' is its right ascension, and
M P M' is its hour-angle, and is measured by the arc M' M.
From the figure,
M' M =TM -Y M'= Y S + SM-Y M'. (95)
If Y S is the right ascension of the true sun,
S M will measure the apparent time.
From (95), then, we have the following rule : —
To a given apparent time add the right ascension of the
true sun ; or to a given mean time add the right ascension
of the mean sun, to find the corresponding sidereal time.
Then from the sidereal time subtract the body's right ascen-
sion ; the difference is the hour-angle west from the meri-
dian. If it is more than 12 h , it maybe subtracted from 24 h :
the hour-angle, then, is — , or east of the meridian. It is
necessary to know the longitude, or the Greenwich time,
sufficiently near to find the right ascensions of the sun and
body.
112. Problem 3G. To find the local time, given the hour-
angle of the sun and the Greenwich time.
Solution. The hour-angle reckoned westward is itself the
local apparent time, which may be reduced to mean or side-
real time (Probs. 29, 30), as may be required. The Green-
RELATION OF HOUR- ANGLES AND TIME. Ill
wich time, or the longitude of the place, is needed only for
this reduction.
113. Pkoblem 37. To find the local time, given the hour-
angle of some celestial body and the Greenwich time.
Solution. Find from the Almanac for the Greenwich time
(Prob. 21) the right ascension of the body. Then, from (95),
we have
¥M=YM'+M'M 3
from which, and Arts. 105, 107, we have the following rule,
regarding hour-angles to the east as negative : —
To the right ascension of the body add its hour-angle, the
result is the sidereal time. From this subtracting the right
ascension of the true sun gives the apparent time ; or the
right ascension of the mean sun gives the mean time.
The Greenwich time is needed for finding the required
right ascensions.
If the longitude of the place is given, but not the Green-
wich time, we may first use an estimated Greenwich time,
and then revise the computations with a corrected value,
until the assumed and computed values sufficiently agree.
Examples.
1. 1865, Jan. 16, 12 h 15 m 17 S .6, mean time in long. 150°
13' 10" W., find the hour-angle of the moon.
h m s h m s
L. m. t. Jan. 16 12 15 17.6 L. m. t. Jan. 16 12 15 17.6
Long. + 10 52.7 S 19 43 44.22
G. m. t. Jan. 16 22 16 10.3 Red, for long. + 1 38.71
^sR.A.tJan. 16 22 lj ) 1148 31.61 + 1 9 .8584 Red. of L. m. t. + 2 0.79
fl8 .584
Red. for G. m. t. + 30.05 J 11 .150 L. sid. t. 8 2 41.32
1 .186
t .133
D's R, A. at date 11 49 1.66
D's hour-angle — 3 46 20.34
112 NAVIGATION.
2. 1865, Jan. 16 22 h 16 m 10\3, G. mean time, the moon's
hour- angle is — 3 b 46 m 20 9 .3 ; find the local mean time.
h m s
D's hour-angle — 3 46 20.3
j)'s R. A. (Jan. 16 22 h ) +11 48 31.61 + K8584
f 18 .584~
Red. for G. m. t. + 30.05 J 11 .150
] .186
L. sid. t. 8 2 41.36 I .133
—S (Jan. 16) -19 43 44.22
—Red. for G. m. t. — - 3 39.50
L. m. t. Jan. 16 12 15 17.6
Subtracting this from the G. m.. t. gives for the longitude
10 h m 52 b #7 ^y
3. 1865, Jan. 16, 12 h (nearly) in long. 150° 13' 10" W.,
the moon's hour-angle is — -3 h 46 m 20 s .3 ; find the local mean,
time.
h m s h m m
Long. 10 52.7 D's mer. pass. Jan. 16 15 50.7 +1.74
2>'s h. ang.— 3 h 46 m .3 Red. for long. +17.4
. gh - g ( ch. of R. A. - 7 .0 Jan. 16 16 8.1
' ( -ch. of JS Q + .6 - 3 52.7
1st approx. L. m. t. Jan. 16 12 15.4
Long. +10 0.8
1st approx. G. m. t. Jan. 16 22 16.2
D's h. ang.
h m a
— 3 46 20.3
D's R. A. (Jan. 16
22 h ) + ll 48 31.61
+ l s
(18
.8584
.584
Red. for G. m. t.
+ 30.11-
i 11
.150 ch. in — 1 8 .6
.372
—.046
L. sid. t.
8 2 41.42
— S (Jan. 16)
— 19 43 44.22
—Red. for G. m. t.
— 3 39.50
— ch. in — 1 8 .6
+ .004
2d L. m. t. Jan. 16 12 15 17.70
cor. for —I s . 6
—.04
Long. 10 52.7
2d G. m. t. Jan. 22 22 16 10.4
Diff. from 1st G. m. t. —1.6
3dL. m. t. Jan. 16 12 15 17.7
CHAPTER VI.
NAUTICAL ASTRONOMY.
ALTITUDES. AZIMUTHS. HOUR-ANGLES AND TIME.
115. Nautical Astronomy comprises those problems of
Spherical Astronomy which are used in determining geo-
graphical positions, or in finding the corrections of the in-
struments employed. In general, they admit of a much
more refined application on shore, where more delicate and
stable instruments can be used, than is possible at sea,
where the instability of the waves and the uncertainty of
the sea-horizon present practical obstacles, both to precision
in observations and to the accuracy of the results, which can-
not be obviated.
116. In the problems which are here discussed the follow-
ing notation will be employed : —
L z= the latitude of the place of observation ;
h = the true altitude of a celestial body ;
z = 90°— A, its zenith distance ;
d = its declination ;
^ = its polar distance ;
t =: its hour-angle ;
Z = its azimuth.
Let the diagram (Fig. 22) represent the projection of the
celestial sphere on the plane of the horizon of a place : —
Z, the zenith of the place ;
N Z S, its meridian ;
114
NAVIGATION.
P, the elevated pole, or that
whose name is the same as
that of the latitude ;
M, the position of a celestial
body ;
Z M H, a vertical circle ; and
P M, a declination-circle, through
M.
Then, in the spherical triangle
Fig. 22. P M Z,
PZ = 90°— X, the co-latitude of the place ;
P M = p — 90°— d, the polar distance of M ;
ZM= 90°— A, the complement of its altitude, or its zenith
distance ;
Z P M = t, its hour-angle ;
PZM = Z, its azimuth.
The angle P M Z is rarely used, but is sometimes called
the position angle of the body.
This triangle, from its involving so many of the quantities
which enter into astronomical problems, is called the astro-
nomical triangle. As three of its parts are sufficient to de-
termine the rest, if three of the five quantities X, d, A, £, and
Z are known, the other two may be found by the usual
formulas of spherical trigonometry. These admit, however,
of modifications which better adapt them for practical use.
The following articles point out how X, c?, A, and t may be
obtained.
117. The latitudes and longitudes of places on shore are
given upon, charts, but more accurately in tables of geogra-
phical positions, such as are found in books of sailing-direc-
tions, and in Tab. LIV. (Bowd.) At sea it is sometimes
necessary to assume them from the dead reckoning brought
forward from preceding, or carried back from subsequent,
determinations. (Bowd., p. 264.)
NAUTICAL ASTRONOMY. 115
118. The altitude of an object may be directly measured
at sea above the sea-horizon with a quadrant or sextant ; on
shore, with a sextant and artificial horizon, or with an alti-
tude circle. All measurements with instruments require cor-
rection for the errors of the instrument. Observed altitudes
require reduction for refraction and parallax ; for semidia-
meter, when a limb of the object is observed ; and at sea,
for the dip of the horizon. The reductions for dip and re-
fraction are subtract iv e ; for parallax, additive. Strictly,
the reductions should be made in the following order : for
instrumental errors, dip, refraction, parallax, semidiameter.
In ordinary nautical practice it is unnecessary to observe
this order.
Following it we should have, —
1st. The reading of the instrument with which an altitude
is measured ;
2d. The corrected reading or observed altitude of a limb ;
3d. The apparent altitude of the limb ;
4th. When corrected for refraction and parallax, the true
altitude of the limb ;
5th. The true altitude of the centre.
Except with the sea-horizon, the observed and apparent
altitudes are the same. For the fixed stars, and for the
planets when their semidiameters are not taken into account,
the altitudes of the limb and the centre are the same.
Unless otherwise stated, the true altitude of the centre is
the altitude which enters into the following problems, and is
denoted by h.
119. The hour-angle of a body can be found, when the
local time and longitude, or the Greenwich time, are given.
(Probs. 34, 35.) For noting the time of an observation, a
clock, chronometer, or watch is used ; at sea, only the last
two ; but it will be necessary to know how much it is too
fast or too slow" of the particular time required.
116
NAVIGATION.
120. The declination of a body can be found when the
Greenwich time is known. (Prob. 21.)
The polar distance of a heavenly body is the arc of the
declination-circle between the body and the elevated pole
of the place : that is, the north pole, when the place is in
north latitude ; the south pole, when it is in south latitude.
If
PP' (Fig. 23) is the projec-
tion of the declination-circle
through an object, M ;
P, the north pole ;
P', the south pole ;
E Q, the equator ; then the
polar distances,
P M = P Q-QM=90°-rf,
P'M = P'Q + QM = 90°+ d.
That is, the polar distance is 90°— d or 90° + J, according
as the pole from which it is reckoned is N". or S. This, how-
ever, is regarding declination, like the latitude, as positive
when N., negative when S.
To avoid, however, the double sign in the investigation
of the formulas of Nautical Astronomy, we shall in most
cases consider the declination, which is of the same name as
the latitude, asfjositive, and that which is of a different name
from the latitude, as negative ; hence the polar distance will
be represented by
jp=90°— d.
When the declination is of a different name from the lati-
tude, we have numerically
p=90°+d.
ALTITUDE AND AZIMUTH.
117
ALTITUDE AND AZIMUTH,
121. Problem 38. To find the altitude and azimuth of a
heavenly body at a given place and time.
Solution. Find the decimation of the body and its hour-
angle at the given time. (Probs. 21, 34, and 35.)
Then in the spherical triangle PMZ (Fig- 24), we have
given
PZ =
: 90°-
-L,
PM =
90°-
-d,
ZPM =
*,
to find
ZM =
90°-
-A,
PZM =
Z.
By Sph.Trig. (122), (123), if in
the triangle ABC (Fig. 25), we
have given b, c, and A to find a
and B, we have
tan (p = tan b cos A,
cos (c — ', these become
tan 0' == tan d sec t,
sin h
(cos (f) r — L) sin d
sin
, ~ sin (0 — Z) cot t
COt Z = — -~ ,
COS
(97)
which afford the convenient precept, (j> r has the same name,
or sign, as the declination, and is numerically in the same
quadrant as t.
122. When t = 6 h , 0'= 90°, and the 3d of (97) assumes
an indeterminate form. But from the 1st we have
tan d
cot t =
tan (J)' sin t '
which, substituted, gives
cot Z =
sin (0' — L) tan 6?
(98)
sin 0'' sin £
which may be used when t is near 6 h .
123. A is the true altitude of M. If the apparent altitude
is required, the parallax (Art. 54) must be subtracted, and
the refraction (Art. 41) added.
Z is the true bearing, or azimuth, of the body, reckoned
from the N*. point of the horizon in north latitude, and from
the S. point in south latitude. It is generally most conve-
nient to reckon it as positive toward the east, which will re-
quire in the above formulas — Z for Z, since t is positive when
west. Restricting, however, Z numerically to 180°, it may
be marked E. or W., like the hour-angle.
121. In Fig. 24, if 31 m be drawn perpendicular to the
meridian, then
Pr/i = , its zenith distance, positive, or of the same name as
the latitude, toward the equator. A convenient precept is
to mark it N. or S., according as the zenith is 3\T. or S. of
the point m.
m falls on the same side of the zenith as the equator when
Z > 90° ; at the zenith when Z = 90° ; and on the
same side as the elevated pole when Z < 90°. It falls
between P and Z only when t and Z are both less than
90°.
125. In the case of a Ursse Minoris {Polaris), whose polar
distance is 1° 25', the more convenient formulas derived
from (96) will be, since p and are small,
(p z=. p cos £,
(which gives within /; .5)
sin h = sin (X + 0) — — ,
v YJ cos ^
~ tan » sin £ cos 6
tan Z == -— -= — - ;
cos (L + $) '
or approximately,
h = X + 0,
Z ' == p sin £ sec (X + >) .
Z is a maximum, or the star is at its greatest elongation,
when the angle ZMP (Fig. 24), or Z n P (Fig. 30), is 90°.
We then have
sin Z = sin p sec X,
or nearly
Z ' = p sec X.
126. Problem 39. To find the altitude of a heavenly body
at a given place and time, when its azimuth is not required.
Solution. The 1st and 2d of (96) or (97) maybe used;
or, by Sph. Trig. (4),
cos a = cos b cos c + sin b sin c cos A,
we have sin h = sin L sin d+cos L cos d cos t;
which, since cos t = 1 — 2 sin 2 -J- t,
120
NAVIGATION.
cos (L—d) — 2 cos L cos d sin 2 it,)
in t. \
(99)
reduces to
sin h
or sin h = cos {L— d)— cos L cos c? versin
(L—d) becomes numerically {L + d) when L and c? are
of different names.
Tab. XXVII. contains for the argument t in column P. M.
the log sin % t in the column of sines ; which, doubled, is
log sin 2 \t. It is well to note this, for mistakes are often
made by regarding the logarithms in this table as log sin,
log cos, &c, of t instead of ^ t.
Tab. XXIII. contains for the argument t, log 2 sin 2 J t =
log versin £, with the index increased by 5.
It is sometimes necessary to compute the altitude of one,
or both bodies, to use in connection with an observed lunar
distance. The rules for this purpose on pp. 247, &c, Bowd.,
are derived from the above formulas. The result is evidently
more accurate, the smaller the hour-angle £, especially if the
altitude is near 90°. In these rules it is best to find the
" sidereal time," or " right ascension of the meridian," from
the mean local time, instead of the apparent (Art. 105).
127. Problem: 40. To find the azimuth of a heavenly
body from its observed altitude at a given place.
Solution. In this the Greenwich time of the observation
must be known sufficiently near for finding the declination of
the body. The observed altitude
must be reduced to the true alti-
tude. Then in the triangle PZM
we have given the three sides to
find the angle P Z M.
In the triangle ABC, putting
s = $-(a + b+c), we have
//sin s sin (s — b)\
COS
B
a-
sin a sin c
For the triangle P Z M,
ALTITUDE AND AZIMUTH.
121
B = Z, a — 90° — h, A being the true altitude,
b — p, the polar distance,
c = 90°— X, the co-latitude,
5= 90 o -i (i+A-p),
5-6= 90° —J- (Z + A+p),
and the formula becomes
cos^Z— yt
fcos \ (L + h+27) cos | (Z+^ — p)
cos Z cos A
-P)
or, if we put s r = ^ (Z-f-A+i?),
-. r7 //COS «' COS (V-
cos -J- Z = 4/ =- ,
z r \ cos L cos A
which accords with Bowditch's rule, p. 160.
In a similar way we may find from the formula
• i t-» // sin (s — a) sin (s — V)\
sin | B = |/ ( -
(100)
sin a sin c
sin |
in which
or, if we put
cos \ (co Z+A+d) sin \ (co L-\-Ji—cl)
cos Z cos /*.
CO L — 90°— Z;
sm
s*=-| (co Z + A-fd),
^ ~_ /fcos s ff sin {s n —d)
cos X cos A
(101)
(100) is preferred when Z> 90° ; (101), when Z< 90°
If the body is in the visible horizon, then nearly
h— — (33'+the dip).
128. If the bearing of the body is observed with a com-
pass at the same time that its altitude is measured, or if the
bearing is observed and the local time noted, the decimation,
or variation, of the compass can be found. For, the true
azimuth, or bearing, of the body can be found from its alti-
tude (Prob. 40), or from the local time (Prob. 38) ; and the
magnetic declination is simply the difference of the true and
122
NAVIGATION.
magnetic bearings of the same object, determined simulta-
neously if the object is in motion. It is marked JE. when
the true bearing is to the right of the magnetic bearing,
W. when the true bearing is to the left of the magnetic
bearing. (Bowd., p. 161.)
129. The amplitude of a star when in the true horizon is
its distance from the east or the west point, and is marked
N. or S., according as it is north or south of that point. It
is, therefore, the complement of the azimuth.
Pkoblem 41. To find the amplitude of a heavenly body
when in the horizon of a given place.
Solution. Let the body be
in the horizon at M (Fig. 27),
A ==W M, its amplitude. The
triangle P M N" is right angled
at N, and there are given
PN = Z,
PM = 90°-
■*
to find
S
NM = Z=.90°-i. . Fig . 2T .
We have cos P M = cos P N" cos 1ST M,
or sin d = cos L cos Z,
whence cos Z — sin A — sin d sec X,
(102)
as in Bowditch, p. 159. By (102) A is N or S like the de-
clination.
As the equat'or intersects the horizon of any place in the
east or west points, it is plain that the star Avill rise and set
north or south of these points, according as its declination is
N. or S.
Tab. VII. (Bowd.) contains the amplitude, A, for each 1°
of latitude up to 60°, and each 1° of declination to 23°. The
convenience of this table, in the case of the sun, is the only
ALTITUDE AKD AZIMUTH.
123
reason for introducing amplitudes. It is generally best to
express the bearing of an object by its azimuth.
In this problem the body is supposed to be in the true
horizon, or about (33' + the dip) above the visible horizon.
Hence the rule to " observe the bearing of the sun, when its
centre is about one of its diameters above the visible horizon."
(Bowd., p. 158.)
Examples. (Probs. 38—41.)
1. 1865, Jan. 25, 2 h 33 m 13 s local mean time in lat. 49° 30' S.
Ion o\ 102° 39' 15" E. ; required the sun's true altitude and
azimuth. (97)
h m s
L. m. t. Jan. 25 2 33 13 (Jan. 25.) 0's dee,
Lon£.
Eq.oft,
-6 50 37 18° 52' 48".7 S. - 37 ff .35 — 12 m 41 3 .67-0^561
( 149 .4 (2^4
G. m. t. Jan. 24 19 42 36 +2 40 .3 -J 1 .5 +2 .40 ) .11
or Jan. 25 -4\39 18 55 29 S. ( 3 .4 - 12 39.3 ( 5
Eq'noft. —12 39.3
L. ap. t. 2 20 33.7
*= 3o° 8' 25" 1. sec 0.08738 1. cot 0.15251
d— 18 55 29 S. 1. tan 9.53512 1. sin 9.51098
' ' — 22 44 50 S." 1. tan 9.62250 1. cosec 0.41266 1. sec 0.03516
L— 49 30
S.
L—(p'= 26 45 10 X.
h= 48 30 6
Z=S 124 44 23 W.
1. cos 9.95083 1. sin 9.65335 n
1. sin 9.87447
1. cot 9.84102 n
\
The reduction for refraction and parallax of A=48°.5 is
+ 45" ; and the apparent altitude is h f =z-iS° 30' 51". If the
compass bearing of the sun at the same instant had been
ST. 34° 20' W. = S. 145° 40' W., the magnetic declination
would have been 20° 56' W.
2. 1865, Sept. 27, 5 h 20 m 16 3 A.M. mean time in lat.
50° 15' K, long. 87° 3.0' W.;' required the altitude and azi-
muth of Venus. (97)
124
NAVIGATION.
L. m. t. Sept. 26 17 20 16 Long.
+ 5 50
12 21 12.4 G. m. t. Sept. 26 23 10 16 =Sept. 27— 0\829
Red. for long.
Red. for L. m. t.
+ 57.5 (Sept. 27) KA.
h m s s
+ 2 50.9 10 4 14.13 +11.645
Dec. of Yenus.
o / // //
+ 12 32 25.0 —55.42
L. sid. t.
9.32
5 45 16.8 —9.65 .23
44.3
+45.9 1.1
R. A. of $
10 4 4.5 . . . -JW
+ 12 33 11 - 5
H. A. of $
—4 18 47.7
*= 64 c
41' 55" E. l.sec 0.36919
1. cot 9.67461
d = 12
33 11 N. 1. tan 9.34766 1. sin 9.33714
f = 27
31 11 N. 1. tan 9.71685 1. cosec 0.33530 1. sec 0.05215
L— 50
15 N.
f— L— 22
43 49 S. 1. cos 9.96489 1. sin 9.58703 n
h= 25
42 42 1. sin 9.63733
Z=N101
38 17 E.
1. cot 9.31379 n
3. 1865, July 20, 5 h 58 m 20 s A.M., mean time in lat.
38° 19' 20" N., long. 150° 15' 30" E. ; required the sun's azi-
muth. (98)
L. m. t. July 19 17 58 20
Loner. —10 1 2
(July 19) O's dec. Eq'n oft.
o / // H m s 8
+ 20 49 8.7 —27.60 —5 58.34 —0.165
r 193.2
{ 1.155
G.
m. t.
July 19 7 57 18 = 7 h
.955 -3 39.5^
24.8
1.4
-1.31 i .150
( 9
Ec
l'n of t. —5 59.6
+ 20 45 29
I .1
— 5 59 65
L.
ap. t.
July 19 17 52 20.4
t =
91° 54' 54" E.
1. cosee 1.47604
n
1. cosec 0.00024
d-=
20 45 29 N.
1. tan 9.57868
1. tan 9.57868
¥ =
95 2 17 N.
1. tan 1.05472
n
1. cosec 0.00168
£ =
38 19 20 N.
1. sin 9.92219
*'
— L =
56 42 57 N.
N 72 20 43 E.
1. cot 9.50279
4. Required the apparent altitudes of the sun and moon,
Nov. 9, 1865, about 9 A.M., in lat. 18° 25' S., long. 84° 6' W. ;
time by chro. 2 h 25 m 10 s ; chro. slow of G. m. t. 10 m 15 s . (99)
ALTITUDE AND AZIMUTH.
125
T. by chro. 2 25 10 (Nov. 9) O's dec. Eq'n oft
o / // ii m s s
Chro. cor. +10 15 16 57 42.5 S. + 42.67 +16 0.76 — 0.230
G. m. t Xov. 9 2 35 25 = 2 h .590
— Long. —5 36 24
L. m. t. Nov. 8 20 59 1
Eq'noft. +16 0.2
L. ap.t. Nov. 8 21 15 1.2
L>
d
= 1° 25' 27" S.
O's true alt.= 50 46
Ref. and par. +40
O's ap. alt. = 50 46 40
+ 1 50.5
^ = 16 59 33 S.
Zr=18 25 S.
t= — 2 h 44 m 58 s .8
( 85.34 ( .460
\ 21.33 — .60 \ .115
( 3.84 +16 0.16 ( 2i
1. cos 9.98061
1. cos 9.97717
cos .99969
-.22511
sin .77458
1. shr 2 1 t 9.09360
log 2
log
0.30103
9.35241
i*
* 1. versin t = 9.39463
L. m. t. Nov.
/ied. for %
Red of * m
L. sid. t.
D's R. A.
Z-d =
X)'s true alt.
Par. and ref.
j)'s app. alt.
Par. and ref.
D's app. alt.
(Nov. 9 2 h ) tfsdec.
D'sB.A.
20 59 1
15 10 44.2 13 4 38.9 N. —7.420 ! 42 28.70 + 2.128C
+ 55.3
+ 3 26.8
12 14 7.3
8 43 44.1 rf=13 16
3 30 23.2 Z=18 25
—4 22.8
63.84
+ 1 15.36*! 10.64
8 43 44.1
31° 25' 16" S.
cos .85336
—.36292
29 22 10 sin .49044
-49 Tab. XXIX.
1. cos 9.98871
1. cos 9.97717
1. sin 2 i t 9.29290
log 2 0.301
loo; 9.55981
90 U
03 )
* 1. versin t = 9.59393
28 33 (approx.) D's H. pa'x 56' 28".3 — 2".10
-47 47
28 34 23
■ K K (4.2
-°-° i l.s
tt=56 22 .8
log 3.5293
1. sin 9.9437
loo; 3.4730
7t'rz:28 33'
p=4& 32"
ref. = — 145
Par. and ref. =47 47
By Tab. XIX. 47' 48"
5. Find the altitude and azimuth of Polaris, 1865, Sept.
25 8 h 15 m P.M., in lat. 49° 16' N"., long. 85° 16' W., (Art. 125).
126 NAVIGATION.
h m s
L. m. t. 8 1.5 Long. 5 h 41™ 4 3
S 12 IT 16 p = 124 27 log 3.7048 1. cos 9.99987
Red. for long. + 56 t = 69 8 1. cos 9.5517
Red. of L. m. t. + 121 6 h , and consequently
that 2 tj or the time that the body is above the true horizon,
> 12 h ; and when the latitude and decimation are of different
names, t < 6 h and 2 t < 12\
2 t is an interval of sidereal time for a fixed star, of ap-
parent time for the sun.
In the case of the sun, t would be the apparent time of
sunset, were the refraction and dip nothing, and (24 h — t)
would be the apparent time of sunrise.
Tab. IX. (Bovvd.) contains t for different values of L and d.
132. Problem 43. To find the hour-angle of a heavenly
body at a given place, and thence the local time, when the
altitude of the body and the Greenwich time are known.
Solution. Find the declination
of the body for the Greenwich
time, and reduce the observed al-
titude to the true altitude. Then
in the triangle P Z M (Fig. 28)
are given
PZ = 90°-Z,
Z M = 90° -A,
to find
ZPM = ^.
For the triangle ABC (Fig. 29), we have
j^ __ /fern (s — d) sin (a— c)
sin-l-
sin J) sin c
in which, putting A — t
a = 90° -A,
b=p 9
c = 90° — Z,
HOUR-ANGLE AND LOCAL TIME.
129
we have s—b = 90°— |- (Z+p + h),
s—c = \ {L+p—li),
cos \ (L + p -f h) sin ^ (Z +p — 7i)
and
sin | t
or, if we put
/
cos L sin p
s' = i (Z+p + h),
sin -J t
//cos «' sin (5' — Tij
v
(104)
cos L sin ^?
which is Bo wd itch's rule, p. 209.
From Tab. XXVII. (Bowd.) we may take t directly from
column P. M., corresponding to the log sin \ t.
t is.— when the body is east of the meridian.
When the object is the sun west of the meridian, t is the
apparent solar time; when the sun east of the meridian,
(24 h — i) is numerically the apparent time.
"When the object is the moon, a planet, or a star, we have
(Prob. 37), denoting its R. A. by a,
the sidereal time = a 4- £,
and the mean time = a—S' + t 9
in which S f is the "right ascension of the mean sun."
(Art. 93.) Or the sidereal time may be converted into
mean time by one of the other methods of Problem 32.
133. By the formula
- . //sins sin (s — a)\
cos i A = A/[ — ^-tA ,
* V \ sin sin c y
we may obtain for the triangle P Z M (z being the zenith
distance),
- M / [sm% (co L+p + z) sin b (co L+p — z)\
COS t t = A/ [ ^—.
z V \ cos L sin p
or putting
s = i (co Z+p + z),
/sin s sin (s — s)\ f (1 05)
COS \ t = JU
cos L sin p
which is the rule in Bowditch's 2d Method, p. 210.
180 NAVIGATION.
(105) is preferable to (104) when t considerably exceeds
6 h , which may be the case in high latitudes.
If L =90°, the horizon and equator coincide, and
p + h — 90° and p — z; so that both (104) and (105) be-
come indeterminate. In very high latitudes, then, these
equations approach the indeterminate form, and it is imprac-
ticable to find with precision the local time from an observed
altitude.
So also if d = 90°, the star is at the pole and L = h;
and the problem is indeterminate. A great declination is
therefore unfavorable.
134. If the object is in the visible horizon (rising or set-
ting), h = — (33' + dip) nearly. With the sun, the instants
when its upper and lower limbs are in the horizon may be
noted, and the mean of the two times taken as the time of
rising or setting of its centre. The irregularities of refrac-
tion would affect nearly alike the dip and the apparent posi-
tion of the sun.
135. If the time at which the altitude is observed is noted
by a watch, clock, or chronometer, we may readily find how
much the watch or chronometer is fast or slow of the local
time. (Prob. 50.) For, let
C be the time noted,
T, the local time deduced from the observation :
c = T— G will be tjie correction of the watch or chronom-
eter to reduce it to apparent time, when T is the local
apparent time ; to mean time, when T is the local mean
time ; or to sidereal time, when T is the local sidereal
time.
136. The observed altitude is affected by errors of ob-
servation, errors of the instrument, and errors arising from
the circumstances in which the observation is made ; such
as irregularities of refraction affecting both the position of
the body and the dip of the horizon. Errors of the first
HOUR-ANGLE AND LOCAL TIME.
131
class are diminished by taking a number of observations.
Thus several altitudes may be observed, and the time of each
noted ; and the mean of the altitudes taken as correspond-
ing to the mean of the times, so far as the rate at which the
body is rising or falling can be regarded as uniform during
the period of observation. This period should then be
brief
137. We may easily find how much a supposed error of
V in the altitude will affect the resulting hour-angle, by di-
viding the difference of two of the noted times by the dif-
ference in minutes of the two corresponding altitudes.
The effect will evidently be least when the body is rising
or falling most rapidly. This will be the case wmen its
diurnal circle makes the smallest angle with the vertical cir-
cle. An inspection of the diagram (Fig. 30) shows that
this is the case when the object is nearest the prime vertical,
or bears most nearly east or west.
Thus Z n being tangent
to the diurnal circle n n\
the angle which it makes
with it is ; and is there-
fore less than the angle
which any other vertical
circle, as Z n\ makes with
n 7i\
The diurnal circle m mil
makes a smaller angle with
Z m, the prime vertical,
than with any other verti-
cal circle, as Z m\
The diurnal circle o o' makes a smaller angle with Z o
than with Z o'.
The diurnal circles make right angles with the meridian ;
so that at the instant of transit, the change of altitude
is 0.
132 NAVIGATION.
138. At sea, and to a less extent on the land, the latitude
is uncertain. To ascertain the effect of an error of 1' in the
assumed latitude, the hour-angles may be found for two lati-
tudes separately, differing, say, 10' ; and the difference of
these hour-angles divided by 10.
This is an essential feature of Sumner's method, which
will be explained hereafter. This method will also show
that an error in latitude least affects the deduced hour-angle
when the body is nearest the prime vertical.
Examples. (Prob. 43.)
1. At sea, 1865, March 20, 10 h 15 m 20 s G. mean time, in
lat. 41° 15' S., long. 86° 45' W. (by account) ; observed
P. M. altitude of the sun's lower limb 18° 20'; index, cor.
of sextant —8' 20"; height of eye 18 feet; required the
local mean time. (104.)
G. m. t.
h m s
Mar. 20 10 15 20 G
's dec. Ecfn of t.
o
1 li li m s a
10.256 —0
2 3.7 + 59.23 +7 33.82 —0.754
( 592,3 ( 7.54
+
10 7.4 \ 11.8 + 7.73 \ .15
(3.3 (4
+ o_
8 4 +7 26.1
O 18° 20' 0"
( S. diam + 16' 5 In. cor.— 8' 20"
+ 52
\ par. + 8" dip. — 4 11
7i= 18 20 52
( ref. —2 50
£=41-15
1. sec 0.12387
jp— 90 8 4
1. cosec
2 s = 149 43 56
S= 74 51 58
1. cos 9.41677
S—h= 56 31 6
1. sin 9.92120
/
19.46184
L. ap. t.
Mar. 20 4 h 20 ra 28 3
1. sin i 9.73092
Eq. of t
+ 7 26
L. m. t.
Mar. 20 4 27 54
Subtracting the local mean time from the G. mean time
gives
the long. + 5 h 47 m
2G S == 80° 51f W. If we take
HOUR-ANGLE AND LOCAL TIME.
133
Z = 41° 25' S., we shall find the local ap. time 4 h 20 m 12 s ;
so that for AZ= 10' S, A t = -16 s .
2. 1865, Jan. 1, 21 h at the Navy-Yard, Havana, in lat.
23° 8' 39" N"., long. 5 h 29 m 27 s W., the following altitudes
of the sun were observed with an artificial horizon; re-
quired the local mean time.
T. by Chro,
2 ©
h m s
3 33 57.5
5310
Chro. fast of G.
m s
m. t. 42 37.7
34 29.3
20
Bar. 30.43
35 2.3
30
Ther.
75°
35 33.3
36 47
36 37.0
40
50
60
^i ** nm f offthearc + 32 / lS\3
© sdiam -jonthearc-32 35.0
Index cor. — 8. 3
T. by Chro.
3 35 17.35
58 35
©'« dec.
Chro. cor.
—42 37.7
h' = 29 17 30 i
£ In. cor. — 4" — 22
53'42.2" + 14 ff .04
G. m. t. Jan.
2 3 52 39.6 =
!
3h.S78 + 14 42-J
S. diam. + 16'18
ref. — 1 40
[42.12
+ 54.4 ^l.|
52 48 [ f x
I
par. +8—22
7i= 29 3212'
Eq.oft.
Z= 23 8 29
1. sec 0.0364304
+4 27.S1 +1.165
p= 11252 43
1. cosec 0.4102711
f 3 '^
2 s = 165 33 29
+4.51 J-»
s = 82 46 45
1. cos 9.0993144
+ 4 32.32 I 1
s — h= 5314 33
1. sin 9.9037276
19.4497435
it=— 32 3 16.7
1. sin 9.724S718
L. ap. t. Jan.
h m 8
1 19 41 53.7
*=— 64 6 33.4
= +295° 53' 26". 6
Eq. of t.
+ 4 32.3
L. m. t. Jan
1 19 46 26.0
We have also by subtracting the chro. time from the local
mean time,
Chro. cor. (L. m. t.) — 6 h 12 m 4 S .8
Long. - +5 29 27 .0
Chro. cor. (G. m. t.) —0 42 37 .8
As the Chro. is fast, the correction is subtractive.
134 NAVIGATION - .
By comparing the first and last altitudes and the corre-
sponding times, we find that for
2 Ah = + 50', A t = + 2 m 39 9 .5 ; or, for 2 A h— + 1', A t=z +f3M9;
that is, an error of 1' in the double altitude will produce an
error of 3 s in the resulting time.
3. At sea, 1865, Sept. 7, 8 h 4 m 16 s , G. mean time, in lat.
46° 16' N., long. 153° 0' E., the observed altitude of the
moon's upper limb, W. of the meridian, was 21° 19'; index
cor. of octant, —3'; height of eye 20 feet; required the
local meau time.
h m o /
G. m. t. Sept. 7 8 4 16 "J 21 19 D's dec.
In. cor. — 3 +6° 59' 34" + 1T\2
dip. — 4 +48 44.8
S. diam. — 17 + 7 22 2 .8
K — 20 55 S. diam. 16' 36" + 4"
par.&ref. + 54 H. par. 60 49
h = 21 49
L = 46 16 1. sec 0.16033
p — 83 1. cosec 0.00325
b m s s 2 5 = 151 5
D's R. A. 11 12.2 + 2.40 s = 75 32£ 1. cos 9.39738
+ 10.2 ~9j6 s—p == 53 43£ 1. sin 9.90644
1 1 22 .6 19.46740
D'sH. A. 4 22 21 1. sin j- 9.73370
L. sid. t. 5 23 43
_£ o —ii 6 18
-Red.for G.m.t. — 1 20
L. m. t. Sept. 7 18 16 5
Long. — 10 11 49 = 152° 57' E.
4. 1865, Sept. 30, in lat 30° 27' N"., the Chro. time of the
setting of the sun's centre was ll h 16 m 6 s ; the Chro. cor.,
-f!5 m 25 s ; height of eye 16 feet; required the local time.
HOUR-ANGLE AND LOCAL TIME. 135
h m a
T. by Chro. 11 16 6
Chro. cor. + 15 25
O's. dec.
O 1 II
2 54 31.9
Eq'n of t.
— 58.30 —10 4.40-
-0.801
G. m. t. Sept. 30 11 31 31
— 11 11.9s
r 641.3 (
29.1 -9.23-<
8.81
.40
11.525
A = -
3 5 44 (
- 37
k 1.5 -10 13.6
2
Lz=
30 27
1. sec 0.06446
P =
93 6
1. cosec 0.00064
2s =
122 56
s =
61 28
1. cos 9.67913
s
— h =
62 5
1. sin 9.94627
h m s
L. ap. t. Sept. 30 5 55 34
19.69050
1. sin \ 9.84525
Eq. of t. — 10 14
L. m. t. Sept. 30 5 45 20
Long
+ 5 h 30 ra 46 s = 82° 4l'i W.
139. Problem 44. To find the hour-angle of a heavenly
body when nearest to, or on, the prime vertical of a given
'place.
Solution. If d > X, and with the same name, as for the
body whose diurnal path is n n' (Fig. 30), P Z n will be
greatest, or nearest to 90°, when Z n is tangent to n n\ and
consequently Znp = 90°. We then have
cos t = -—4 = i r ( 106 )
cot L tan a v J
If £?A =
1\0 ;
t-
15 m _
7* m
Ah =
is
T x]
5"=
56".
The uncertainty of altitudes at sea makes such a correc-
tion of little practical importance; but it is generally ne-
glected by those navigators who work out their latitudes to
seconds, supposing that they have attained that degree of
accuracy. In the above example, the maximum altitude of
the sun would have been greater than the meridian altitude,
and the latitude obtained from it in error, by nearly 1'. The
sun would not have sensibly dipped until 9 or 10 minutes
after noon.
143. A difficulty occurs at sea in measuring the meridian
altitude of the sun when it passes near the zenith, on account
of its very rapid change of azimuth ; the change being made
from east to west, 180°, in a very few minutes.
What is wanted is the angular distance of the sun from
the'N". or S. points of the horizon. One of these points may
be sufficiently fixed by means of the compass, and then the
angular distance from this point observed within l m or 2 m of
144
NAVIGATION..
the meridian passage as determined by a watch regulated
to apparent time.
144. From (108) we have
z — Z — d, (111)
by which the zenith distance maybe found when the latitude
and declination are given.
Also d = Z — 2, which may be used at sea for estimating
the declination of a bright star from its estimated meridian
altitude. If the time when it is near the meridian be also
noted, and converted into sidereal time, we have the right
ascension and declination of the star sufficiently near for de-
termining what star it is.
Example.
July 16, 8 h 45 m , in lat. 11° N"., a bright star is seen near
the meridian S., at an estimated altitude of 55°.
L. m. t. July 16 8 h 45 ln L = 11° N.
S Q V 37 2 = 35 N.
L. sid. t. 16 22 d=24 S.
The R. A. of a Scorpii {Antares) is 16 h 21 m , and its declina-
tion 26° r S.
145. Problem 46. To find the latitude from an altitude
of a heavenly body observed at any time, the local time of
the observation and the longitude of the place being given.
1st Solution. Reduce the observed altitude to the true,
altitude, and from the local time
and longitude find the declina-
tion and hour-angle of the body.
(Probs. 21, 34, 35.) Then in the
triangle P Z M (Fig. 32) there
are given
ZPM = £,
PM = 90°-e?,
ZM = 90°— A,
to find
PZ = 90°-Z.
LATITUDE.
145
By Sph. Trig. (146), if in the triangle ABC (Fig. 33) are
given a, 5, and A, we find c by the formulas
tan (ft = tan b cos A, ^
. . cos cos a
cos (ft = z — t — ■
r COS
c = (ft ± 0' ;
which, applied to the triangle
P Z M, give
Fig. 33.
tan (ft =
COS <£'-
cot c? COS £, "
cos-0 sin A
(112)
sin d
90°— Z = 0=b0'.
These may be changed into a more convenient form for
practice, if we put > = 90°— 0" ; then
tan r/ = tan d sec £,
sin 0* sin h
COS 0'=
(113)
sin a
Here, observing that -f- and -— may be rendered by X.
and S. respectively, we mark (ft" N". or S. like the declina-
tion, and (ft' either X. or S. ; then the sum of (ft" and (ft' when
of the same name, their difference when of different names,
is the latitude, of the same name as the greater. There are
two values of L corresponding to the same altitude and
hour-angle, but which, imless (ft' is very small, will differ
largely from each other ; so that we may take that value
which agrees best with the supposed latitude (at sea the
latitude by account). When t > 6 h , (ft" > 90°, as in (97).
146. In Fig. 32, if Mm be drawn perpendicular to the
meridian, we shall have
eft = P m, the polar distance of m,
'=Z m, the zenith distance "
146 NAVIGATION.
When >' is very small, (that is, when M m nearly coin-
cides with M Z), (/>' cannot be found with precision from its
cosine. If not greater than 12°, it can be found only to the
nearest minute with 5-place tables ; if only 2°, it can be
found only within 3'. The more nearly, then, that M m co-
incides with Z m, or, in other words, the nearer the body is
to the prime vertical, the less accurate is the determination
of the latitude. If the body is on the prime vertical, cos >'=. 1,
and / cannot be found within 30'.
147. To find the effect of an error in the altitude, let
A h = a small change of altitude ;
A cj) r = the corresponding change of f ; it will also be numer-
ically the change of latitude, as (f> n does not depend on h;
Then from the 2d of (113)
or, since A h and generally A are so small that we may
take
cos A h—l, sin A h =A h sin 1",
cos A 0'= l, sin A r =A 0' sin 1",
coscb'—Ad)'. sin 6' sin V~ . ., (sin h + A h. cos h sin 1").
T T T sin a v '
Subtracting this from the second of (113), and reducing, we
have
or, since
. ,, sin ' cot A. (114)
But in the triangle M Z m,
lrr7 t» r r^ t^ tan m Z
cos M Z ra = — cos M Z P = z — tf~ ;
tan M Z 7
that is, Z being the azimuth,
LATITUDE. 147
— cos Z = — — t-, or sec Z = — cot 0' cot A,
cot A
and therefore
J >'= J A. sec Z. (115)
If the body is on the meridian, Z— or 180°, and numer-
ically A (p f =A h.
The nearer Z is to 90°, the greater is A 0'. If Z = 90°, .
or the body is on the prime vertical, sec Z = oo , and J 0' is
incalculable. If Zis near 90°, (115) is inaccurate; since A r
becomes too large for the assumptions
cos A 0'=1, sin A '=A (/>'. sin 1" ;
so, also, in (114) if X, sin {L—d) == sin z is negative ; that is, z will
have a different name or sign from L (Art. 140). Properly
A, 7i , and A h would also become negative to correspond.
Still, however, we shall have numerically
7i = h + A h.
We may therefore disregard the sign of L—d in (121)
and consider h and h as always positive.
If the star is observed at its lower culmination, then t
will be the hour-angle from the lower branch of the meri-
dian, and for d we may use 180°— d (Art. 140). A Q h and A h
are then numerically subtractive.
LATITUDE.
151
Examples. (Prob. 46.)
1. At sea, 1865, July 17 l h P. M., in lat. 36° 38' S., long.
105° 18' E., by account; time by Ckro., 5 h 47 m 14 s ; O.,
30° 15'; N". W'y; index cor. + 2' 30"; height of eye, 17 feet ;
Chro. cor. (G. m. t.) + I4 m 3 s ; required the latitude.
By (113)
h m s
T. by Chro. + 12k, 17 47 14
Chro. cor. +14 3
G*s dec. Eq'n of t
G / // // m 3 s
+ 21 20 29 —25.19 —5 43.8 —0.230
G. m. t.
July 16 18 1 11 =
18.021 -7 34 ( 252 -4.1 j 2.3
+ 21 12 55)202 _ 3 47.9 { 1-8
—Long.
+ 7 1 12
July 17 1 2 29
— 5 48
L. m. t.
Eq. of t.
_0 30° 15' ( In. cor. + 2'. 5 dip. — 4'.0
+ 13 ( S.diam + 15 .8 ref.&par. — 1 .S
L. ap. t.
56 41
h = 30 28 1. sin 9.70504
o / //
** = 14 10 15
1. sec 0.01342
d = 21 12.9 X.
1. tan 9.58903 1. cosec 9.44145
f = 21 49.1 N.
1. tan 9.60245 1. sin 9.57016
$' - 58 37.0 S.
L - 36 48 S.
1. cos 9.71665
If we suppose an uncertainty of 3' in the altitude and 20'
in the longitude, by (115) and (118)
Z=S. 164° 40' W.
A h = + 3'
AL--ZW
L cot (— h) 0.2304 a 1. cos L 9.903
Lcotf 9.7853 —A t= — 20' log 1.301 n
1. sec Z 0.0157 n 1. tan Z 9.438 n
log 0.477 jZ=+4'.4 1og 0.642
log 0.493 n
That is, an increase of 3' in the altitude will numerically
decrease the latitude 3'.1 ; and a numerical increase of 20'
in the assumed longitude will increase the latitude 4'. 4. This
may be conveniently expressed in the following way :
* Instead of changing t into arc, we may enter col. P. M. of Tab. XXVII.
with 2 t = l h 53 m 22 9 .
152
NAVIGATION.
Long. 105° 18'
20' E.; O, 30° 15' =fc 3'
L = 36° 48' ± 4 '.4 zp 3'.1 S.
By (119)
t = h 56 m 41 a
2 1. sin £ 8.18227 )
^or i. versin
d— 21° 12'.9
N.
1. cos 9.96953
8.45283
1st L — 36 38
S.
1. cos 9.90443
log 8.35726
.02276
h = 30 28
sin .50704
Z = 58 .5
S.
cos .52980
2d L — 36 47 .6
s.
1. cos 9.90345
log 8.35628
0.2271
Z =:58 0.7
s.
cos .52975
3d i = 36 47 .8
s.
2. At sea, 1865, Jan. 5, 6 h P. M., in lat. 50° 36' K, long.
135° 25' W. (by account), time by Chro. 3 h 10 m 15 s ; Chro.
cor. (G. m. t,)— 18 m 56*; Obs'd alt. of Mars, 45° 18';
S. E'y; index cor.- — 3'; height of eye, 19 feet; required
the latitude. (113)
T. by Chro. + 12\ 15 10 15
Chro. cor. —18 56
G. m. t. Jan. 5 14 51 19 = 14\855
S 19 22.1
Red. for G. m. t. 4- 2 26.5
G. sid. t. 9 54 7.6
—Long. —9 1 40
L. sid. t 52 27.6 ff = 45° 18'
Mara 1 R. A. 3 55 25.6 — 8
/=- 3 258 h =45 10
or 45° 44' 30"
d = 23 37 N.
' 0.4527
Z— X. 110° 46' E. 1. sec Z 0.4502 n
J h=+ 5' log 0.699
Ji- - 14'.1 log 1.149 n
1. cos L 9.801
—J *= + 15', log 1.176
1. tan Z 0.421 n
A £= — 25'.0, log 1.39S n
3. 1865, Feb. 17, near noon, at the light-house, TV. end of
St. George's Island, Apalachicola Bay, long. 85° o lb" W. ;
5 observations with sextant No. 1, art. hor'n No. 3, A end
toward observer :
T. by Chro. h 16 m 21 8 .6; 2© 98° 14' 44", (S.) ; in. cor. +2' 30";
Chro. cor. (L. m. t.) — 18 m 30 s A ; Bar. 30.48, Ther. 43°.
T. by chro. h 16 m 21 s .6
Chro. cor. —18 30 .4
L. m.t.Feb. 16 23 57 51 .2
Long. +5 40 21
G. m.t.Feb. 17 5 38 12 =
Eq. oft. —14 14 .1
L. ap. t. ( 23 43 37 .1
or
—0 16 22 .9
i— 4° 5' 43".5
d = — 11 46 55 .7
(j)"= — 11 48 41 .2
(j>'= + 41 26 10 .2
L= + 29 37 29
By (113)
O's dec.
— 11° 51' 52".8
+4 57 .1
—11 46 55 .7
= 5*637
©48
Eq.oft.
-52".71-14' 15".22 + s .2O4
( FT020
+ 1.15-1 .122
( 6
-14 14 .07
7' 22" f \ In. cor. + V 15"
j S. diam. +16 30
+ 16 57 1 Ref. — 54
[Par. + 6
A=48 24 19
1. sec 0.0011104
1. tan 9.3192842 n
1. tan 9.3203946 n
I. sin h 9.8738198
1. cosec 0.6899636 n
1. sin 9.3111004 n
1. cos 9.8748838
By (121) and (122)
l s .96349
L= + 29° 37
d = — ll 47
L — d— +41 24
AJi=- 2".527
* = — 16 m .382
A h ' = + 678".l
log 0.2930
1. cos 9.9392
1. cos 9.9908
1. cosec 0.1796
log 0.4026
2 log 2.4287
lo* 2.8313
h= 48° 24' 19"
A Q h= + 11 18
h =z 48 35 37
Z Q = + 41 24 23
d= — ll 46 56
L= + 29 37 27
151 NAVIGATION.
LATITUDE BY CIRCUM-MERIDIAN ALTITUDES.
151. Problem 47. To find the latitude from a number of
altitudes observed very near the meridian, the local times
being k?ioio?i.
Solution. By (122) we see that very near the meridian
the altitude of a body varies very nearly as the square of its
hour-angle. Hence we cannot regard the mean of several
altitudes as corresponding to the mean of the times, since
this is assuming that the altitude varies as the hour-angle,
Let
/*!, A 2 , A 3 , &c, be the several altitudes ;
t u t 2 , £ 3 , &c, the corresponding hour-angles expressed in
minutes;
and we have as the reduction of each altitude to the merid-
ian, and the deduced meridian altitude,
A l h = t\. A h h — h x + ^A)
A 2 h — tl.A Q h h = h 2 + A 2 h > &c. (123)
4 h — tl.A h &c. h = h 3 + 4 h )
Thus the meridian altitude may be derived from each alti-
tude, and the mean of all these meridian altitudes taken as
the correct meridian altitude. But the following is a more
expeditious method : —
If n is the number of observations, the mean value of
h Q will be
7 h 1 + h i + h 9 + ...h n , AJi-\-AJi + AJi-\-...A n h
n — _ —
u n n
or,
A I + A a + ^ + . : j, g ± j + q + ...g (
n n v J
Whence the rule : —
Take the mean of the squares of the hour-angles in minutes
(Tab. XXXIII., Bowd.) ; multiply it by the change of alti-
tude in l m from the meridian (Tab. XXXII.) ; and add the
LATITUDE BY CIRCUM-MERIDIAN ALTITUDES. 155
product to the mean of the altitudes. The result is the mean
meridian altitude required. (Bowd., p. 201.) From the
meridian altitude thus found deduce the latitude as from
any other meridian altitude. (Prob. 45.) Strictly, however,
the declination to be used is that which corresponds to the
mean of the times, and the hour-angles, £, are intervals of
apparent time for the sud, and of sidereal time for a fixed
star. ,
152. It is unnecessary to reduce each observed altitude
separately to a true altitude ; as the reductions, excepting
slight changes of refraction and parallax, are the same for
all, and may be computed for the mean of the observed
altitudes, and applied to this mean with the reduction to
the meridian.
153. Should it be desirable to compare the several obser-*
rations with each other, and test their agreement, it will be
sufficient to compute the several reductions to the meridian,
A y A, J 2 hj 4* A, &c, and apply them separately to the read-
ings of the instrument ; or to the half-readings when the
altitudes are observed with an artificial horizon : applying,
also, the semidiameter when both limbs of the body are
observed.
154. If the altitudes are taken on both sides of the merid-
ian, and at nearly corresponding intervals, a small error in
the local time will but slightly affect the result ; for such
error will make the estimated hour- angles and the corre-
sponding reductions on one side of the meridian too large,
and on the other side too small. (Bowd., p. 203.)
155. This method is rarely used at sea, as a single altitude
on or near the meridian suffices. N"o increase of the number
of observations will diminish at all the error of the dip, which
affects alike each observation and the mean of all.* But on
* Such an error is called constant ; those which affect the several obser*
vations differently are called variable.
156 NAVIGATION.
land it is preferable to measure a number of altitudes at the
same culmination of the body, and thus diminish the " error
of observation." Altitudes of the sun are used, but the best
determinations are from the altitudes of a bright star. To
facilitate the operations, and avoid mistaking one star for
another, it is well to compute the altitude approximately be-
forehand. (Art. 144.)
If an artificial horizon is employed, the error of the roof
is partially eliminated by making two sets of observations
with the roof in reversed positions.
156. If two stars are observed which culminate at nearly
the same altitude, one north, the other south of the zenith,
the error of the instrument is nearly eliminated ; for such
error (except accidental error of graduation) will make the
latitude from one of the stars too great, and that from the
'other too small by very nearly the same amount ; the more
nearly, the less the difference of the altitudes. The error
peculiar to the observer is also eliminated.
If the observations are made with an artificial horizon,
the error of the roof is eliminated, if the same end is
toward the observer in both sets of observations.
157. Bowditch's Tab. XXXII. extends only to d = 24°
If a star is used whose declination is beyond this limit, or
if greater precision than the table affords is required, A Q h
may be computed for the star and place by (121).
a l ;/ .9635 cos L cos d
J ° /l " lin (L-d~)~
158. If the observations are made at the lower culmina-
tion of the star, we have only to use in the formulas I80°—d
instead of d. (Art. 140.)
159. The altitudes observed at the same culmination are
very nearly the same. To render the measurements inde-
pendent, after each observation move slightly the tangent
screw of the instrument. With the sextant, it is best to
LATITUDE BY CIRCUM-MERIDIAN ALTITUDES. 157
make the final motion of the tangent screw at each observa-
tion always in the same direction, for example, in advance.
Examples. (Prob. 47.)
1. 1865, Jan. 10 h . Circum-meridian altitudes of Q ob-
served at the Custom-House, Key West, Florida, 45" ]ST. of
Light-House: lat. 24° 34' N., long. 81° 48' 31" W.
T. by Watch. Sextant No. 1. Art. hor. No. 1.
m 5 2 o 87 41 30 A end of Hor. h ^TTT .
5 30 41 30 Chro. 1843 4 58 24 6 26 41
5 50 41 35 Watch 11 39 20 1 7 30
7 8 4140-5. C— W +5 19 4 5J_9 11
7 30 41 50 Chro. cor. (L. m. t.) — 5 h 18^~34M)
7 55 41 55
9 2 O 86 36 25 _ r off arc ^ 4r>0
9 25 36 40 U S aiam * | on arc 32 6 .5
9 45 36 30 In. cor. + 20 .2
12 2 35 20 A. "
12 25 34 50 Bar - s 0.21
12 45 3 4 40 T k ei \ 78°
h m s o / //
T. by W. 8 41.2 2 "o 87 41 40
W. cor (L. ap. t.) -7 30.1 2 O. 86 35 44
L.ap. t. Jan. 10 1 11.1 2 O 87 8 42
Long. +5 27 14.5
G. ap. t. Jan. 10 5 28 25.6 (At h 9 m ) C— W. . 5* 19 m 6 3 .3
5.474 Chro. cor. (L. m. t.) —5 18 34 .0
W. cor. (L. m. t.) + 32 .3
Eq'n of t. +7 m 56 s .96 +0 S .998
t
f
— 2 m 30 9
6.2
2
4.0
1 40
2.8
22
0.1
0.0
+ 25
0.2
1 30
2.2
1 55
3.7
j 4 .99
4-5.46 1 .47
+ 8 2.42
Watch t. of ap. h h 7 m 30 s . 1
Hourly ch. — 8 .7
0's dec. —21° 54' 43".3 + 22".90
+ 2 5 .3
—21 52 38
2
15
5.1
4
32
20.6
4
55
24.2
5
15
27.6
158 NAVIGATION.
O 43 34 21 Ciln. cor. + 10".l
< Ref. —58 .5
— 52 ( Par. + 6 .3
1".9635 log 0.2930
96.7 h = 43 33 29 Z= + 24° 34' 1. cos 9.9588
A h= 8.06 x 2".28 = +18 =—21 52 1. cos 9.9657
h = 43 33 47 X— fc+46 27 1. cosec 0.1398
z =+46 26 13 J h= 2".28 log 0.3573
d—— 21 52 38
Custom-House, X= + 24 33 35 Light-House, X=+ 24° 32' 50"
2. 1843, January 31 (civil date). Circum-meridian alti-
tudes of © observed at E. Base station, Mullet Key in
Tampa Bay; lat. 27° 37' 1ST., long 5 h 30 m 50 s W.
T. by Chron.
Sextant JVb. 2.
Art. hor. No. 1
h m s
O i II
5 30
2© 90 20 20 A end toward obser.
6 10
21 30
6 45
22 20
8 42
2 89 19 50
9 12
20 10
9 38
20 40
11 00
21 36 B end toward obser.
11 30
22 10
11 52
22 30
Index cor. + 1
13 15
2 © 90 27 50
13 45
28 10
Chron. cor. —
14 17
28 20
15 25
28 30
Bar. 29.95
15 50
28 40
16 18
28 40
Ther. 72°
17 53
2 89 23
18 20
22 50
18 40
22 50
20 50
21 A end toward obser.
21 12
20 40
LATITUDE BY CIRCUM-MERIDIAN ALTITUDES. 159
T
by Chron.
h . m a
21 37
Sextant No. 2.
Art. hor. No. 1
o / //
89 20 30
22 50
2 © 90 24 10
23 20
23 40
23 40
23 30
Bq. of Time + 13 m 44 s
19+0 S .374
1".9635
log 0.2930
+ 2 9 .
07 r 1.87
X = + 27° 37'
1.
cos 9.9475
+ 13 m 46 s .
3 •] .19
d =—17° 25'
1.
cos 9.9796
— Chron. cor. +
l m 39 s .
3 ( .01 L— d = +45° 2' 1.
cosec 0.1503
Chr. T. ap. Noon + 15 m 26 8 .
A
Q h = 2"
346
lo
g 0.3704
t
m s
—9 56
98.7
(k)
O I II
45 10 10
2".346 t*
i a
+ 3 51
S. diam
/ //
—16 16
(K)
o ; //
44 57 45
9 16
85.9
10 45
3 21
50
8 41
75.4
11 10
2 57
51
6 44
45.3
44 39 55
1 46
+ 16 16
57
6 14
38.9
40 5
1 31
52
5 48
33.6
40 20
1 19
55
4 26
19.7
40 45
46
47
3 56
15.5
44 41 5
36
57
3 34
12.7
41 15
30
61
2 11
4.8
45 13 55
11
—16 16
50
1 41
2.8
14 5
7
56
1 9
1.3
14 10
2
56
—0 1
0.0
14 15
59
+0 24
0.2
14 20
64
52
0.8
14 20
2
66
2 27
6.0
44 41 30
14
+ 16 16
60
2 54
8.4
41 25
20
61
3 14
10.5
41 25
25
66
5 24
29.2
40 30
1 8
54
5 46
33.3
40 20
1 18
54
6 11
'38.2
40 15
1 30
61
7 24
54.8
45 12 5
2 9
—16 16
58
7 54
62.4
11 50
2 26
70
+ 8 14
67.8
11 45
+2 39
68
Mean
—0 32
Mean 0's U. L.
44 57 58
Long.
5 h 30 50
O'sL.
L
57
G. ap.
T. 5 30 18
A
B
44 57 57
58
160 NAVIGATION".
0\s Dec. — 1°7 28 26.0 + 41.55 h' = 44 57 57.4
+ 3 48.7^207.75 -Jin. cor. +32.5
d-__17 24 37.3 j 20.71 Ref. —56.2
z Q = +45 2 20 ( - 21 Par. +6.2
Lat. - + 27 37 43 h = 44 57 40
3. 1865, May 22, 9 h , circum-meridian altitudes of a Vir-
ginis (Sjiica) at Light-House on St. George's Island, Apala-
chicola Bay, Florida, lat. 29° 37' K, long. 85° 5' 15" W.
In. cor. — 3' 0"
Bar. 30.04, Ther. 73°
Chro. cor. (L.m.t.)+5 h 35 m 32 9 .9
Long. +5 40 21
T. by Chro.
Sextant No. 1.
Art. Hor. No. 1
h m s
O 1 II
3 28 56
2 alt. 99 43 50
A. end
31 24
47 50
33 36
51
34 56
53 40
37 8
53 40
38 58
55 30
B. end
42 45
55 30
44 33
52 10
48 21
46 50
51 25
43 50
99 50 23
7i'= 49 55 12 ( i In. cor. — 1' 30"
_2i7( Ref. - 47
7i = 49 52 55
h
m
3
*'sR. A.
13
18
7.8
So
—4
30.0
— Red for %
-55.9
Sid. int. from h
9
16
41.9
Red.
-1
31.2
L. m. t. of transit
9
15
10.7
— Chro. cor.
— 5
35
32.9
Chro. t. of transit
3
39
38
{Mean) (Sid.)
-10 42
— 10 44
115.2
1".9635
log
0.2930
8 14
8 15
68.1
Z = + 29°37'
1. cos
9.9391
6 2
6 3
36.6
d=r — 10 28
1. COS
9.9927
4 42
4 43
22.2
Z-eJrrr+40 5
l.cosec 0.1912
2 30
2 30
6.2
AJi == 2".606
log
0.4160
40
40
0.4
P= 49.86
log
1.6979
+3 7
+ 3 7
9.7
Ah - + 2'
10"
log
2.1139
4 55
4 56
24.3
h — 49° 52
55
8 43
8 44
76.3
h Q = 49 55
5
11 47
11 49
139.6
49.86
* =+40 4
tf=-.10 27
X=r + 29 37
55
34
21
LATITUDE BY CIRCUM-MERIDIAN" ALTITUDES. 161
160. Problem 48. To find the latitude from an observed
altitude of Polaris or the North Pole-star.
Solution. The formulas (112) of Prob. 46,
tan ■==. cot d cos t
cos sin A
cos (/)'-
sin d
90°— Z = ±4>'
can be greatly simplified in the case of the Pole-star, since
its polar distance is only 1° 25'.
Putting
we have
d— 90°— p and 0'= 90°— cj>%
tan
COS
sin >"= sin A
i
r
(125)
(126)
cosp
■0'-0, J
the 2d value of i, or (180°— /'— 0), being excluded, as it
exceeds 90°. p and are so small, that the cosine of each
is nearly 1, and consequently
sin $"= sin h and 0"= h, nearly.
Thus we have
r=p cos t
Z = h-
If t is more than 6 h or less than 18 h , cos t is negative, and
we have numerically
L = h + 0.
Let $ represent the sidereal time, and a the right ascen-
sion of the star, then
t = S—a and =p cos (S —a).
If we consider the right ascension and polar distance of
the star to be constant, may be computed and tabulated
for different sidereal times (right ascensions of the meridian),
as in Bowditch, p. 206, and "Tab. I. for the Pole-star" in
162
NAVIGATION.
the British Nautical Almanac. But owing to the change
of right ascension and declination, such a table requires cor-
rection for each year. It is better to take the apparent right
ascension and declination from the Almanac, and compute
t and may be found approximately in the traverse table (Tab.
II.) in the Lat. col., by entering the table with t as a course,
and p as a distance.
161. Formulas (126) maybe de-
rived from Fig. 34, by regarding
P M m as a plane triangle, and
Z m = Z M. The first produces
no error greater than 0".5. The
error of the second is evidently
greater the greater the altitude, or
the latitude. This error, however,
will not be more than 0'.5 in lati-
tudes less than 20°, nor more than
2' in latitudes less than 60°.
162. We may use (125) with more exactness, but these
formulas may be modified so as to facilitate computation.
Put
or
log sin (h+A h) — log sin h = log seep — log sec 0.
But A h being very small, representing by D ;/ the change of
log sin h for 1", we have, with J A in seconds,
log sin (h +Ah)— log sin h — A h X D M ;
whence, by substituting in the preceding, we obtain
log sec p — log sec (f> _ log cos — log cos p
Jh =
D m
D.
(127)
LATITUDE BY CIRCUM-MERIDIAN ALTITUDES. 163
The difference of the log secants, or log cosines, of p and $
is readily taken from the table by inspection. D ;/ for log sin#
is usually given in tables of 7 decimal places, and hence
A h is readily found.
We have then
0==pOOfl.t \ (12S)
If D, is the change of log sin h for 1', then in minutes
log sec p — log sec
Ah = -
D,
(129)
163. The British Nautical Almanac contains three tables
for the reduction of altitudes of Polaris, from which they
may be found to the nearest second.
164. Altitudes of Polaris may often be observed at sea,
with some degree of precision, during twilight, when the
horizon is well defined, and the latitude found from them
within 3' or 4'.
Examples. (Prob. 48.)
1. At sea, 1865, March 31, 7 h 15 m 19 s , mean time in long.
160° 15' E. ; obs'd alt. of Polaris 38° 18' ; index cor. +3';
height of eye 17 feet : what is the latitude ? (128)
h m s
L. m. t. March 31 7 15 19 Long.
h m s
—10 41
3,
35 29
Red. for long.
— 145
Red. of L. m. t.
L. sid. t.
*'sR. A.
+ 1 11 K— 38° 18' /
7 50 14 —2 -
1 9 14/ir: 38 16 (
In. cor. +3
Dip -4
Ref. —1
i-
= 6 41 t— 100° 15'
1. cos 9.250 n
— p=— 1 24.5
— ^r=+ 15.0
log 1.927/1
log 1.177
1. sec .00013
1. sec
Jh=+ 0.8
h— 38 16
1. sec p — 1. sec d>
16
V,
L=+ 38 32
164 NAVIGATION".
2. 1865, May 22, 9 h ; altitudes of Polaris, at light-house
on St. George's Island, Apalachicola Bay: lat. 29° 37' N". ;
long. 85° 5' 15" W. ; sextant No. 1, index cor. ~3'0";
Art. Hor. No. 1 ; Bar. 30.04, Ther. 73° ; Chro. cor..(L. m. t.)
+ 5 h 35 m 33 9 .
KlyCkro. iA JXfhor.) T.ly Chro. ^dofHor.)
3 IT 25
56 32 20
4 2 18
56 34
19 26
32 30
6 3
34 20
21 39
32 50
8 27
34 50
30 35
32 80
10 15
34 50
3 22 16
T. by Chro.
14 40
4 .8 21
85 40
T. by Chro.
27^=56 32 32
27i'=56 34 44
Chro. cor.
+ 5 35 33
7*/= 28 16 16
Chrc
. cor.
+ 5 35 33
7i/=28 17 22
L. m. t.
8 57 49
i-In. cor.-l 30
L. m
. t.
9 43 54
Jin. cor.— 1 30
#0
4 30
Ref. -1 43
So
4 30
Ref. -1 43
Bed. for 2,
+ 56
h=2S 13 3
Red.
for 2,
+ 56
7t=28 14 9
Red. for m. t.
+ 1 28
Red.
for m. t.
1 36
L. sid. t.
13 43
L. sid. t.
13 46 56
* 's It. A.
1 9 82
^'s
R. A.
1 9 82
H
11 51 11
177° 47' 45"
1. cos 9.9996S n
H
12 37 24
189 c 21' 0"
I. cos 9.99419 n
-p=-
1 24 44
log 3.70621 n
— p=—
1 24 44
log 3.70621 n
-0= +
1 24 40
log 3.70599
-$= +
1 23 37
log 3.70040
A*<=
l.secp 1319 \
1. sec<£ 1317 [•
(Zf,=39.2) 2 J
A*<= +
1
l.secp 1319 I
I. sec 1284 y
7i =
28 13 3
h=
28 14 9
z= +
29 37 43
L= +
29 37 47
CZf„=39.2) 35 J
1. sec^> and 1. sec (f> are expressed in units of the 7th place
of decimals.
CHAPTER VIII.
THE CHRONOMETER,— LONGITUDE.
165. Astronomically the longitude of a place is the dif-
ference of the local and Greenwich times of the same instant.
It is west or east, according as the Greenwich time is greater
or less than the local time. (Art. 73.)
The mean solar, the apparent, or the sidereal times of the
two places may be thus compared.
166. A chronometer is simply a correct time-measurer, but
the name is technically applied to instruments adapted to
use on board ship. It is here used more generally, as in-
cluding clocks which are compensated for changes of tem-
perature.
A mean time chronometer is one regulated to mean time ;
that is, so as to gain or lose daily but a few seconds on mean
time.
A sidereal chronometer is one regulated to sidereal time.
167. A chronometer is said to be regulated to the local
time of any place, when it is known how much it is too fast,
or too slow, of that local time, and how much it gains or
loses daily. The first is the error (on local time) ; the
second is the daily rate. Both are + if the chronometer is
fast and gaining.
It is preferable, however, to use the correction of the chro-
nometer, which is the quantity to be applied to the chrono-
meter time to reduce it to the true time, and its daily change*
Both are + when the chronometer is slow and losing.
166 NAVIGATION.
They will be designated by c and A c.
A chronometer is said to be regulated to Greenwich time,
when its correction on Greenwich time and its daily change
are known.
If c is the chro. cor. to reduce to Greenwich time, and e,
the chro. cor. to reduce to the time of a place whose longi-
tude is X (-{- if west).
z=c+A, or c = c — A; (130)
so that the one can readily be converted into the other.
168. If the correction of the chronometer at a given date,
and its daily change, are known, the correction at another
date can easily be found. For let
c be the given correction at the date T,
c', the required correction at the date T \
t=T'—T, expressed in days,
A c, the daily change ;
then c'=c + t. A c. (131)
t is negative if the date for which the correction is re-
quired is before that for which it is given.
If A c is large, t must include the parts of a day in the
elapsed time.
A c may be given for two different dates, and vary in
value. It may then be interpolated for the middle date be-
tween the two of this problem.
Thus, if A'c be a second value determined n days after
the first, the daily variation of A c, regarded as uniform,
will be
A'c- Ac
n (132)
Representing this by A. z c, we have for the mean daily change
of the chronometer correction during the period t y or that at
the middle date,
A c + \ t. J 3 c,
THE CHRONOMETER. 167
and the required chronometer correction,
c r = c + t. A c + i f. 4 c. (133)
When the chronometer is in daily use, it is convenient to
form a table of its correction for each day at a particular
hour. For a stationary chronometer, the most convenient
hour is h of local time ; for a Greenwich chronometer, h of
Greenwich time.
Examples.
1. Chro. 16 75, regulated to Greenwich mean time ; 1865,
Jan. 15, h ; correction + l h l m 25 9 .0 ; daily change — 7 S .65;
required the correction, Jan. 26, 6 h .
Jan. 15, h , Chro. cor. +l h 16 m 25 9 .0
— 7 s .65x 11.25 == — I 26.1
Jan. 26, 6 h Chro. cor. + 1 14 58 .9
This chronometer is sloio and gaining.
2. To find the chro. cor. to reduce to local time, Jan. 26,
h , in long. 85° 16' E.
Chro. cor. (Jan. 26 6 h G. t.) +l h 14 m 58 9 .9
—Long. +6 +5 41 4
Red. for —12 +3.8
Chro. cor. (Jan. 26 L. t.) + 6 56 6.7 or — 5 h 3 m 53 9 .3
3. To form a table of chronometer correction for each
day from Jan. 26, 6 h to Feb. 6, 6\
G. m. t. Chro. cor.
Feb. 1 6 h + 1* 14 m 13 s .O
2 6 14 5 .4
3 6 13 57 .7
4 6 13 50 .1
5 6 13 42 .4
6 6 +1 13 34 .8
169. To find the rate, or daily change, of a chronometer,
it is necessary to find the correction of the chronometer on
two different days, either from observations, or by compari-
G.
m. t.
Chro. cor.
Jan
26 6 h
-f-l h 14 m 58 9 .9
27 6
14 51 .3
28 6
14 43 .6
29 6
14 36 .0
30 6
14 28 .3
31 6
+ 1 14 20.7
168 NAVIGATION.
son with a chronometer, whose correction is known. Let
c l and c 2 be the two corrections, t the interval expressed in
days; then we have for the daily change,
^ = ^~; (134)
that is, the daily change is equal to the difference of the two
chronometer corrections divided by the number of days and
parts in the interval. If attention is paid to the signs, +
will indicate that the chronometer is losing^ — that it is
gaining.
Examples.
Chro. 1615
Chro. 4872
Chro. 796
h h m s
h m s
h m 8
Chro. cor. April 15 +0 18 16.2
—1 15 27.5
+0 16.6
" " " 27 8 +0 18 29.6
—1 14 58.6
—00 5.3
Change in 12.3 days, +13.4
+ 28.9
—21.9
Daily change of cor. 4-1.09
+ 2.35
—2.71
At fixed observatories an interval of one day may suffice.
For rating sea-chronometers by observations made with a
sextant and artificial horizon, an interval of from 5 to 15
days is desirable.
The sea-rate of a chronometer is sometimes different from
its rate on shore, or even from its rate while on board ship
in port. Some chronometers are affected by magnetic in-
fluences, so that their rates are varied by changing the di-
rection of the XII. hour mark to different points of the ho-
rizon. All are slightly affected by changes of temperature,
as perfect compensation is rarely attainable. The excellence
of a chronometer depends upon the permanence of its rate.
The rate may be large, but if its variations are small, the
chronometer is good.
170. A watch is often used for noting the time of an ob-
servation. It is compared with the chronometer by noting
THE CHRONOMETER. 169
the time of each at the same instant. The most favorable
instant is when the watch shows no s .
Let C and 77" be these noted times; then A W— ( C — W)
is the reduction of the watch time to the chronometer time :
for C=W+(C — W).
Comparisons should be made before and after the observa-
tion, and the results interpolated to the time of observation.
A practised observer may, by looking at the watch and
counting the beats of the chronometer, make the comparL
son to the nearest S .25. It is better to take the mean of
several comparisons than to trust to a single one.
A mean time and a sidereal chronometer may be com-
pared within s . 03 by watching for the coincidence of beats,
which occurs at intervals of 3 m , for chronometers, which
beat half-seconds.
Examples.
Chro. 476
h m s
Chro. 4 16 56.2
Chro. 4072
h m s
3 15 17.5
Chro. 1976
h m 8
11 48 18.2
Chro. 1976
h m s
1 28.5
Watch 15
7 35 30
3 16
4 28
C7 — TFI-t-3 11 56.2
—4 20 12.5
—3 27 41.8
—3 27 31.5
The last two are comparisons of the watch with the same
chronometer. Suppose the time of an observation as noted
by the watch to be 3 h 3Y m 17 s ; for finding the corresponding
time by the chronometer we have,
The change of C— W in 1\2, + 10 s .3 ;
whence the change in l h is + 8 .6,
and the change in 21 m .3 = 0\35, the interval between the
1st comparison and the observation, +3 s .O ;
or, by proportion, we have
72 m : 21 ra .3 =: + 10 s .3 : +3 s .O
Then, Time by Watch = 3 h 37 m 17 s
C—W — — 3 27 . 38.8
Time by chro. = 09 38.2
170 JSTAV1GATION.
171. Problem 49. To find the correction of a chronome-
ter at a place whose latitude and longitude are given.
1st Method. (By single altitudes.)
Observe an altitude, or set of altitudes, of the sun or a
star, noting the time by the chronometer, or a watch com-
pared with it.
Find from the altitude (Prob. 43) the local mean, or
sidereal, time, as may be required.
The " local time " — the " chronometer time," or
c—T-C
(art. 135), is the correction of the chronometer on local
time. Applying to this the known longitude of the place
of observation, gives the correction on Greenwich time.
172. If an artificial horizon is used, as it should be when
practicable, it is best to make two sets of observations with
the roof in reversed positions. In A. M. observations of the
sun with a sextant and artificial horizon, the lower limb of
the sun and the upper limb of its image in the horizon are
made to lap, and the instant of separation is watched for ;
while in P. M. observations the limbs are separated and ap-
proaching, and the instant of contact is noted. In observa-
tions of the upper limb this is reversed. Even a good ob-
server may estimate the contact of two disks differently
when they are separating and when they are approaching.
Both limbs, then, should be observed.
In observing altitudes which change rapidly it is better,
when circumstances permit, to set the 'instrument so as to
read exact divisions at regular intervals, and watch the in-
stant of contact. A good observer, with a sextant and ar-
tificial horizon, can observe the double altitudes at regular
intervals of 10'.
1 73. On a subsequent day repeat this observation, and
find ai^ain the correction of the chronometer. The differ-
THE -CHRONOMETER. - 171
ence between these two corrections divided by the number
of days and parts in the interval is the daily change, as in
Art. 169.
It is important that both the observations thus compared
should be at nearly the same altitude and on the same side
of the meridian (when the sun is observed, both in the fore-
noon, or both in the afternoon), and in general, that they
should be made with the same instruments, and as nearly as
practicable under the same circumstances. Thus, an error in
the assumed latitude and constant errors of the instruments
or the observer w T ill affect the two chronometer corrections
nearly alike, but will very slightly affect their difference,
and, consequently, the rate determined from it will be nearly
exact. The chronometer correction, derived from single al-
titudes, may be erroneous a few seconds. But for sea
chronometers this is of less importance than an erroneous
determination of the rate. For instance, suppose the deter-
mined chronometer correction in error 4 s , and the daily
change in error I s ; in 20 days (Art. 168) the computed
change of the correction will be in error 20 s , and in 30 days
will be in error 30 s .
174. 2d Method. (By double altitudes.)
It is better to observe altitudes of the body on both sides
of the meridian, and as nearly at the same altitude as prac-
ticable, either on the same day or on two consecutive clays.
Altitudes of two stars also may be used, one east, the
other west of the meridian.
The mean of the two results is better than a determination
from either alone ; for constant errors of the latitude, the
instrument, or the observer, affect the two results in oppo-
site directions ; that is, if one result is too large, the other
is too small, and by nearly the same amount.
172 . NAVIGATION.
Examples. (Prob. 49.)
1. Chronometer Correction.
Pensacola Navy- Yard, 30° 20' 30" K, 87° 15' 21" W.
1865, May 30 21^; Chro. 1876.
T. by Chro,
Sextant No. 2.
Art. Hor. No. 1.
m s
o /
m s
31 41
3
2 © 99- 50 A. end.
Chro. cor. (G. m. t.)— 42 26
22.7
Daily change — 3.
32 3.7
100
23.3
O's diam. off arc +32 8.3
32 27
24
100 10
on arc— 30 59.2
32 51
23
100 20
In. cor. +- 34.5
33 14
23.7
100 30
33 37.7
100 40
34 7.5
23
2 99 50 B. end.
Bar. 30.14
34 30.5
23
100
Ther. 76°
34 53.5
23.3
100 10
35 16.8
23
100 20
35 39.8
23.2
100 30
36 3
100 40
4
3 32 39.07 2 © 100 15
3 35 5.18 2 100 15
Computation*
h
T. by Chro. 3 32 39.07 O V dec. Eq'n of t.
o I II ii m s 8
Chro. cor. -42 26 +2157 40.3 +21.04 +2 36.35 —0.360
.720
f 42.08 f .72
+ 59.7 I 16.83 —1.02 I .28
G.m. t. May 31 2 50 11
2.837 +2158 40.0 .15 +2 35.33 ^ 2
1 .62 \
>.0 [ .15 +2 35.33 [
THE CHRONOMETER.
173
h
30 21
50 7 30
— 16 17.3
h = 49 51 12.fi
L = 30 20 30
p = 68 1 20.0
L. ap. t. May 30 21 3 51.35
— Eq. of t, — 2 35.33
L. m. t. May 30 21 1 16.02
T. by Chro. 3 32 39.07 2 s = 148 13 2.7
0,Chro. cor.(L.m.t)— 6 31 23.05 s = 74 6 31.4
is— 7i = 24 15 18.7
O / //
I * = 157 58 55.1*
t= 315 57 50.2
\\n. cor. // a
+ 17.3 ref. — 51.6
S. diam.
— 15' 48.4 par. +5.4
1. sec 0.0639749
1. cosec 0.0327661
1. cos
1. sin
9.4374537
9.6136320
19.1478267
9.5739134
T. by Chro. 3 35 5.18 O's dec. Eq'noft.
oil, it m s*
Chro. cor. — 42 26 +21 58 40.0 +21.04 +2 35.33
G. m. t. May 31 2 52 41 in h .041 + .8
2.878
+ 21 58 40.8
— .02
+ 2 35.31
—0.360
L. ap. t. May 30 21 6 17.89
— Eq. of t. — 2 35.31
L. m. t. May 30 21 3 42.58
T. by Chro. 3 35 5.18
0,Chro.cor.(L.m.t.) -6 31 3 2.60
O 50 7 30
+ 15 19.5 j
h = 50 22 49.5 I
L — 30 20 30
p= 68 - 1 19.2
2 s = 148 44 38.7
s= 74 22 19.4
-h = 23 59 29.9
Mean —6 31 22.82 \
' Red for 3 h .0 — .48
Chro.cor.(L.m.t.)-6 31 23.30
*■= 158 17 14.2
t = 316 34 28.4
i In. cor. // //
+ 17.3 ref.— 51.6
S. diam.
+ 15' 48.4 par. +5.4
1. sec 0.0639749
1. cosec 0.0327668
1. cos
1. sin
1. sin
9.4303807
9.6091709
19.1362933
9.5681467
May 31 h
2. Chronometer Correction.
Pensacola Navy- Yard, 30° 20' 30 /; N"., 81° 15' 21 ;/ W.
1865, May 31 3 h .
* In A. M. observations, \ t may be taken in the 2d quadrant ; or it may
be taken in the 1st quadrant and marked — .
174 NAVIGATION.
T. by Chro. Sextant No. 2. Art. Hor. No. 1.
h m e o / m s
9 24 2.7 8 2© 100 40 A. end. Chro. cor. (G. m. t.) —42 27 )
22.8 Daily change — 3.8 J
24 25.5 100 30
23.0 G's diam. off arc +32 12.5 )
24 48.5 100 20 on arc —30 59.2 j
24.0
25 12.5 100 10 In. cor. + 36.6
22.3
25 34.8 100
23.4
25 58.2 99 50
28 33.5 2 97 40 B. end. Bar. 30.14
23.5
28 61 97 30 Ther. 76°
23.5
29 20.5 97 20
22.5
29 43 97 10
23.0
30 6 97
23.5
30 29.5 96 50
9 25 0.37 2 100 15
9 29 31.58 2 97 15
Computation.
h m s
T. by Chro. 9 25 0.37 O's dec. Eq'n oft.
oil/ II ma e
Chro. cor. — 42 21 +21 57 40.3 + 20.92 +2 36.35 —0.362
( 167.36 ( 2.896
G. m. t. May 31 8 42 33 +3 2.2 \ 14.64 —3.15 \ .253
12.5 (
8.709 +22 42.5 ( I 9 +2 33.20 ( '3
o / //
©50 7 30 filn.cor. u u
-16 16.3 + 18 - 3 ref - 5LG
S. diam.
h— 49 51 13.7 [ +15' 48.4 par. +5.4
L— SO 20 30 1. sec 0.0639749
h m 8 p= 67 59 17.5 1. cosec 0.0328703
L. ap. t. May 31 2 56 12.04 2s = 148 11 1.2
— Eq. of t. —2 33.20 5= 74 5 30.6 1. cos 9.4379032
L. m. t. May 31 2 53 38.84 s-h= 24 14 16.9 1. sin 9.6133431
T. by Chro. 9 25 0.37 ~ ~~ 19.1480915
0,Chro.cor.(L.m.t.)- 6 31 21.53 \ t— 22 130.3 1. sin 9.5740458
t= 44 3 0.6
THE CHRONOMETER.
175
T. by Chro. 9 29 31.58 O '« dec. Eq'n of t
Chro. cor. —42 27 +-22 42.5 +20.92 +2 33.20 — 0.352
G. m. t. May31 8 47 5 inO\076 +1.6 * — .03
8.785 +22 44.1 + 2 33.17
48 37 30 (i In. cor. „ „
~ +15 17.8 J ,. +18-3 ref.-o-t.o
I S. diam.
h m g h— 48 52 47.8 L +15' 48.4 par. +5.6
L. ap. t. May 31 3 42.95 L — 30 20 30 1. sec 0.0639749
— Eq. of t. —2 33.17 p = 67 59 15.9 1. cosec 0.0328717
L. m. t. May 31 2 58 9.78 2s =147 12 33.7
T. by Chro. 9 29 31.88 s = 73 36 16.8 1. cos 9.4506544
0, Chro. cor.(L.Di.t.) -6 31 21.80 s-h = 24 43 29.0 L sin 9.6214453
19.1689463
(mean) —6 31 21.66 \t — 22 35 22.1 1. sin 9.5844732
Red for —3' . I +.48 t = 45 10 44.2
Chro.cor.(L.ni.t.)- 6 31 21.18, May SI O h .
May 31 h Chro. cor. (L. m. t.) — 6 h 31 m 22 s .24 by A.M. and P.M. obs.
Long. +5 49 1 .4
May 31 6 h Chro. cor. (G. m. t.) — 42 20 .84
3. Table of Chro. Corrections.
Chro. 1876 ; fast of Greenwich mean time and gaining.
Remarks.
O , A.M. Key West Light-House.
©,A.M. " " " "
, A.M. & P.M. Pensacola Navy-Yard.
©,A.M. &P.M. " " "
G. m. t.
Chro. cor.
Daily Ch.
h
' h m s
1865, May 1 3
— 40 20.5
-4.14
17 3
41 26.8
3.88
25 6
41 58.3
3.75
31 6
42 20.8
Long* of Key West Light-House, 81° 48' 40" W.
Long, oi Pensacola Navy- Yard, 87 15 21 W.
* The assumed longitudes of places, where the chronometer is rated, should
be stated.
176 NAVIGATION.
4. Comparisons and Corrections of Chronometers.
1865, May 31, 6 h , G. mean time.
Chro. 4375 Chro. 9163 Chro. 789 Cliro. 5165
hms hms hms hms
Chro. 6 50 16.3 5 3 29.7 2 15 27.5 11 59 16.8
(1876) 6 30 6 31 6 32 10 6 33 30
(1876)— Chro. —0 20 16.3 +127 30.3 +4 16 42.5 —5 25 46.8
Cor. of (1876) —42 20.8 —42 20.8 —42 20.8 —42 20.8
Chro. cor. — 1 2 37.1 —0 45 9.5 +3 34 21.7 —6 18 7.6
or +5 41 52.4
175. 3d Method. (By equal altitudes.)
A heavenly body, which does not change its declination,
is at the same altitude east and west of the meridian at the
same interval of time from its meridian passage.
If, then, such equal altitudes are observed and the times
noted by the chronometer, or by a watch and reduced to
the chronometer (Art. 170), the mean of these times, or the
middle time, is the chronometer time of the star's meridian
transit.
The corresponding sidereal time is the star's right ascen-
sion, when the first observation is east of the meridian ; 12 h -f
the right ascension when the first observation is west of the
meridian.
This, for a mean time chronometer, may be converted into
local mean time (Prob. 32) ; and for a Greenwich chrono-
meter into the corresponding Greenwich time.
Subtracting the chronometer time, we have the correction
of the chronometer.
Example.
1865, Jan. 14, at Washington, in longitude 77° 2' 48' W.,
equal altitudes of a Canis Minoris were observed, and the
times noted by a chronometer regulated to Greenwich mean
time ; from which were obtained :
THE CHRONOMETER. 177
Mean of chro. times ( % east)
2 h 16 n
35 3 .65
" "' " " (#- west)
7 59
16 .38
Chro. time of >fc's transit
5 7
56 .01
L. sid. t.= %'s R. A.
7 32
16 .26
Long.
-ho 8
11 .2
G. sid. t.
12 40
27.46
■JS (Jan. 14)-
-19 35
51 11
Sid. int. from Jan. 14 h
17 4
36 .35
Red. to m. t. int.
— 2
47 .86
G. mean time Jan. 14
. 17 1
48 .49
Chro. time
17 7
56 .01
Chro. cor.
— 6
7 .52
176. If equal altitudes of the sun are observed in the fore-
noon and afternoon of the same day, the mean of the noted
times would be the chronometer time of apparent noon,
were it not for the change of the sun's declination between
the observations.
Problem 50. In equal altitudes of the sun, to find the
correction of the middle time for the change of the surfs
declination in the interval between the observations.
Solution. Let
h = the sun's true altitude at each observation,
t — half the elapsed apparent time between the observa-
tions,
y o — the mean of the chronometer times of the two ob-
servations, or the middle chronometer time,
AT = the correction of this mean to reduce to the chrono-
meter time of apparent noon ;
L = the latitude of the place,
d = the sun's declination at local apparent noon,
A d = the change of this declination in the time t ;
then, when both observations are on the same day,
t + A T Q will be numerically the hour-angle at the A. M. ob-
servation,
t—AT 01 the hour-angle at the P. M. observation,
178 NAVIGATION.
d— A d) the declination* at the A. M. observation,
d + A d, the declination* at the P. M. observation.
By (116), Ave have for the two observations,
sin A=sin L sin (d— A d)-\-cos L cos (d—Ad) cos (t+ AT ) ) / lq _\
sinh=smLsm(d+ Ad) + cos L cos (d+ Ad) cos (t—' A T Q ) ) ^ '
But
sin (d ± A d) = sin d cos A d do cos d sin A d,
cos (d ±A d) = cos J cos A d =F sin c? sin J J,
cos (d ±AT )= cos £ cos A T =F sin £ sin J T^.
Since J c?, and therefore ^ ^, are very small, we may put
cos A d = 1, sin A d = A d. sin 1",
cos A T = 1, sin J 7;= 15 AT . sin l" ;
A d being expressed in seconds of arc, and
AT Q in seconds of time ; we shall then have
sin (d ± Ad) = sin d ± A d. sin V cos c?,
cos (d ±A d) = cos d =F A d. sin l' 7 sin c?,
cos ( £ ± zf T^) = cos £=F 15 AT . sin l" sin £.
Substituting these in the two equations (135), subtracting
the first from the second, and dividing by 2 sin 1", we shall
have
=:A d. sin L cos d — Ad. cos L sin d cos £
+ 15 J T . cos i cos c? sin t.
Transposing and dividing by the coefficient of AT^ we find
the formula
AT ,_ A d. tan L Ad. tan d . ,
Jio -~T5"7Tn"i" + ~T5la~nT' < 136 '
which is called the equation of equal altitudes.
Let
A h d = the hourly change of declination at the instant of
apparent noon, and express
£, which is half the elapsed apparent time, in hours,
* Strictly, in the one case, A d should be the change of declination in the
time t+ AT Q ; in the other, the change in the time t — AT Q .
THE CHROMOMETER. 179
then A d = A h d. t,
and (136) becomes
A rn d h d. t tan L A h d. t tan d /-, oH \
15 sin f T 15tan« v J
If we put
*=Tk7^1 ( 138 )
15 sin £ 15 tan £
and »
(7 = the chronometer time of apparent noon, we have
A T — A. A h d. tan L + B. J h c?. tan J ) , _ *
In these formulas, L and d are + when north, A d and zl h d
are + when the sun is moving toward the north.
The coefficient A is — , since t < 12 h ,
" " i? is + when t < 6 h , — when £ > 6 h .
The computation of the .two parts of A T is facilitated by
tables of log A and log B. Such tables are given in Chau-
venet's " Method of finding the error and rate of a chrono-
meter," in the American Ephemeris and Nautical Almanac
for 1856, and reprinted in a pamphlet with his "New
method of correcting Lunar distances."
The argument of these tables is 2 t, or the elapsed time.
The signs of A and B are given.
Apply the two parts of A T , according to their signs, to
the Middle Chronometer Time ; the result is the Chronome-
ter Time of Apparent Noon. >
Apply to this the equation of time (cidding, when the
equation of time is additive, to mean time ; otherwise sub-
tracting) ; the result is the Chronometer Time of Mean
JVoon at the place.
Applying to this the longitude (in time), subtracting if
west, adding if east, gives the Chronometer Time of Mean
JS T oon at Greenwich.
180 NAVIGATION.
*12 h — Chro. T. at local Mean Noon, will be the Chro. corvee-
lion if the chronometer is regulated to local time.
*12 h — Chro. T. at Greenwich Mean Noon, will be the Chro.
correction, if the chronometer is regulated to Greenwich
time.
177. If a set of altitudes is observed in the afternoon of
one day, and a set of equal altitudes in the forenoon of the
next day, the middle time would correspond nearly to the
instant of apparent midnight ; and half the elapsed time t,
would be nearly the hour-angle from the lower branch of
the meridian, or the supplement of the proper hour-angle.
In this case
1 80° — (t + A T ) will be the hour-angle at the P.M. observation.
180°-(t-AT { j) " " " " " " A.M. "
d— A d, the declination at the P.M. "
d+Ad, " " " " A.M. "
and we have for the two observations, as in (135)
sin h=:sm L sin (d — A d)— cos L cos (d — A d) cos (t + AT ) ) , , ± v
sin h=smL sin (d + A d) — cos L cos (d-\-A d) cos (t — A T ) ) ^ * '
Treating these in the same way as (135) we shall have
= A d. sin L cos d+ A d. cos L sin d cos t
— 15 A T cos L cos d sin t ;
whence
* This is better noted as h .
\ These may be written
— sin h= — sin L sin (d — A d)+cos L cos (d — A d) cos (t-\- A T Q )
— sin h = — sin L sin (d-\- J d)-hcos L cos (d -f- J d) cos {t—A T^).
They differ from (130) in the signs of h and L and in reckoning the hour-
angles from the lower, instead of the upper, branch of the meridian. This
would be the case, if we suppose the observations to be referred to the lati-
tude and meridian of the antipode. The only effect in (130) is to change
the sign of tan Z, or of the first term in the equation of equal altitudes.
THE CHRONOMETER. - 181
A d. tan L A d. tan d
A T =
15 sin t 15 tan t
or, putting as before A d = A h d. t
. a=- *:■ ' b =
15 sin t 15 tan t
A T ——A. J h d. tan Z + JB. A h d. tan , (141)
which differs from (139) only in the sign of A. This is the
reduction of the middle time to the Chro. Time of appar-
ent midnight : applying the equation of time reduces it to
the Chro. Time of mean midnight.
178. c?, A' d, and the equation of time are to be taken
from the Almanac for the instant of apparent noon, or of
apparent midnight, according as the observations are made
on the same da) T , or on consecutive days.
2 t is properly the elapsed apparent time. The elapsed
time by chronometer requires, then, not only a correction
for the rate, which is
2 t
■^—A c, ( -f- when the chronometer loses) ;
but also a reduction to an apparent time interval, which,
for a mean time chronometer, is the change* of the equation
of time in the time, 2 £, additive when the equation of time
is additive to mean time and increasing, or subtractive from
mean time and decreasing. For a sidereal chronometer, it
is the change in the sun's right ascension in the time 2 £, and
subtractive.
179. Equal altitudes of the moon or a planet may be ob-
served ; but in the case of the moon admit of less precision
than of the sun, and moreover require correction for the
inequality produced by change of parallax.
If 2 A a is the increase of right ascension in the interval,
* The maximum daily change is 30 s . The elapsed time by Chronometer
is usually regarded as sufficiently accurate.
182 NAVIGATION.
the body will arrive at its second position later than would
a fixed star, supposed coincident with it at the first posi-
tion ; and the elapsed sidereal time will be greater than the
double hour-angle of the body by the quantity 2 A a. If
2 s = the elapsed sidereal time, then in (137) we must take
2 t — 2 5—2 A a, or t == s— A a. (142)
If t m = half the elapsed mean time (expressed in hours
when used as a coefficient), and
A h a = the increase of right ascension in l h of mean time,
by (87) s = t m + 9 s .85$5 t m
and t == t m + t m (9 S .8565 — A h a), (143)
by which t and 2 £ may be found from 2 t m the elapsed mean
time.
In this expression the last two terms are in seconds. Re-
ducing to hours we have
3600 J m v ' 3600/
If A h d = the change of declination in l h of mean time, then
in (136)
A d = t m . A h d
or, substituting for t m its value from (144),
4 a
Ad=t. A h d~ (1,002738 —
3600.
Equations (138) and (139) may then be used for other
bodies than the sun, provided we give t its proper value
from (142) or (143), and for A h d substitute
A' h d=A h d+ (1.002738 — 1|^),
or, which will be sufficiently exact,
At i at, A^ — 9 9 .856 A , n . .
A' h d= A h d + — Q . A h d (145)
THE CHRONOMETER. 183
180. Observing the double altitudes at regular intervals
of 10', or 20', especially facilitates the method of equal alti-
tudes ; for, if the first set is observed at equal intervals, in
the second the observer, having set the instrument for the
last reading of the first and observed the contact, for the
subsequent observations, has only to move back successively
the same intervals.
181. It is not requisite that the instrument should give
the true altitude ; it is sufficient if the altitude is the same
at the two corresponding observations. Hence the two ob-
servations should be made with the same instruments, with-
out change of adjustment, and in general as nearly as prac-
ticable under the same circumstances.
This purpose is promoted by making the final movement
of the tangent screw in both sets always in the same direc-
tion. Thus, in reversing the movement, the screw may be
turned a little too far, and then the final contact made by a
motion in the same direction as before.
If the sun is used, both limbs should be observed.
The error arising from want of parallelism of the surfaces
of the roof-glasses of the horizon is eliminated by having
the same end of the roof toward the observer. The roof
may be tested by observing sets of altitudes with it in re-
versed positions.
182. Although the readings of the instrument maybe the
same in the two sets of observations, the altitudes may be
slightly different, 1st, from changes in the instrument in the
interval; 2d, from difference of refraction at the two times.
A change in the index correction may be detected by ob-
servation ; but there may be expansion or contraction of
various parts of the instrument which may affect the read-
ings of the altitudes without altering the index correction.
The change of refraction may be found by noting the ba-
184 NAVIGATION".
rometer and thermometer at each set, and finding the refrac-
tion for both sets of altitudes.
183. To correct the middle time for any small difference
of the altitudes, whether from refraction or actual change
of readings, Ave may find, from the difference between two
readings and the difference of the corresponding times, the
change of time for a change of 1', or 1", of altitude. This
multiplied by half the inequality of altitudes, expressed in
minutes, or seconds, will give the correction of the middle
time, to be added when the P. M. altitude is the greater ; to
be subtracted when the P. M. altitude is the less.
If twice the altitude is observed with an artificial horizon,
we may find the change of time for a change of 1', or \\ of
the double altitude, and multiply it by the whole inequality
of the altitudes.
Examples. (Prob. 50.)
*
1. 1865, Jan. 10 9± h A. M. and 2^ h P. M. Equal al-
titudes of © at the Custom-House, Key West, Florida ;
24° 33' 20" N*., 81° 48' 31" W. chro. 1085 ;
chro. cor. (G. m. t.) — 42 m 18 s .0; daily change + 8 S .3.
Sex. JSfo. 1.
T. by Chro. Mid
time.
Art. Hor. No
2.
AM.
P.M. 6h
17^
A.M.
P.M.
o /
\\ m a
h m s
B
2 60 A. end.
3 39 28. T
S 55 59.7
43.2
Q's dia)n.+S2 / 25".0
+ 32 / 26".7
10
39 58.8
55 27.0
42.9
-32 41 .7
—32 43 .8
20
40 31.5
54 55.3
43.4
In. cor. —8 .3
—8.3
30
41 4.0
54 22.0
43.0
40
41 35.7
53 50.3
43.0
Bar. 30.22
30.18
50
42 9.0
53 16.5
42.8
Ther. 77°
80°
2qG0
42 53.5
52 20.7
42.6
10
43 31.3
51 53.5
42.4
Ref. — 1'34".9
—1' 34".4
20
44 3.8
51 21.0
42.4
Diff. of alt.
J/t = +0.5
80
44 37.5
50 48.0
42.7
40
45 10.0
50 15.5
42.8
For 2 A h = 10',
A t = 32s.8
50
45 48.7
49 42.0
42.8
2 A h = 1",
At= 0.055
GO 25
3 42 34.21
8 52 5l~46
THE CHRONOMETER. 185
h m s
Elapsed Chro. t, 5 10 1T.25
Long. + 5h 27m 14s.5 Eq. of t + 7m 56s.96 + 0s.993
Mid. Chro. t. 6 17 42.83
5h.455 +5. 45 j 4.990
Od.227 +8 2. 41 1 45t >
Red.for Ah, 0«.055 x 0.5 = + .03
1st part of Eq. —2.89
0's dec— 21° 54' 43" J h <2 + 22\78 ch. in Id + 1 ".065
2d " " M —1.98
+ 2 5 +.24 .213
Chro. t. of ap. noon 6 IT 3T.99
—21 52 33 +23.02 21
— Eq. of time — 8 2.41
1/
= +24°33 / .3 t. tan 9.6593 d =— 21° 52'. 6 1. tan 9.6037 m-
Chro. t. of m. noon 6 9 35.58
J h
15 cos L sin Z
which is a minimum, when Z = ±90°, and incalculable when Z= or 180°.
f From (118) we find
At ——-
15 cos L tan Z
which is o, when Z= ±90°, and also incalculable when Z— or 180°.
194 NAVIGATION.
forward to the time of observation from a preceding, or car-
ried back from a subsequent determination. It may be very
largely in error, especially in uncertain currents, or after
running several days without observations.
A small error may also result from the assumption that
the mean of the instrumental readings corresponds to the
mean of the noted times. The reduction of the mean of
the altitudes to the mean of the times can be found,* but
it can be avoided by limiting the series of observations,
which are combined together, to so brief a period, that the
error becomes insensible; or, when the body is near the
meridian in azimuth, by reducing each observation by it-
self. This last case, however, should be avoided in this
problem.
198. At sea, it is usual to reduce longitudes obtained from
day observations to noon by allowing for the run of the
ship in the interval, and for currents when known. Those
from night observations are recorded for the time of ob-
servation ; or reduced to the commencement or end of the
watch.
199. 2d Method. Altitudes in the forenoon and in the
afternoon, or on different sides of the meridian, are prefer-
able to single altitudes for finding the local time, for the
reasons already stated in Article 174. The longitudes can
be found from each set separately and then combined.
At sea the longitudes derived from each can be reduced
to noon, and the mean of the two taken as the true longi-
tude ; or, if the difference can be regarded as due to cur-
rents, the longitude at noon can be found by interpolating
for the elapsed time. It is desirable that the observations
should be made at nearly equal intervals from noon.
Longitudes by A. M. and P. M. observations are enjoined
Chauvenet's Astronomy, Vol. I., p. 214.
LONGITUDE. 195
in the directions of the Navy Department whenever prac-
ticable.
Examples. (Prob. 51.)
1. At sea, May 17, 9 h 45 m A. M. ; 24° 50' K, 82° 18' W.
by reckoning from preceding noon ;
T. by Watch 9 h 30 m 15 s ; obs'd altitude of Q_ 58° 17';
Chro. — Watch + 5 h 12 m 26 s ; Chro. cor. + 25 m 15 s ;
Index cor. of sextant -f- 3' 20"; height of eye 18 feet; re-
quired the longitude.
T. by W. 9 30 15 © ' 5 dec - E( l- °f *■
J o / // // m s s
C—W +5 12 26 +19 23 40 +3^5 —3 51.1 +0.067
Chro. cor. +25 15 +1 45 j 10O5 +.2 ( ^20
G. m. t. May 17 3 7 56 = 3 d .13 + 19 25 25 I 4.4 3 50-9 ( 1
— Eq. of t. +3 51
G. ap. t. May 17 3 11 47
L. ap. t. May 16 21 45 46
Long. +5 26 1 1
/ //
O 58 17
\
In. cor.+
/ // / //
3 20 dip. —4 3
+ 14 36
(
S.diam. + 15 50 ref.&p.-31
h= 58 31 36
L = 24 50
1. sec
0.04214
p — 70 34 35
1. cosec
0.02545
2s= 153 56 11
s= 76 58 6
1. cos
9.35315
— h = 18 26 30
1. sin
9.50015
18.92089
81° 30' W.
1. sin -J
t. 9.46045
May 17, noon, lat. by mer. alt. of O, 25° 8' N". ; run of
the ship from 9^ A. M., E. N". E. (true) 18 miles.
For E. N. E. 18', I = 6'.9 N"., p = 16'.6 E., D = 18'.4 E.
At the time of the A. M. observations, then, the latitude
carried back from noon was 25° 1' N". Using this in the
computation of the time, we find the L. ap. t. May 16,
2ih 45m 29 s , and the long 81° 2 9 J' W. Applying D = 18'.4
E., we have for the longitude,
May 17, noon, 81° 11' W., from observations at 9.45 A. JI.
A
196
NAVIGATION.
By P. M. observations, and reduced to noon, the longitude
was found to be,
May 17, noon, 80° 44' W. from observations at 3.45 P. M.
As the position is in the Gulf Stream, where there is a
strong easterly current, the difference of the two longitudes
is attributed to that cause. We take, then, as the longi-
tude at noon,
81° 11'-
2.2x27'
= 81° l'-W.
2. At sea, 1865, Sept. 5, 4£ A. M., lat. 20° 16' S., long.
74° 20' W. T. by Chro. 10 h 36 ra 25^ ; Chro. cor. (G. m. t.)
— l h 16 m 10 s ; obs'd alt. JL, 20° 16' 0", W. of meridian;
Index, cor. + 2' 20"; height of eye 15 feet; required the
longitude.
h
T. by Chro. 12
Chro. cor.
h ra a
+ 10 36 25
— 1 16 10
D'si2.A
h m s
22 40 41.9
+ 2.370
]) 's dec.
o i n //
—4 39 5 + 11.62
G-. m. t. Sept.
4 21 20 15
+ 10 54 28.3
+ 48.0 <
22 41 29.9*1
|47.4
t - 6
+ 355J 232
—4 35 10 ( 3
Red. for G. m. t
+ 3 30.3
o / //
J. 20 16 |
[ In. cor.
+ 2 20 H. par. 60 39
G. sid. t.
$>'si2.JL
8 18 13.6
22 41 29.9
+ 15 14"
h'= 20 31 4 '
Dip —3 49
[S.diam. + 16 33 +10"
D 's G. h. ang.
+ 9 36 44
+ 54 19
Par. and ref.
h— 20 25 23
L— 20 16
1. sec
0.02776
p= 85 24 50
1. cosec
0.00139
2 5=126 6 13
8= 63 3 7
1. cos
9.65627
s
-h— 42 37 44
1. sin
9.83074
19.51616
D's L. h. ang.
+4 39 37
1. sin \
9.75808
Long.
+-4 57 7
or 74° 17' W.
Note. — The examples under Problem 30 can be adapted to this by regard-
ing the chronometer correction given, instead of the longitude.
200. 3d Method (Littrow's. By double altitudes of the
sarne body.)
LONGITUDE. 197
When two altitudes of a body have been observed, and
the times noted by the chronometer or watch, the hour-
angles and local times can be found from each separately ;
and thence the longitude for each. But we may also com-
bine them and find the hour-angle for the middle instant be-
tween them.
Problem 52. From two altitudes of a heavenly body, sup-
posing the declination to be the same for both, to find the
mean of the tioo hour-angles, the latitude of the place and
the Greenwich time being given.
Solution. Take the mean of the two noted times and re-
duce it to Greenwich mean time ; and find for it the declina-
tion of the body.
Reduce the observed altitudes to true altitudes.
Let h and h' be the two altitudes,
T&nd T r , the corresponding hour-angles ;
then we have, by (116),
sin h = sin L sin d + cos L cos d cos T,
sin h'= sin L sin d + cos L cos d cos T' /
and by subtracting the first from the second,
sin h ! — sin h = cos L cos d (cos T'— cos T).
By PL Trig. (106) and (108), this reduces to
sin i (h'— h) cos i (h' + h)=—cos L cos d sin J (T + T) sin -J (T'—T) ;
whence
sin i (T'+ T) = - S ^- %7 h) T < : 0Si f' +h ] -
* x ' sin \ (T — T) cos L cos d
Put H Q = \ (A' + A), the mean of the two altitudes,
T = i (T+T), the middle hour-angle,
t = (T'—T), the difference of the two hour-angles ;
and we have
. m sin \ (h—h r ) „ _ -
sin T == . \ + — cos H sec L sec d. (146)
sm \ t u v '
198 NAVIGATION.
t, for the sun is the elapsed apparent time ; for a star, the
elapsed sidereal time ; and for the moon or a planet, the
elapsed sidereal time — the increase of right ascension in
the interval ; and can be found from the difference of the
two chronometer times.
Then, by (137), T can be found, and, as any other local
hour-angle, subtracted from the corresponding Greenwich
hour-angle, which in this case is to be derived from the
mean of the noted times.
T is + or — according as the second altitude is less or
greater than the first ; so that it is on the same side of the
meridian as the body at the time of its less altitude. ,
If (h — h!) is very small (146) becomes approximately
sin To = Ha-aOrini 'coag.
sin iK feoa I j ros a .■* v '
(148)
sin \ t cos L cos d
If T is very small,
m _ sin \ Qi — li' ) cos H
15 sin 1" sin J t cos L cos d y
and if both are small,
T _ i(h — h')cosH
15 sin i t cos L cos d *
(149)
201. To estimate the effect of small errors in the data of
the problem, let
A (Ji—h') be a small increment of the difference of the two
altitudes,
A H Q , of the mean of the altitudes,
A L, of the assumed latitude,
A t, of the elapsed time, and
A T„ the corresponding change of the middle hour-angle ;
the last two expressed in seconds of time, the rest
in minutes of arc :
LONGITUDE. 199
then, we have the formula,*
Z, ^°-Ltani(A-^) 5 2tani*' cot ^ + cot ZJ tan V' li °° j
in which each term may be computed separately for any
supposed value of its numerator. The possible error in any
case, on the suppositions made, would be the numerical sum
of the several terms.
As h—h\ however, is the change of altitude in the inter-
val £, we may attribute all the error to h—h\ and regard t
as exact ; or we may attribute all the error to t and regard
h—hl as exact: so that one only of the first two terms in
the second member of (150) is needed.
When h—ti is so small that we may put cos-J- (h—h!) =1,
we may use instead of (150)
" T. = .\ J t {h - A ' ):C T ff \ , (151)
sin -J- £ cos L cos a cos TJ v '
which is preferable to (150) and requires for computation
four of the same logarithms as (147).
The effects of errors are evidently least when T == ;
that is, in the case of equal altitudes each side of the meri-
dian. They increase rapidly as T increases; so that the
method is especially adapted for altitudes nearly equal on
both sides of the meridian, or for circum-meridian altitudes.
But in the latter case, especially, a high altitude is neces-
sary; for from (151) it appears that the effect of error in
* Changing (146) into a logarithmic form, we have,
1. sin T = 1. sin -J- (A — h') — 1. sin -J- t + 1. cos H Q — 1. cos L — 1. cos d ;
differentiating each term except the last, and reducing, we obtain,
d T Q d(A — /*/) dt _dH Q dZ
tan T 2 tan i (h — h') 2 tan \ t cot B Q cot L'
This is reduced to (150) by multiplying A (h — h' ), A H^ and A L by 4,
to reduce minutes of arc to seconds of time.
200 NAVIGATION.
the difference of altitudes, h—h\ is least either when S is
very near 90°, or t near 12 h ; so that, if t is small, H Q should
be quite large.
202. The method presents no special advantages for ob-
servations on shore, except in the case of two nearly equal
altitudes of a fixed star on opposite sides of the meridian.
In the case of the sun and planets, it is necessary to take
the change of declination into consideration, to obtain pre-
cise results.
The special case for which the method provides is at sea,
within the tropics, when the sun passes the meridian at a
high altitude. In that case, when by reason of clouds ob-
servations near noon only can be made, or it is desired to
obtain the longitude as near noon as practicable, let a pair
of altitudes, or several pairs, be measured and the times
noted with all tire precision practicable. The altitudes
should be reduced to true altitudes, and one of each pair
for the run of the ship in the interval* by the method given
in Prob. 58, and in Bowd., p. 183. From each pair the
middle apparent time can be found by (146), and the mean
of these times subtracted from the mean of the Greenwich
apparent times for the longitude.
If the altitude changes uniformly with the time, or nearly
so, the mean of several altitudes observed in quick succes-
sion can be taken for a single altitude,
If the observations have been made with care, the errors
of instrument, refraction, and dip will affect the two alti-
tudes of each pair nearly alike ; and if the reduction for the
run of the ship is carefully made, the difference of altitudes
in comparison with the difference of times will be nearly
exact.
203. This method was proposed by M. Littrow, Director
* This may be avoided, if the course of the ship is at right angles to the
bearing of the sun.
LONGITUDE.
201
of the Vienna Observatory, and has been successfully used
by Admiral Wullerstorf, of the Austrian navy, in 1857 and
1 858. It is highly commended by M. Faye in a full discus-
sion of it in the Comptes Rendus of the French Academy,
March 7, 1864. It should be used cautiously, and the errors
to which the result is liable in any case carefully estimated.
Altitudes greater than 80° and an interval of more than
half an hour are recommended, but an intelligent navigator
can readily determine by (150), when he can safely depart
from these limits. This will be especially the case when
the altitudes are on both sides of the meridian.
Examples.
1. 1865, May 16, 11|- A. M., in lat. 25° 15' ST., long.
56° 20' W., by account; the ship running K". E. (true) 8
knots an hour.
T. by Chro., 2 h 32 m 23 s Q's true alt., 81° 1' 0",
" " " 2 53 11 " " " 83 40 30;
Chronometer correction on G. mean time + 40 m 51 s ; re-
quired the longitude.
The distance sailed in the interval is 2'. 8. The sun's azimuth at the 1st
observation is found to be N. 131° E., which differs 86° from the course.
The reduction of the 1st altitude to the place of the 2d is (Prob. 58)
2'.8 x cos 86° — + 0'.2 = + 12".
J st chro. t.
2 32 23
O's dec.
Eq. of t
2d " "
Elapsed chro. t.
Mid. " "
Chro. cor.
2 53 11
t - 20 48
2 42 47
+ 40 51
O / " II
+ 19 10 4 +34.3
+ 1 57 ( 103.
+ 19 12 1 1 14.
o / //
m s s
—3 52.41 + 0.05
+.17
-3 52.2
G. m. t. May 16
3 23 38
h — 81 1 12
— Eq. of t.
+ 3 52
h' — 83 40 30
G. ap. t.
3 27 30 i (A— h')=- r 1 19 39
1. sin 8.3649 n
L. ap. t.
23 41 44
H Q = 82 21
1. cos 9.1242
Long, at 2d obs.
I
+ 3 45 46
56°26'.2W.
L= 25 15
d— 19 12
1. sec 0.0436
1. sec 0.0249
Red. for h .l
0.6 E.
t= h 20 m 48 s
l.cosec-J-2 1.3433
Long, at noon
56 27 W.
T Q =-0 18 16
1. sin 8.9009 n
202
NAVIGATION.
By (150), if A (h-N)bz+l\ A 7; = +6».9; if AB = + 1\
A 7 7 = +2s.4; if JZ = + 10', A T Q = + 1K5.
2. At sea, 1865, June 29, lat. at noon by mer. alt. of O,
33° 25' N., long, by account 147° 10' E. ;
near 11 A.M. T. by Chro., 1*55™ 54° ) , fltruealt . M o 2r 30 , ;
" 1 P. M. " " " 3 45 )
Chro. cor. on G. m. t. — 36 m 28 s ; the ship run
from 1st observation, to noon, N". 3 pts. W. 9'.9 )
" noon to 2d observation, N. 2 " W. 7 .2 ; )
required the longitude at noon.
N. 3 W.
N. 2 W.
9'.9
7.2,
8'.2 N.
6.6
5'.5 W.
2.8
JA=6'.6W.
3.4
N. 30° W.
17.0
14.8
8.3
10.0
The sun's azimuth was found to be N. 127° E. at the 1st observation ;
N. 127° W. at the 2d observation.
The difference of N. 30° W. and N. 127° E. is 157° ;
the difference of S. 30° E. and N. 127° W, is 83°.
It will be better, therefore, to reduce the second altitude to the position
of the first. By Prob. 58, (or Bowd, p. 183,) this reduction is I7'.0xcos
83° = + 2'.1.
The latitude at
the time of the 1st observation was
33° 16'.8 N.
h m s
A. M. chro. t.
13 55 54
O's dec. Eq. of t.
P. M. M "
15 45
+23° 16' 59"—- 7".3 +2 m 55 9 .6+0 8 .507
Elapsed " "
t— 1 49 6
— 1 45 +7.2 ( 7 .10
+ 23 15 14 +3 2 .8 ( .11
Mid. " "
14 50 27
— 36 28
Chro. cor.
h = 74° 21' 30" 1. cosec j t 0.627
Mid.G.m.t. June 28 14 13 59
h' — 74 23 36 log T l T 8.824
— Eq. of t.
__ 3 3 %(h—h')= —1 3 log 1.799 n
Mid. G. ap. t.
14 10 56
H Q - 74 22 33 1. cos 9.430
" L. ap. t.
23 59 54
L = 33 17 1. sec 0.078
Long, at 1st obs
( —9 48 58
'( 147° 14'.5 E.
d = 23 15 1. sec 0.037
T = — 6 9 .3 log 0.795*
Red. to noon
6 .6 W,
Long, at noon
147 7 .9 E.
LONGITUDE. 203
By (151) if A (h—h ! ) = 1', A T = 3 s .l. It would require
a change of l£° in i, or of 2-|° in jET , for either to change
T one second of time. The accuracy of the result, there-
fore, depends upon the accuracy with which the difference
of altitudes has been found ; that is, in this case, mainly
upon the course and distance made good.
204. 4th method. (By equal altitudes.) Let equal altitudes
of a heavenly body be observed east and west of the meri-
dian (Art. 175) and the times noted as in other observa-
tions ; and the mean of the watch-times in each set, if a
watch is used, reduced to chronometer time. If both sets
have been observed at the same place, and the declination
of the body has not changed, the mean of the two times
will be the chronometer time of its meridian transit.
If the declination has changed in the interval, as is ordi-
narily the case with the sun, moon, or a planet, the correc-
tion for such change, found by the methods of Problem 51,
should be applied.
Applying then the chronometer correction, we have the
corresponding Greenwich time, which will be mean or side-
real as the time to which the chronometer is regulated.
Finding from this, by the method in Art. 189, the Green-
wich hour-angle of the body (which in the case of the sun
is the Greenwich apparent time), we have the longitude, if
the first observation was east of the meridian, as the cor-
responding local hour-angle is then 0. But if the first ob-
servation was west of the meridian, the local hour-angle is
12 h and must be subtracted.
This method should be used on shore, when practicable,
in preference to either of the preceding.
205. Equal altitudes of the sun can be conveniently used
at sea w T hen the sun passes the meridian near the zenith ;
that is, when its declination and the latitude are nearly the
same. Altitudes very near noon are then available for find-
ing the time (Art. 196), and equal altitudes can be observed
201 NAViGvrio^.
with only a short interval. In the example of Art. 196, an
interval of eight minutes would have been sufficient.
If the ship does not change her position in the interval,
the middle time corresponds to apparent noon ; as the change
of declination may be neglected, unless the interval between
the observations is so great as to require it.
206. If the longitude only has changed, the middle time
corresponds to apparent noon at the middle meridian, and
will give the longitude of that meridian. This will be the
longitude at noon, if the speed of the ship has been uniform.
But if it has not. subtracting half the change of longitude,
when the true course is icest, or adding it when the course
is east, will give the longitude of the place where the first
altitude w T as observed. This can then be reduced to noon
by allowing for the run of the ship.
If the change of longitude is west, the sun arrives at the
corresponding altitude of the afternoon later than it would
do if observed at the same place as in the forenoon ; if the
change is east, it arrives earlier ; and the difference is the
time of the sun's passing from the one meridian to the other,
that is, the difference of longitude expressed in time.
If, then, 2 t is the elapsed apparent time,
A A, the change of longitude (+ when west), the
hour-angle of the sun at each observation is t — \ A X ; and
(137) becomes
a rp_ A h d. t tan L A h d. t tan d
°~~ 15 sin (t—i JA) + 15 tan (t~i A X)' ^ Z '
But even when the elapsed time is so great that it is thought
necessary to correct for the change of declination, A X is never
large enough to produce a change of I s .
If the latitude only has changed, the middle time requires
correction for such a change, which can be deduced in a
similar way to that for a change of declination in Prob. 51.
But, as in the fundamental formula,
LONGITUDE. 205
sin h = sin JL sin d + cos L cos d cos t,
L and c? enter with the same functions, they are interchange-
able. If, then,
J h X is the hourly change of latitude (+ toward the north
and expressed in seconds), and
A ' T^ the required correction,
we have from (137) and (139),
d'T =- A f- tUm f d + *£?*;* (153)
lo sin t lo tan t v '
and A'T Q —A A h Z. tan d+B J h Z. tan X, (154)
for which Chauvenet's tables can be used.
If both latitude and longitude have changed, for t in the
denominators of (153), we may substitute t — \ AX\ but
this at sea is a needless refinement.
The restriction of this method to a short interval between
the observations, depends upon the uncertainty of the run of
the ship and consequent imperfect determination of ^ h i, the
mean hourly change of latitude in the interval. If its error
is supposed to be - A h L, the consequent error in A' T is - A r T Q .
When equal altitudes near noon are practicable, a merid-
ian altitude of the sun can ordinarily be taken for latitude,
so that L will be sufficiently exact. Moreover, the latitude
and longitude are both found for noon.
Examples.
1. At sea, 1865, March 17, noon, rat. by mer. alt. of the
sun 3° 16' S., long, by account 84° 58' W. ; equal altitudes
of the sun were observed at 5 h 34 m 18 s and 6 h 3 m 24 s
G. mean time ; the ship running S. S. E. (true) 10 knots an
hour ; required the longitude.
For S. S. E., 10', J h i = - 9'.2, J h X = — 3'.8
206 NAVIGATION.
h
1st G. m. t. March 17 5 34 18 0'* dec. Eq'n oft.
2dG. m. t. 6 3 24 — 1° 13' 10" + 59".25 +8 m 27 9 .5-0 9 .736
Elapsed time . 29 6 + 5 44 j 296. — 4 .3 ( 3 .7
Mid. G. m. t. March 17 5 48 51 - 1 7 26 I 48. + 8 23.2 ( -6
— Eq. oft. —8 23 j h i = - 552" log 2.742 w log 2.742n
Mid. G. ap. t. March 17 5 40 28 L=— 3° 16' l.tan 8.756 n
Red. for A L +5 rf = -l Utan 8.290 n
j G. ap. t. of noon 5 40 33 • log A 9.406 n log£9.405
or long. 85° 8'W. { — 2 S .7 log 0.438 n
log 0.903
( — 2 S .7 log CM
( +8.0
In this example the sun's azimuth was 120°, and in l m the
altitude changed 13'. An inequality of 30" in the altitudes
would therefore affect the result only T \ of l m , or l s .2. An
error of 1' in the hourly change of latitude would affect the
result — , or S .6.
2. At sea, 1865, June 16, lat. at noon by mer. alt. of O,
22° 50' 1ST., long, by account 35° 59' W. ; equal altitudes of the
sun were observed at 2 h 16 m 18 s and 2 h 31 m 42 s G. mean time ;
the ship running S. (true) 14' an hour.
O's dec. +23° 22'.4
Elapsed time
h 15 m 24 8
Mid. G. m. t. June 16
2 24
— Eq. of t.
—22.5
Mid. G. ap. t.
2 23 37.5
Red. for A L
+ 2.5
G. ap. time of noon
2 23 40
Long.
35° 45' W.
The sun's azimuth was 72°; the change of altitude in l m was
13 '.2, so that an inequality of l' in the altitudes would affect
the result ^\ of l m , or 2 S .3. An error of 1' in A h L would
2 s 5
affect the result —, or s . 2.
14: '
3. At sea, 1865, June 29, h ; lat. by mer. alt. of 0, 33° 25' N.,
long, by account 147° 10' E. ;
LONGITUDE. 207
Chro. cor. on G. m. t. — 36 m 28 s ; In. cor. of sex't +0' 50";
height of eye 18 feet. The ship run
from 11 A. M. to noon N. 3 p'ts W. 11'
from noon to 3 P. M. N. 2 " W. 8'
required the longitude at noon.
For N. 3 W.
11' jZ = +9'.l JX
= + 7'.4
N. 2 W.
8 A£ = +1A zU
= +3.7
whence A L = + 8 .25 = 495"
A. M. chro. t. + 12 h
h m a
13 55 54 Q'sdec.
Eq'n of t.
P. M. chro. t.
15 45 +23° 16' 59"-7".3
+ 2 m 55 s .6+0 9 .51
Elapsed time
1 49 6 —1 45
+ 7 .2 ( 7.14
+ 2 2.8 ( .11
Mid. chro. t.
14 50 27 +23 15 14
Chro. cor. (G. m. t.)
— 36 28
Mid. G. m. t. June 28
14 13 59 log J h L 2.695
log J h L 2.695
— Eq. of t.
— 3 3 log A 9.410^1
log B 9.398
Mid. G. ap. t.
14 10 56 1. tan d 9.633
1. tan L 9.819
Red. for A L
+ 27 log 1.738 n
log 1.912
G. ap. t. of noon
14 11 23 -54 s .7+81 s .
7= + 27 3
Middle long. \
( or
-9 48 37
147° 9'.2 E.
Red. to noon
1.8 W.
Long, at noon
147 7 .4 E.
The sun's azimuth was 127° ; for A t = l m , A h = 10", and
an inequality of 1' in the altitudes will effect the result ^
of l ra , or 3 s . An error of 1' in A h Z will affect the result
27*
These observations reduced as single altitudes, give, as
the longitude at noon, 147° 7'.8 E. ; reduced by Littrow's
method (Ex. 2, p. 202), 147° 7'.9 E.
207. 5th Method (By transits.)
Observe the transits of the sun or a star across the threads
of a well-adjusted transit instrument, noting the times. Re-
208 NAVIGATION.
duce the mean of the noted times for semi-diameter and
errors of the instrument as in Art. 184 ; and thence find the
Greenwich hour-angle of the body in the way described in
Art. 189. This will be the longitude, if the upper culmina-
tion has been observed, as the local hour-angle is 0. If the
lower culmination has been observed, the local hour-angle is
This method can be used only on shore.
Example.
1865, May 17, I7 h 16 m 20 8 .5 G. mean time, the meridian
transit of a Bootis (Arcturus) was observed ; required the
longitude of the place of observation.
G. mean time May 17
11 h 16 ra
20 8 .5
£»
3 40
47.20
Red. for G. m. t,
+ 2
50.24
G. sid. t.
20 59
57.94
*'sR.A.
14 9
32.81
* 's H. angle or Long.
+ 6 50
25.1 or 102° 36' 17" W.
LONGITUDE. LUNAR DISTANCES.
208. Problem 53. To find the longitude by the distance
of the moon from some other celestial object.
Solutio7i. If we have given the local mean time and the
true distance of the moon from some celestial object as seen
from the centre of the earth, we may find, by interpolating
the Nautical Almanac lunar distances (Prob. 28), the Green-
wich mean time corresponding to this distance. The differ-
ence of this from the local time is the longitude.
The local time may be found for the instant of observation,
either from an altitude of a celestial object observed at the
same time, or by a chronometer regulated to the local time.
At sea the correction of the chronometer on local time can
LONGITUDE. — LUNAR DISTANCES. 209
be found from altitudes observed near the time of measuring
the lunar distance, and reduced for the change of longitude
in the interval by the formula (Art. 167),
c r — c + AX,
A X being in time and + when the change is west.
In practice, the apparent distance of the moon's bright
limb from the sun or a star is observed, and the true distance
derived by calculation, as in the next problem.
209. Problem 54. Given the apparent distance of the
moorts bright limb from a star, the centre of a planet, or
the surfs nearest limb, to find the true distance of the moorfs
centre from the star, or the centre of the planet or the sun.
Solution. It is necessary that the altitudes of the two
bodies should be known, either directly from observations
at the same time, or from observations before and after, and
interpolated to the time of observation (Bowd., p. 246) ; or
computed from the local time (Prob. 38), (Bowd., pp. 247,
&c).
The Greenwich time is also supposed to be known ap-
proximately, either from the local time and approximate
longitude, or, as is preferable, from the time noted by a
Greenwich chronometer.
A complete record of the observations will include the ap-
proximate latitude and longitude of the place, the local time
and chronometer correction, the index corrections of the in-
struments used, the height of the barometer and thermome-
ter, and at sea, the height of the eye above the water, as
well as the noted times of observation and the observed dis-
tances and altitudes. Several observations may be made at
brief intervals, and the means taken.
210. The preparation of the data embraces :
1. Finding the Greenwich mean time approximately from
the chronometer time, or from the local time.
2. Taking from the Almanac for this time the semi-diame-
210 NAVIGATION.
ter and horizontal parallax of the moon, and of the other
body* when they are of sensible magnitude ; adding to the
moon's semi-diameter its augmentation. (Art. 60.)
At low altitudes the contractions produced by refractions
should be subtracted from the semi-diameters of the sun and
moon. Formulas for finding these are given in Art. 213.
When the spheroidal form of the earth is taken into con-
sideration, to the moon's equatorial horizontal parallax (Art.
57), as taken from the Almanac, should be added the aug-
mentation to reduce to the latitude of the place, which is
found in Tab. III. of Chauvenet's Method. The declinations
of the two bodies to the nearest decree are reauired from
the Almanac for this purpose.
3. Applying to the observed distance the index correction
of the instrument, and, when the sun is used, adding the
moon's augmented semi-diameter and the sun's semi-diame-
ter ; when a planet or star is used, adding the moon's aug-
mented semi-diameter if its nearest limb is observed, but
subtracting it if the farthest limb is observed.
4. Applying to the observed altitude of each body the
index correction, dip, and semi-diameter (when necessary),
so as to find the apparent altitude of its centre. If the true
altitude is computed, the parallax must be subtracted and
the refraction added.
In the following direct method it is necessary also to find
the true altitudes.
211. To find the true distance,
let D = the apparent distance of the centres,
D'= the approximate true distance,
h — the apparent altitude 1 n ^ ,
_, , A1 1 . _, y of S's centre,
li = the true altitude )
_H= the apparent altitude ) r ^, ,
1 ^ . ^ I of s centre, planet, or star.
II— the true altitude J \
* The sun's horizontal parallax may be taken as 8".5.
LONGITUDE.— LUNAR DISTANCES.
211
In Fig. 35, let m and S be the apparent places of the
moon and other body ; m 1 and S', their true places.
The true and apparent places of each are on the same ver-
tical circle, Z m, Z S respectively, since they differ only by
refraction and parallax, which act only in vertical circles,
except so far as a small term of the moon's parallax is con-
cerned, which will be subsequently considered.
Z Then m S = -Z>, the apparent
distance ;
m r S'=jD', the true distance ;
and in the triangle m Z S,
h Uei
Fig. 35.
m S = JD
Z m = 90°— h Y being given,
ZS = 90°--Zn
to find the angle Z, we have by Sph. Trig. (32),*
2 cos j Qi + #+ D) cos j (ft + E-L)
4 cos h cos i/
Then in the triangle m' Z S',
Z m'= 90°- A' and Z S'= 90°-J7 ;
being given, m! S' may be found by Sph. Trig. (I7),f
sin 2 i D f = cos 2 1 {h' + H f ) - cos A' cos .fl 7 cos 2 | Z,
or by substituting the value of cos 2 £ Z, and putting
5 = 1 (A + JST+Z>), (155)
sin 8 \ D'=cos 2 \ (h'+ H') - cog h cosH cos s cos (s-D).
To adapt this for logarithmic computation put
. 21 cos h' cos H' . _. , ^ .
sin f m = — — 7 ^ cos 5 cos (s— x>), (156)
^ cos A cos R v y ' v J
cos 2 -J ^L
_ sin -J- (a+6+c) sin J (6+c— a)
sin 6 sin c
f sin 2 i a = sin 2 •£■ (6-f-c) — sin 6 sin cos 2 -J ^4.
212
then
NAVIGATION".
sin* 2 i &'= cos 2 \ (h' + H f ) - sin 2 % m,
which by PL Trig. (134), becomes
sin 2 I D r = cos i (h' + H'+ m) cos J (A'+Jff 7 - m),
or, if we put
s , =±i(h f +M , + m) J (151)
we have
sin \ D f = |/[cos $' cos (5'— m)].
(158)
The solution is effected by formulas (155), (156), (157),
and (158).
This is only one of several direct trigonometric solutions.
It is easily remembered, involving only cosines in the second
members. But in all such methods 7-place logarithms are
required for the computations.
212. If the moon's augmented parallax has been used, the
distance obtained, D\ is not the true
distance as seen from the centre of
the earth, but from the point C (Fig.
36), where the vertical line of the
place intersects the earth's axis.
A reduction to the centre, (7, is
still required, for wdiich we have the
formula — *
AD'=Att sin L
sm
sin 6„
(159)
Vsin D' tanDV'
in which
S 8 is the sun's declination,
d ro , the moon's declination,
7T, the moon's equatorial horizontal parallax, whose mean
value is 51' 30",
A, a coefficient depending on the eccentricity of the terres-
* Chauvenet's Astronomy, Vol. I., p. 399.
LONGITUDE. — LUNAR DISTANCES. 213
trial meridian, the mean value of which, for latitude 45°,
is .0066855, or of log A, 7.8251,
A sin i, the distance C C, with CE = 1.
The mean values of An = 23".07, or log A tt = 1.3630,
may be used, unless great precision is required.
The signs of the declinations and latitude are + when
north, and A D' is to be added algebraically to D'.
If the augmentation of the parallax has been neglected,
the distance has been reduced to a point on the vertical line
between C and C" and at a distance from A equal to the
equatorial radius C E.
213. To find the corrections needed for the contraction by
refraction of the semi-diameters of the sun and moon in the
direction in which the distance is measured,
let q ■=■ the angle Z S m (Fig. 35), at the sun or star,
Q z=z the angle Z m S, at the moon,
A s and A's, the contractions of the sun's semi-diameter
respectively in the vertical direction S Z, and in the
direction of the distance S m /
A S and A'S, the contractions of the moon's semi-diameter
respectively in the vertical direction m Z, and in the
direction of the distance m S.
To find q and Q from the three sides of the triangle Z S m,
putting, as in (155),
we have
. - //cos s sin (s—H)\
S1D ^ = fi sin 2? cos A j
sin D cos H
(160)
for which it will suffice to use a rough approximation of Z>,
and for the computation logarithms to four places ; as q and Q
are required only within 30'.
The contractions, A s and A jS, of the vertical semi-diame-
214 NAVIGATION.
ters may eacli be found from the refraction table, by taking
the difference of refractions for the limb and centre.
Then, for the required corrections, we have the formulas,*
A's = As cos 2 q, A f $ = AjS cos* Q. (161)
This contraction for either body is less than l", if the alti-
tude is greater than 40°. For a very low altitude, it is best
to subtract it from the semi-diameter m the preparation of
the data, so that D will be corrected for it. But, unless
quite large, it will suffice to compute it subsequently, and
subtract it from D' when the nearest limb is used, or add it
to D' when the farthest limb is used.
214. Let A D = the reduction of the apparent distance to
the true, or I) '= D + A B.
A great variety of methods have been given for finding
A Z>, requiring 4 or, at the most, 5-place logarithms ; but
also needing special tables. Four such methods are con-
tained in Bowditch's Navigator. They generally neglect to
take into account the spheroidal form of the earth, the cor-
rection of refraction for the barometer and thermometer,
and the contraction of the semi-diameters of the sun and
moon.
These together, at very low altitudes and in extreme cases,
may produce an error of 3 m in the calculated Greenwich
time, and do actually, in the average of cases, produce errors
from 10 s to l m .
Prof. Chauvenet has given in the American Ephemeris for
1855,f a new form to the problem, with convenient tables,
by which all these corrections are readily introduced. It is
but little longer than the other approximative methods, in
which they are neglected.
* Chauvenet's Astronomy, Yol. I., p. 186.
\ Reprinted in a pamphlet with his method of equal altitudes.
LONGITUDE. — LUNAR DISTANCES. 215
215. The moon's mean change of longitude is 13°. 17640
in a clay (HerschePs Ast., p. 222), or 33" in l m of time.
An error, then, of 33" in the distance will, in the average,
produce an error of l m in the Greenwich time, or 15' in the
longitude ; or an error of 10" in the distance will produce
an error of about 20 s in the Greenwich time, or 5' in the
longitude.
We may, however, readily find the effect of an error of
1", and thence any number of seconds, in the distance, by
taking the number corresponding in a table of common log-
arithms to the " Prop. Log. of Diff." in the Almanac ; for
this prop. log. is simply the logarithm of the change of time
in seconds for a change of l" in the distance, (p. 95.)
216. Errors of observation are diminished by making a
number of measurements of the distance. But even with a
skilful observer a single set of distances is liable to a possi-
ble error of 10" or even 20".
Errors of the instrument are diminished by combining re-
sults from distances of different magnitudes, especially from
those measured on opposite sides of the moon. This cannot
usually be done with longitudes at sea, but may be with de-
terminations of the chronometer correction. The error pe-
culiar to the observer, that is, in making the contacts always
too close, or always too open, is not eliminated in this way,
but will remain as a constant error of his results.
The accuracy of the reductions of the observed to the true
distance, depends more upon the precision w^ith which the
differences of the apparent and true altitudes — that is, the
parallax and refraction — have been introduced, than upon
the accuracy of the altitudes themselves.
217. Lunar distances are used at the present day, not so
much for finding the longitude, as for finding the Greenwich
mean time, with which to compare the chronometer. They
may thus serve as checks upon it, which in protracted
216 NAVIGATION.
voyages may be much needed. If the chronometer cor-
rection thus determined agrees with that derived from the
original correction and rate, the chronometer has run well,
and its rate is confirmed ; if otherwise, more or less doubt is
thrown upon the chronometer, according to the degree of
accuracy of the lunar observation itself. If the discordance
is not more than 20 s , it is well still to trust the chronometer,
as the best observed single set of distances may give a result
in error to that extent. If it is large, then by repeated
measurements of lunar distances, differing in magnitude,
and especially on both sides of the moon, and carefully re-
duced, the chronometer correction can be found quite satis-
factorily. By taking the rate into consideration, observa-
tions running through a number of days can be combined.
Example.
At sea, 1855, Sept. 7, about 6 h A. M., in lat. 35° 30' 1ST.,
long. 30° W. by account ;
Time by chro. 8 h 29 m 57 9 .5 ; app. chro. cor. (G.m.t.) — 21 m l s .5 ;
Observed distance of © and S> 43° 52' 30", index cor. — 20";
Observed altitude of JD 49° 31 ' 50", index cor. + 1' 0" ;
Observed altitude of O 5° 21' 10", index cor. 0";
Bar. 29.10 inches ; ther. 75° ; height of eye 20 feet ;
Required from these observations the chronometer correction
on Greenwich time.
Preparation.
h m s / // //
T.bychro. 12 h +8 29 57.5 D'sH.par. 54 19.4 D'sS.diani. 14 50.0
Chro. cor. -21 1.5 Aug. +3.6 Aug. +11.2
G. m. t. Sept. 6 20 8 56 J) >s Aug. H. par. 54 23.0 J) 's Aug. S. diam. 15 1.2
O's H. par. 8 ".5
0's S. diam. 15' 55". 1
V. cont. -21 .6
V. S. diam. 15 33 .5
_£
49° 31' 50"
0. 5° 27' 10'
Iu. cor.
+ 1 o
In. cor.
Dip
—4 23
Dip -4 23
Aug. S. diam.
+ 15 1
V. S. diam. +15 34
LONGITUDE. — LUNAR DISTANCES. 217
H = 49° 43" 28' h = 5° 38" 21'
Ref. —46 Ref. -8 12
Par. +35 10 Par. +8
#'=50 17 52 h'= 5 30 17
Obs'd dist, J) O 43° 52' 10'
il= 49° 43' 3>'s Aug. S. diam. +15 1.2
h= 5 38 1. sec 0.002 _ *, ° . « «i
D = 44 22 1. cosec 0.155 s S ' dlam ^" 15 5oJ
2 s = 99 43 Cont. A's = —21.6
s = 49 52 1. cos 9.809 D = 44 22 45
&-H= 9 1. sin 1418 Cont. Q's S. diam. (Ml).
17.384 2 log cos a 9.999
q = 2_J9 1. sin J 8.692 lo | 2 1.6 1.334
log A's 1.333
Computation of True Distance. (155-158)
O I II O I II
#=49 43 28 LsecjBT 0.1894554
h = 5 38 21 1. sec h 0.0021069
D = 44 22 45 #'= 50 17 52 1. cos H' 9.8053633
2 s = 99 44 34 h' = 5 30 17 L cos h' 9.9979925
s = 49 52 17 1. cos s 9.8092266
s — D= 5 29 32 o i a 1. cos (s-D) 9.998001 7
Compression. (159) 4(^+^=27 54 4.5 19.8021464
O'sdec :=+ 6°.3 L sin 9.040 * W= 52 46 39 ' 4 "-* 1 *" 1 9 ' 9Q1Q732
Z>' 1. cosec 0.150 s'= 80 40 44
«== 0.155 log 9.190 m=105 33 19 L cos s' 9.2094277
D'sdec.= +25°.3 1. sin 9.631 m— s'= 24 52 35 1. cos (m-s') 9.9577114
D' 1. cot 9.999 o t u 19.1671391
n'= .427 log ^630 j J)' = 22 32*23.? 1. sin 9.5835696
n-n' = - .272 log 9.435* .p = ^ ^^
Aiz log 1.363 n
L 1. sin 9.764 Cor. f or Com P- ~ 4
Comp.— 3". 6 log 0.562 n D"— 45 4 43 true distance.
Finding the Greenwich mean time and chronometer cor-
rection. (82)
True distance D"= 45° 4' 43"
Distance at 18\ D = 46 3 17 P. L. 0.3433 Diff. +5
J)"— D Q = 58 34 log 3.5458
tz= 2 h 9 m 6 8 log 3.8891
218
NAVIGATION.
G. m. t. of D
18 h m s
Red. for 2d diff.
-2
G. mean time, Sept.
6 20 9 4
T. by chro.
20 29 57
Chro. cor.
— 20 53 by lunar.
— 21 1 by previous cor. and rate.
Difference
+ 8
This example is taken from the pamphlet of Prof. Chauvenet, where it is
reduced by his method with far less labor of computation. The true distance
by that method is 45° 4' 45" ; by Bowditch's 1st method, in which the small
corrections are omitted, it is 45° 5' 44", differing very nearly 1' from the
correct value. This would produce an error of 2 m 10 s in the Greenwich
time.
218. Other lunar methods for finding the longitude, be-
side that of lunar distances, are —
1. By moon culminations, or observing the meridian
transits of the moon and several selected stars near its path,
whose right ascensions are considered well determined.
2. By occidtations, or noting the instant that a star dis-
appears by being eclipsed by the moon, or that it reappears
from behind the moon. The first is called an immersion,
the second an emersion.
3. By altitudes of the moon near the prime vertical.
4. By azimuths of the moon and stars observed near the
meridian.
These methods, except occasionally the second, are avail-
able only on shore. They require good instruments, careful
observations and determinations of the instrument correc-
tions, and scrupulous exactness in the reductions, especially
those which involve the moon's parallax.
By each may be found the moon's right ascension, and
thence, by inverse interpolation in the Almanac, the corre-
sponding Greenwich mean time. Subtracting from it the
local mean time, which must also be found from good ob-
servations, gives the longitude.
219. If corresponding observations are made at two dif-
LONGITUDE. — LUNARS. 219
ferent places, their difference of longitude can be found with
much less dependence on the accuracy of the Ephemeris.
When the two local times of the occupation of the same
star have been noted, they can each be reduced to the in-
stant of the geocentric conjunction of the moon's centre and
the star in right ascension ; and the difference of the reduced
times will be the longitude.
By the other methods, the change of the right ascension
of the moon, in passing from one meridian to the other, may
be found. This, divided by the mean change in a unit of
time, as l h or l m , computed from the Ephemeris, will give
the difference of longitude in the same unit.
CHAPTER IX.
SUMNER'S METHOD: LATITUDE AND LONGITUDE BY
DOUBLE ALTITUDES.
CIRCLES OF EQUAL ALTITUDE. (SUMNER'S METHOD.)
219. Suppose that at a given in-
stant the sun, or any other heavenly
body, is in the zenith of the place M
(Fig. 3 7) , on the earth ; arid let A A 7 A"
be a small circle described from M as
a pole. The zenith distance of the
body will be the same at all places on
this small circle, namely, the arc MA;
for if the representation is transferred
to the celestial sphere, or projected on the celestial sphere
from the centre as the projecting point,
M will be the place of the sun, or other body, and the circle
A A' A" will pass through the zeniths of all places on the
terrestrial circle, and
M A, M A', &c, will be equal zenith distances.
The altitude of the body will also be the same at all places
on the terrestrial circle AAA"; hence such a circle is called
a circle of equal altitude.
It is evident that this circle will be smaller the greater
the altitude of the body.
220. The latitude of M is equal to the declination of the
body, and its longitude is the Greenwich hour-angle of the
Fig. 37.
CIRCLES OF EQUAL ALTITUDES. 221
body ; which, in the c&se of the sun, is the Greenwich appar-
ent time, or 24 h — that apparent time, according as the time
is less or greater than 12 h . This is evident from the dia-
gram, in which, regarded as on the celestial sphere,
P M is the celestial meridian of the place, whose zenith is
M, and its co-latitude ; and also the declination circle, and
co-declination, of the body M ;
and if P G is the celestial meridian of Greenwich, 6PM is,
at the same time, the longitude of the place, and the Green-
wich hour-angle of the body.
If, then, the Greenwich time is known, the position of M
may be found and marked on an artificial globe.
221. If, moreover, the altitude of the body is measured,
and a small circle is described on the globe about M as a
pole, with the complement of the altitude as the polar radius,
the position of the observer will be at some point of this cir-
cle. His position, then, is just as well determined as if he
knew his latitude alone, or his longitude alone ; since a know-
ledge of only one of these elements simply determines his
position to be on a particular circle, without fixing upon any
point of that circle.
As, however, he may be presumed to know his latitude
and longitude approximately, he will know that his position
is within a limited portion of this circle. Such portion only
he need consider. It is commonly called a line of posi-
tion.*
222. The direction of this line at any point is at right
angles with the direction of the body ; for the polar radius
M A is perpendicular to the circle A A' A" at A, A', A", and
every other point of the circle.
223. Artificial globes are constructed on so small a scale
that the projection of a circle of equal altitude on a globe
* Inappropriately termed a line of bearing.
222 NAVIGATION.
would give only a rough determination. But the projection
of a limited portion maybe made upon a chart by finding as
many points of the curve as may be necessary, and, having
plotted them upon the chart, tracing the curve through them.
The portion required is usually so limited that, when the
altitude of the body is not very great, it may be regarded as
a straight line ; and hence two points suffice. With high
altitudes, three points, or if the body is very near the zenith,
four may be necessary, and even the entire circle may be
required.
224. Problem 55. From an altitude of a heavenly body
to find the line of position of the observer ', the Greenwich
time of the observation being known.
Solution. From the given altitude, and assumed latitudes
X n X 2 , X 3 , &c, differing but little from the supposed lati-
tude, find the corresponding local times (Prob. 43), and
thence, by the Greenwich time, the longitudes A x , A 2 , ^35 <&c.
Thus we shall have the several points, whose positions are
conveniently designated as (X 19 a x ,), (Z 2 , a 2 ,), (£ 3 , A 3 ,), &c.
It facilitates the computation to assume latitudes differing
10' or 20', as the % sums and remainders differ 5' or 10', and
only one of each need be written.
Or, from the Greenwich time and assumed longitudes,
^1? ^2> ^3? &c., find the corresponding local times (Art. 77),
and thence the hour-angles of the body (Probs. 34, 35). With
these and the observed altitude, find the corresponding lati-
tudes , i n i 2 , i 3 , &c. (Prob. 46).
This is more convenient than the preceding method, when
the body is near the meridian.
In either mode the computation may be arranged so that
the like quantities in the several sets shall be in the same
line, and taken out at the same opening of the tables.
The several points may then be plotted on a chart, each
by its latitude and longitude, and a line traced through
CIRCLES OF EQUAL ALTITUDES. 223
them, which, will be the required line of position. Two
points connected by a straight line are sufficient, unless the
altitude is very great, or the points widely distant.
Thus in (Fig. 38), let A and B be two BjL_L
such points plotted respectively on the
parallels of latitude L 15 L 2 , and each in ,//
its proper longitude ; A B is the line of //
position, and the place of observation is ~r4r I "
at some point of A B, or A B produced. Fig. 38.
This is all which can be determined from an observed alti-
tude, unless either the latitude, or the longitude, is definitely
known. And as these are both uncertain at sea, except at
the time when found directly by observation, the position
of the ship found from a single altitude, or set of altitudes,
is a line, of greater or less extent as the latitude, or the
longitude, is more or less accurately known.
In uncertain currents, or when no observations have been
had for several days, the extent of this line may be very
great. Yet, if it is parallel to the coast, it assures the na-
vigator of his distance from land ; if directed toward some
point of the coast, it gives the bearing of that point.
225. If there is uncertainty in the altitude, for instance
of 3', the line of position having been computed and plotted,
parallels to it on each side may be drawn at the distance
of 3'.
So, also, if there is uncertainty in the Greenwich time,
parallels may be drawn at a distance in longitude equal to
the amount of uncertainty.
In either case, the position of the ship is within the in-
closed belt.
In Fig. 38, a b is such a parallel to the line of position
A B, its perpendicular distance from it measuring a differ-
ence of altitude; the distance A a on a parallel of latitude
measuring a difference of longitude.
224: NAVIGATION.
226. Since the line of position is at right angles with the
direction of the body (Art. 222), the nearer the body is to
the meridian in azimuth, the more nearly the line of position
coincides with a parallel of latitude ; and thus a position of
the body near the meridian is favorable for finding the lati-
tude from an observed altitude, and not the longitude.
So also, the nearer the body is to the prime vertical, the
more nearly the line of position coincides w^ith a meridian,
and the less does any error in the assumed latitude affect
the longitude computed from an observed altitude. So
that, if the body is on the prime vertical, a very large error
in the assumed latitude will not sensibly affect the result.
Such a position of the body is, then, the most favorable for
finding the longitude from an observed altitude.
These conclusions have been previously stated, drawn
from analytical considerations.
227. Two or more points of a line of position as (L Y A x ),
(X 2 , A 2 ) etc., having been determined by Prob. 55, if the
true latitude, X, be subsequently found, -p t>
the corresponding longitude, A, may be
obtained by interpolation.
Or, the place of the ship may be
found graphically upon the chart, by
drawing a parallel in the latitude, i, -^ E Gr
and taking its intersection P, with the
line of position A B.
So also, if the true longitude, /I, is subsequently found,
the corresponding latitude, i, may be obtained by interpo-
lation ; or, a meridian E F may be drawn in the longitude,
A, which will intersect the line of position in P, the place
of the ship.
If there is uncertainty in either of these elements, two
parallels of latitude (as in Fig. 38), or two meridians, may
be drawn at a distance apart equal to the uncertainty.
CIRCLES OF EQUAL ALTITUDE. 225
As altitudes, latitudes, and longitudes are never found at
sea with much precision, and may under unfavorable circum-
stances be largely in error, the position of the ship on the
chart is not properly a point, but a belt, more or less limited
according to the accuracy of the elements from which it
has been formed.
228. In Fig. 39, if A is the position (i 19 A x ),
B, the position (i 2 , A 3 ),
both near P, the true position, whose latitude is
i, and longitude is X ;
the right triangles* A C B, A E P, being formed,
CB = L 2 —L^ the difference of the two latitudes,
AC = X 2 —X^ the difference of t?ie corresponding longi-
tudes,
E P = A L = L— i 15 the correction of X x ,
AE = JA = /l— A 1? the correction of X x ; then
CB:EP = AC : AE
or, (Z 2 — Z L ) : A L — (X 2 — A x ) : A A,
whence we have,
'*-«■£=£ } (162)
and X — A x + A X )
as the formulas for finding A, the longitude of the true posi-
tion, when its latitude, Z, is known.
Or, we have
** = "tt\ (163)
and L — L^AL )
as the formulas for finding Z, when X is given. They are
the same formulas as for an interpolation. The several
differences are most conveniently expressed in minutes of
arc, or, in the case of longitudes, in seconds of time. The
* This is different from the projection on a Mereator's chart, where G B
and E P would be augmented differences of latitude.
226 NAVIGATION.
local times may be used instead of the longitudes and in-
terpolated in the same way.
From the first of (162) we may readily determine how
much a supposed error in an assumed latitude affects the
resulting local time, or longitude.
229. Problem 56. To find from a line of position the
azimuth of the body observed.
Solution. We have the positions (X n A x ), (X 2 ^ ^2)5 or the
latitudes and longitudes of two points, from which the azi-
muth, or course of the line of position, can be found by
middle latitude sailing.
Adding or subtracting 90°, according as the azimuth of
the body is greater or less, gives the azimuth required.
Or, a perpendicular to the line of position may be drawn
upon the chart, and the angle which it makes with a meri-
dian may be measured with a protractor. The azimuth
may thus be found to the nearest 1°.
Example.
At sea, 1 865, Nov. 23, 10 J A. M., by account in lat. 36° 50'N".,
long. 65° 20' W. ; Greenwich mean time 2 h 40 m 47 s ; the
sun's correct central altitude 29° 6' 25" ; to find the line of
position.
G. m. t. Nov. 23 2 L 40 m 47 s =2\68 's dec. Eq'n of t
Eq. of t.
+ 13 18
—20° 25' 33"— 30".9
— 13 m 20 8 .4 + s .72
G. ap. t.
2 54 5
(61 .8
+ 1 .9 ( 1 .4
—13 18 5 ( -5
-1 23 -J 18 ,1
— 20 26 56 ( 2 A
1. With assumed Latitudes. (Prob. 43.)
h r= 29° 6' 25" L x = 36° 30', Z 2 = 36° 50', Z3 = 37° 10',
£1 = 36 30 1. sec 0.09482 .09670 .09861
p— 110 26 56 1. cosec 0.02827 .02827 .02827
2s= 176 3 21
£-88 140 1. cos 8.53674 .49841 .45636
s-h — 58 55 15 1. sin 9.93271 .93346 .93422
G. ap. t. 2 h 54 m 5* 18.59254 .55684 .51746
CIRCLES OF EQUAL ALTITUDE.
227
f (1) 22 28 37 1. sin 9.29677
.27842
.25873
L. ap. t
-
I (2) 22 32 27
( (3) 22 36 22
f Ai = 4 25 28 = 66°22'.0 W.
— 57'.5
%z = 4 21 38 = 65 24.5
— 58'.8
Xs = 4 17 43 = 64 25.7
L x - 36° 30' N/
U — 36 50
Xg= 37 10
r
For JZ = +40', AX—— 116'.3 ; or a change of 40' in
latitude produces a change of —116' in longitude.
From A L — + 40', J A = — 116'.3, we find, by middle lati-
tude sailing, the dep. 93'.0, and then the bearing of the line
of position, regarded as a rhumb line, which it nearly is,
NT. 66°.7 E. ; the sun's azimuth therefore is ST. 156°.7 E.
Suppose the correct latitude to be 36° 57' X., to find the
corresponding longitude on the line of position, we have
; 36° 57' N.
A-3 /u2
Lz — L2
Z 2 — 36° 50' N. h = 65° 24'.5 W.
AL- +7' A% = — 2'.9x7= — 20'.6
58'.8
20
= -2\94
I =a 65° 4' W.
2. W%A assumed Longitudes. (Prob. 46.)
G. ap. time
2 h 54 m 5 9
&, = 4 19 3*
— 411 21 m 3
A 3 = 4 h 23 m 9
L. ap. time
* = — 1 24 55
- 1 26 55
— 1 28 55
1. sec t 0.03052
.03201
.03354
d-_20° 26' 56"
1. tan d 9.57155 n
.57155
.57l55?i
1. tanf 9.60207 w
.60356?i
.60509 71
f =— 21° 48'.1
-21° 52'.2
-21°56'.4
1. sin 9.56984 n
.57114*1
.57244 ??
1. cosec <# 0.45671 n
.45671 n
.45671 n
h = 29° 6' 25"
1. sin A, 9.68703
.68703
.68703
1. cos 6' 9.71358
.71488
.71618
f=+ 58° 51'.7
+ 58° 45'.5
+ 58° 89'.2
S U = 37° 3'.6 IS T . Zs = 36° 53'.3 N. U = 36° 42'.8 K
} 2,i = 64 45 W. A» = 65 15 W. A 3 = 65 45 W.
228
NAVIGATION".
For A X = + 60', A Z = — 20'.8. From these, the bearing
of the line of position is N. 66°.5 E.
If the correct longitude is 65° 4' W., to find the corre-
sponding longitude on the line of position, we have
-k = 65° 4' W.
Z 2
h = 64° 45' W. Z, = 37° 3'.6 N.
Al= +19' JL=— 0\34xl9 = — 6'.5
Zi 10'.3
AT3^ = -ij X\ — A' 2 , or
the difference of longitude on the first parallel is the greater.
In this case m > 1, A Z > Z 2 —Z l and A X > X f 2 —X\. The
point P is then, as in Fig. 40, in the same direction as B
from A, and beyond B. But m will be — , when X\—X\ and
X\—X' 2 have the same name, and X\—X" l < X\—X\, or the
difference of longitude on the first parallel, is the less. A Z
and A X will then have different names respectively from
Z, 2 —Z l and X r 2 — X\. In this case P and B are in opposite
directions from A. A negative value of m may be avoid-
ed, so that P and B will fall always on the same side of A,
or P and D always on the same side of C, (Fig. 40), if toe
take as Z x the latitude of the parallel on ichich is the greatest
difference of longitude.
If the differences of longitude, X\—X\, X ,r 2 —X' 2 , on the two
parallels have different names, their sum is taken numerically
in finding m / in that case m is -f and less than ],
Ji< Z 2 —Z L and A X < X r 2 — X\, with the same names
CIRCLES OF EQUAL ALTITUDE. 231
respectively; and, as in Fig. 41, P is between A and B, and
between C and D.
When three or more latitudes are used in the computa-
tions, those for which the differences of longitude are small-
est should be taken as L x and X 2 .
232. The more nearly perpendicular the lines of position
are to each other, the better is the determination of their
intersection. Hence, the nearer the difference of azimuths
of the body or bodies at the two observations is to 90°,
the better is the determination of position from double
altitudes.
If the azimuths are the same, or differ 180°, the two lines
of ]30sition coincide in direction, and there is no intersection.
In this case the great circle joining the two bodies, or the
two positions of the same body, is an azimuth circle, and
passes through the zenith. An approach to this condition
is generally to be avoided. (Bowd., pp. 181, 195, notes.)
Still, however, if the two bodies, or positions of the same
body, are near the meridian, the lines of position nearly
coincide with a parallel of latitude. The latitude is then
well determined, but not the longitude. If the two
bodies, or positions of the same body, are near the prime
vertical, the lines of position more nearly coincide with a
meridian and the longitude is well determined, but not
the latitude.
When the difference of azimuths is small, the intersection
of the two lines may be computed with tolerable accuracy,
while it cannot be definitely found by the projection of the
lines upon a chart.
233. The operations indicated in (164) are to subtract,
1. The first assumed latitude from the second, {JL^—L^) ;
2. for the first observation, the longitude corresponding
to the first latitude from that corresponding to the
second latitude, (A' 2 — A\) ;
232 NAVIGATION.
3. for each latitude, the longitude deduced from the
first observation from the longitude deduced from
the second, (A^ — X\) and (A" 2 — A' 2 ) ;
4. the difference of longitude for the second latitude
from that from the first, \_{a\— X\) — (A" 2 — A' 2 )],
(or add numerically these differences of longitude when
they are of different names.)
Then
5. To divide by this last result the difference of longi-
tude, {h\— X\), for the first latitude, to obtain the
coefficient m, (which will be — only when the dif-
ference of longitude, (A /r 2 — A' 2 ), for the second lati-
tude has the same name as and is greater than the
difference of longitude, (A^ — A\), for the first lati-
tude),
6. To multiply m by the difference, (X 2 — Xj), of the
two assumed latitudes to obtain the correction of
the first latitude L x \ and by the difference, A' 2 — A^),
of the two longitudes derived from the first ob-
servation, to obtain the correction of the first of
these longitudes, X\.
These corrections have the same name as the differences
from which they are derived, when ni is + ; but contrary
names when m is — ; and are to be applied accordingly.
234. The lines of position may be found from two as-
sumed longitudes A L and A 2 , instead of two latitudes (Art.
224). The formulas for finding their intersection will differ
from (164) only by an interchange of the letters L and A.
We shall have, then,
m
{L\-L\)-(L\-L'^
AX — ni! (A. 2 — A x ), A = l x + A A
A L = m' (i. 2 -X , 1 ), L = L\ + AL
(165)
CIRCLES OF EQUAL ALTITUDE. 233
Examples.
1. With Xi = 30° 28' N"., Z 2 = 30° 8' K Diff. 20' S.
by 1st alt. X\ = 59 15 W., X 2 = 59 W. " 15 E.
by 2d alt. W\ = 58 43 W., // 2 = 59 8 W. " 25 W.
Differences, 32~ E. — 8 W. = 40 E.
32
m = — = .8
40
J Z = — 20' x .8 = — 16', L — 30° 28' — 16' = 30° 12' ]S T .
A A=r — 15' x .8 = — 12', 1 = 59 15 — 12' = 59 3 W.
The differences of longitude on the two parallels, 32' E.
and 8' W., being in opposite directions, the intersection is
between the two parallels, or L is between i x and X 2 .
2. With
Li = 48° 10' S.,
L 2 = 48° 30' S.
Diff. 20' S.
by 1st alt.
X'i = 88 16 E.,
a' 2 == 88 24 E.
u 8 E.
by 2d alt.
?."l = 88 30 E.,
1\ = 88 55 E.
" 25 E.
Differences,
14 E.,
— 31 E.
= 17 W.
m = —
• 4 = -82
17
AZ = ~
-.82x20'~ — 16',
Z = 4S° 10' — 16'
= 47° 54' S.
A ?> = -
..82 x 8'=— 7',
X = 88 16 — 7'
= 88 9 E.
In this example it is convenient to regard south latitudes
and east longitudes as + . The differences of longitude on
the two parallels, 14' E. and 31' E., being in the same direc-
tion, the intersection is outside of the parallels and nearer
the first, for which we have the smallest difference.
3. With
A, = 165°
50' W.,
2* - 186° 20' W.
Diff. 30' W.
by 1st alt.
L\ — 36
16 S.,
X' 2 = 36 25 S.
" 9 S.
by 2d alt.
L\ = 36
38 S.,
L\ — 36 29 S.
" 9 N.
Differences,
22 S,
— "~T s.
= 18 S.
m' = 22
18
= 1.17
JZ=l.l7x 9' = + 10'.5, L— 36° 16' + 10'= 36° 26' S.
A i— 1.17 x 30' = + 35'.1, \ = 165 50 + 35 y = 166 26 W.
The differences of latitude on the two meridians, 22' S
and 4' S., are in the same direction ; and the intersection is
234
NAVIGATION.
outside of the meridians and nearer the second, on which
the difference of latitude is least.
235. Problem 57 supposes the two altitudes observed at
the same place. This at sea is rarely the case.
Pkoblem 58. To reduce an observed altitude for a change
of position of the observer.
Solution. Let
Z (Fig. 42) be the zenith of the place of observation ;
h — 90° — Zm, the observed altitude;
Z', the zenith of the new position ;
h' = 90°— Z' m, the altitude reduced to the new position, Z f .
d = Z Z', the distance of the
two places, here referred
to the celestial sphere ;
C=FZ Z, the course ;
Z = PZ m, the azimuth of m ;
Z— C = m Z Z', the difference of
the course and azimuth.
Z Z', being small, may be regarded
as a right line,
Z 71 O as a plane right triangle,
and O m, without material error, as equal to Z' m; so that
we shall have
Z O = Z Z' cos Z Z' m
71 m = Z m - Z O
or, putting J /i = Z O,
J A = c?cos(C r -Z)) , v
A h = d cos (C—Z) is, then, the reduction of the ob-
served altitude to the new position of the observer : it is
additive when C—Z< 90° numerically ; subtractive when
C—Z > 90°. (Bowd., p. 183.) It is smaller, and can,
CIRCLES OF EQUAL ALTITUDE. 235
therefore, be more accurately computed the nearer C—Z
approaches 90°. It is, therefore, better to reduce that alti-
tude for which the difference of the course and azimuth is
nearest 90°.
If the second is the one reduced, then C is the opposite of
the course.
In practice Z Z' does not usually exceed 30', so that al-
though an arc of a great circle of the celestial sphere, it may
be regarded as representing the distance, c?, of the two
places on the earth ; or, at sea, the distance run. The azi-
muth, or bearing, of the body can be observed with a com-
pass, or be computed to the nearest degree, or half-degree,
from the altitude.
The assumption, 71 m = O m, is more nearly correct, the
greater Z' m or Z m, that is, the smaller the altitude. If
we treat Z Z' m as a spherical triangle, d = Z Z' being ex-
pressed in minutes and still very small, we shall find
A h = d cos (C-Z)-i cP sin 1' tan h sin 2 {C—Z); (167)
but the last term is inconsiderable unless d and h are both
large. For instance, if d = 30', it will not exceed 1' unless
h > 82°.
Example.
The two altitudes of the sun are 36° 16' 20", 58° 15' 20%
the compass bearings of the sun respectively S. E. by E. -J E.
and W. S. W. ; the ship's compass course, and distance
made good in the interval N". N. W". \ W. 25 miles ;
S. f| E. differs from N". 2\ W. 13 points, so that the re-
duction of the 1st altitude to the position of the 2d is
25' X cos 13 pts. == — 25' cos 3 pts. = — 20'.8 = — 20' 48".
S. 6 W. differs from S. 2| E. 8£ points, and the reduction
of the 2d altitude to the position of the 1st is
236 NAVIGATION.
25' cos 8| pts. s= — 25' cos 7£ pts. = — 2' 30";
or — 2' 39", if the last term of (167) is included.
236. By (166) or (167) we may reduce one of the two alti-
tudes for the change of the ship's position in the interval.
But instead of this we may put down the line of position
for each observation, and afterwards move one of them to a
parallel position determined by the course and distance
sailed in the interval. Thus in Fig. 43, let
2> A B be the line of position for the
first observation, and
A a represent in direction and length
the course and distance sailed
Fig 4a in the interval ; then
a b, drawn parallel to A B, is the line of position which
would have been found had the first altitude been observed
at the place of the second.
If the second observation is to be reduced to the place of
the first, then A a in direction must be the opposite of the
course.
The perpendicular distance of A B and a b is the reduc-
tion of the altitude for the change of position: for that dis-
tance is A a X cos (B A a — 90°).
LATITUDE BY TWO ALTITUDES.
237. Iii Sumner's method the latitude and longitude are
both found by two altitudes, either of the same or different
bodies. It is sometimes desirable to find the latitude only,
or at least to make this the chief object of combining the
two observations.
238. Problem 59. To find the latitude from tioo altitudes
of the sun, or other body, supposing the declination to be the
LATITUDE RY TWO ALTITUDES.
287
same at both observations, and the Greenwich time to be
known approximately \
Solution. Let two altitudes, or sets of altitudes, be ob-
served and the times noted by a chronometer, or a watch
compared with it; reduce the altitudes to true altitudes, and
at sea one of them for the change of the ship's position in
the interval by Prob. 58. Find also the difference of the
chronometer times of the two observations, and correct it
for the rate in the interval.
t Ac
This correction is -^— (+ when the chronometer loses),
t being the interval in hours of chro. time, and
A c the daily change.
The result is the elapsed mean time for a mean time chro-
nometer ; the elapsed sidereal time for a sidereal chrono-
meter.
The Greenwich mean time of the greater altitude, or of
the middle instant, should also be obtained from the chro-
nometer times, sufficiently near for finding the declination
of the body.
In Fig. 44, let
M and M' be the two positions of
the body,
h — 90° — Z M, the first altitude,
ti= 90°— Z M', the second altitude,
d = 90°- P M = 90° - P M', the
common declination, and
t = M P M', the difference of the
hour-angles,
Z P M and Z P M', of the body
at the two observations :
or, letting Tand T designate these hour-angles in the order
of time,
t = T f -T.
238 NAVIGATION.
The method for finding t is different for different bodies.
a. For a fixed star the angle M P M', or t, is the elapsed
sidereal time. An elapsed mean time must therefore be re-
duced to the equivalent sidereal interval. If, then,
S and S' represent the sidereal times of the two observations,
t m and s, the elapsed mean and sidereal times,
we have, when the sidereal interval has been found,
t=S*-S.= s; (168)
when the mean time interval has been found, by (85),
t = t m + . 00214 t m ; (169)
or, with t m expressed in hours in the last term (87),
t = t m + 9 S .8565 t m . (110)
b. For the moon or a planet, if
a and a -f A a represent the right ascensions of the body at
the two times, we have (Art. Ill),
T=S-a, T f =S'~ a -A a,
and
« = f-r=«-jc, (171)
that is, the elapsed sidereal time diminished by the increase
of the right ascension of the body in the interval.
A h a, the change of right ascension in l h of mean time,
may be obtained from the Almanac for the middle Green-
wich time.
The change in l h of sidereal time will be, by (86),
(1— .00273) 4*j
which can readily be found by regarding A h a as a sidereal
interval, and reducing it to its equivalent mean time inter-
val.
Expressing t m and s in hours, when used as coefficients,
Ave have
Aa — t m . A h a = s. A h a (1— .00273) ; (172)
and, for an elapsed sidereal time,
t = 8—.s. A h a (1— .00273) ; (173)
LATITUDE BY TWO ALTITUDES.
239
for an elapsed mean time, by (170),
t = t m + t m (Qs.8565 -A h a). (174)
c. For the sun, the angle MP IT, or t % is the elapsed ap-
parent time. If, then, A h JS is the hourly change of the equa-
tion of time (+ when the equation of time is additive to
mean time and increasing, or sub tractive from mean time
and decreasing ; that is, when apparent time is gaining on
mean time),
t = t m +t m . A h E, (175)
by which t may be found from a mean time interval. If the
sidereal interval is given, we have, as in (173), for a planet,
t = s — s. A h a (1 — .00273).
The reduction of the elapsed mean time to an apparent
time interval, is commonly neglected by navigators; but on
December 21, A h E= l s .25, and during a large part of the
year exceeds s . 5.
239. We have given
h = 90°- Z M, d = 90°- P M = 90°- P M',
A'=90°-ZM', * = MPM',
to find from the several triangles of Fig. 44, the latitude,
Z=90°-PZ.
Various solutions of this problem have been given, from
which the following are selected.
240. (A.) 1st Method hi BowdiicNs Navigator.
Let T (Fig. 44), be the middle point of M M' ; join P T and
Z T ; and put
4 = MT = M'T=JM M',
or half the distance of the
two positions of the body,
B — 90°— P T, the declination
of T,
j?=:90 o -Z T, the altitude
of T,
J = PTZ, the position angle
of T.
Fig. 44.
240 NAVIGATION.
AsPTM and P T M' are equal right triangles, we have the
angle PTM = PT W= 90°,
2 = 90°- Z T M = Z T M'— 90°,
and J« = MPT = M'PT.
1. In the right triangle PTM, by Sph. Trig. (80), (84),
and (82),
sin A = cos d sin -J- Z, ) / ^ x
sin B = sin d sec JLy )
or tan B == tan c? sec -J £/ 0-^)
by which ^4 and .S, or M T and 90°— P T, can be found.
2. In the two triangles Z M T, Z M' T, by Sph. Trig. (4),
sin h = sin H cos A + cos H sin A sin 97
sin h f = sin .Z? cos A— cos .Z? sin .4 sin q ;
the half difference and half sum of which, by PI. Trig. (106)
and (105), are
sin \ {h—ti) cos \ (h-{-h f ) = cos J? sin A sin q,
cos -J- (h—h') sin f (h + ti) = sin J? cos ^ty
from which,
COS J. v 7
sin a = sini(A-/Qcosi(A + ^) fl ^
^ cos H sin J. ' v '
which determined and y, or 90°— Z T and the angle P T Z.
3. In the triangle PTZ, by Sph. Trig. (4),
sin L = sin B sin II + cos B cos H cos #,
To adapt this to computation by logarithms, put
cos C sin Z= cos J? cos ^, | /180'i
cos C cos Z = sin H y )
and then
tan Z = cot iZ cos q, )
cos 6 7 = sin II sec Z, > (181)
sin L = cos (7 sin (jS + Z), )
LATITUDE BY TWO ALTITUDES. 241
which determine (7, Z, and L. If, however, we add the
squares of (180), we shall have
cos 2 C = cos 2 H cos 2 q + sin 2 H,
or 1 — sin 2 C — cos 2 H (1 — sin 2 q) + sin 2 H;
whence
sin (7= cos J? sin q. (182)
Substituting this in (179), and the 2d of (180) in (178), we
have
. n sin \ (Ji — h') cos \ (h + h')
Sill C — ; z «
sin J.
~ cos i Qi—li') sin |- (h + h')
COS ^ — ■: -pz ,
cos A cos 6
and (181) sin i = cos C sin {B + Z).
(183)
J£, being found from its cosine, may have two values
numerically equal with contrary signs. Representing these,
we have
sin L = cos C sin (B±Z),
which gives two values of X. The value which accords
most nearly with the latitude by account may be taken.
We shall see presently how the admissible value of Z may
be selected.
241. To avoid using both the sine and cosecant of A and
the cosine and secant of (7, we may take the reciprocals of
(176) and the 2d of (183) ; we shall then have, as in the 1st
method of Bowditch (p. 180),
cosec A = sec d cosec* \ £, 1
cosec B = cosec d cos A,
sin C = sin % (h—ti) cos $ (h + ti) cosec A, > (184)
sec Z— sec \ (h—ti) cosec £ (h + ti) cos ^4 cos (7,
sin L = cos C sin (J5±Z). J
* log sec -J tf and log cosec -J ^ may be taken from Table XXVII. corre-
sponding to t in the column P M (Art. 126).
242
NAVIGATION.
It is unnecessary to find A and (7, as log cosine A can be
taken from the tables corresponding to log cosecant A, and
log cosine C corresponding to log sine C Indeed, we may
dispense with A entirely by substituting the 1st of the pre-
ceding equations in the 3d, and the 2d in the 4th, and em-
ploying (177). We shall then have, for the solution of the
problem,—
tani?=
:tan d sec* -J £,
(185)
sin C— sin \ (h—h f ) cos J (h + ti) sec d cosec* ^ £,
sec Z=sec| {h—ti) cosec \ (]i + h!) sin d cosec B cos 6 r ,
sin i=cos G sin (B±Z).
A, B, C, Z, and i, are each numerically less than 90°;
A is in the 1st quadrant;
C is + when the 1st altitude is the greater, — when it is
the smaller ;
B has the same sign, or name, as the declination ; and
L the same as (B + Z) or (B— Z),from which it is obtained.
242. If Z O (Figs. 44 and 45), be drawn perpendicular to
P T, we shall find from (182),
C=±Z O, + when P T is west,
— when it is east, of the meri-
dian ; Z=T O,
B + Z=90°-P O in Fig. 44,
JB-Z=90°-P O in Fig. 45 ;
Z, or T O, being -f or — according
as P and Z are on the same side of
M M', as in Fig. 44, or on opposite
sides, as in Fig. 45.
This may also be shown in an-
other way : for, in the first case, the
* log sec i t and log cosec i t may be taken from Table XXVII. corre-
sponding to t in the column P M (Art. 126).
LATITUDE BY TWO ALTITUDES.
243
angle q = P T Z < 90°, cos q is + ;
and since, in (180), cos C and sin JI
are -f , sin Z, and therefore Z, will
also be + . In the second case, when
M M' produced passes between P
and Z, q = P Z Z > 90°, cos q and,
consequently, sin Z and Z are — .
Instead of marking Z + or — , we
may use the symbols N" and S, as
for c?, _Z>, and X. We shall then
have the rule (Bowd,, p. 181) : —
Mark Z north, or south, according as the zenith and north
pole, or the zenith and south pole, are on the same side of
the great circle, which joins the two positions of the body.
By thus noting the position of this circle, the ambiguity of
Z is removed.
We may, however, remove the ambiguity by noting the
azimuths of the two points M and M'.
In Fig. 44, P Z M > P Z M'; in Fig. 45, P Z M < P Z M';
which would be the case also if one or both points were on
the other side of the meridian. Hence we have the rule : —
Z has the same name as the latitude when the azimuth of
the body is numerically the greater at the greater altitude ;
but a different name from the latitude when the azimuth at
the greater altitude is the less. The azimuths are to be
reckoned both east and west from to 180°, and from the
N". point in north latitude ; but from the S. point in south
latitude.
243. If Z is very small, it cannot be accurately found from
its cosine, or secant ; its sign may be doubtful ; and the lati-
tude cannot be determined with precision. This will be the
case, when the altitudes are very great ; when M and M' are
near the prime vertical ; or, in general, when M and M' are
remote from the meridian and the difference of azimuths,
244 NAVIGATION.
M Z M', is either very small, or near 1 80°. In each of these
cases M M' intersects the meridian very near the zenith.
It has been seen, with regard to lines of position derived
from two altitudes (Art. 232), that the most favorable con-
dition is when M Z M'=90° ; but that the latitude alone can
be well determined when M and M' are quite near the meri-
dian in azimuth and M Z M' quite small. Indeed, if both
azimuths are 0, or 180°, the two altitudes become a meridian
altitude.
These conditions belong to all methods of finding the lati-
tude from two altitudes.
244. The latitude having been found, we may proceed to
find the hour-angle of the body from one of the altitudes
(Prob. 43), if it is sufficiently near the prime vertical, and
thence the longitude, if the times have been carefully noted
by a Greenwich chronometer (Art. 188).
Instead of this, by putting T = \ (T+T') = Z P T, the
middle hour-angle, we have the formula (146),
cos a cos L sin \ t v '
and from (185)
• n — sni 2- (h—h') cos -J- (h + h')
sin — j — : — 7— 1 x
cos a sin -J- t
whence
S i n *^ = !^. (187)
cosZ v y
This could also have been obtained from the right triangle
P O Z, (Figs. 44, 45) ; from which we have also
7DA tan Z
tan ZrO — - — «a,
sin P O 7
or
* If we enter Table XXVII. (Bowd.) with log sin T 01 or log tan T„ we
shall find 2 T Q corresponding in the P. M. column.
LATITUDE BY TWO ALTITUDES. 245
Thus, by a brief additional computation,^ can be found
by (186) or (187). We shall have also
T=T Q -±t, T=T + it (189)
for the hour-angles at the times of the observations. The
longitude can be found from either T , T^ or T\ and the cor-
responding chronometer time.
(186) is the formula of Littrow's method* (Art. 200).
The favorable conditions, as there stated, for finding 7J, are
a small value of T and high altitudes near the meridian, or
altitudes on each side of the meridian near the prime verti-
cal. But such altitudes are unfavorable for finding the lati-
tude.
When both latitude and longitude are to be found from
two altitudes, the nearer the difference of azimuths is to 90°
the better will be the determination. The most favorable
conditions for combining them will be equal azimuths of 45°,
or 135°, on each side of the meridian.
If one of the altitudes is very near the prime vertical, and
the other very near the meridian, it will generally be better
to find the time and longitude from the first by Prob. 43, and
the latitude from the second by Prob. 46 or 47.
245. In this problem the declinations are supposed to be
the same at both observations. This will be the case with
the sun only at the solstices ; with a planet, or the moon,
only when 90° from its node, and with the latter body for a
very brief period. Navigators usually neglect the change
of declination of the sun, or a planet, and use the mean de-
clination, or that for the middle instant. It is better, how-
ever, when the change is neglected, to employ the declina-
tion at the time of the greater altitude,f except when the
* The novelty of Littrow's method consists in finding T^ from very high
altitudes near the meridian. (146), or (186), is by no means a new formula,
f Chauvenet's Astronomy, Yol. L, pp. 276, 315.
246 NAVIGATION.
hour-angle of this altitude is greater than the middle hour-
angle. This can be the case only when the altitudes are on
different sides of the meridian. When the middle declina-
tion is used, we may, with little additional labor, find the
correction of the computed latitude by the following formula
from Chauvenet's Astronomy (Vol. I., p. 267).
AZ = — ^: sin f, (190)
cos L sin \ 1 v '
or, by substituting (187)
JZ^-l^ZL (191)
sin \ t v 7
in which A d is half the change of declination in the inter-
val of the observations. Noting whether it is toward the
north or the south, we can apply it with the same name to
the computed latitude, when the lesser altitude was ob-
served first / but with a different name when the lesser alti-
tude was observed last.
With this correction the preceding method can be em-
ployed for altitudes of the moon at sea, when the elapsed
time does not exceed l h .
The correction of T^ the middle hour-angle, may also be
found by the formula (Chauvenet's Astronomy, Vol. I.,
p. 268,)
AT - Ad ( taU L C ° S To - i md ) • (1921
which differs from the equation of equal altitudes (136) only
in the first term being multiplied by cos jT , and in chang-
ing the signs, as it is here applied to the hour-angle instead
of the chronometer time.
(B.) Domoes^s Method ; JBowditcNs 2d Method: with an
assumed latitude.
246. This method differs from the preceding in first find-
ing T^ the middle hour-angle, by using an approximate lati-
LATITUDE BY TWO ALTITUDES.
247
tude, and then the latitude from the greater altitude and its
computed hour-angle, as in Problem 46 for finding the lati-
tude from a single altitude.
N
Letting U == the assumed latitude,
and as before
/ /^7l
P
T o =i (T r + T) = ZFT
1 /°/J
(Fig. 46) the
f '
z
middle hour-
\^g.
angle.
*==} (f-r)=MPir,
the difference of
5.
3
the hour-angles,
Fig. 46.
we maj
r use the formulas of Art. 244,
sin
c =
sin \ (h —
cos
A')cosi-o+^r
d sin ^ t
sin
T -
•*■
sin
cosZ
(193)
T=
= T -
~i t, T< =
T + ht
and of Art.
149,
(194)
cos z = sin h + 2 cos rf cos J7 sin 2 £ T 7
cos z Q = sin A'— 2 cos c? cos i' sin 2 -J- 7""
selecting that which contains the greater altitude and less
hour-angle.
z = 90°— h is the meridian zenith distance from which
the latitude may be found as from an observed meridian
altitude. (Prob. 45.)
Should this differ from the assumed latitude, the computa-
tions should be repeated, using this new value.
The method can be used to most advantage when T Q is '
small, and the greater altitude is observed near the meri-
dian. But it has the inconvenience of requiring several re-
computations, when the computed latitude differs widely
from that assumed. If the observations are unfavorable for
248 NAVIGATION.
finding the latitude, successive recomputations will approxi-
mate very slowly, or may not approximate at all, to a con-
clusive result. When the less altitude is near the prime ver-
tical, it is preferable to find from it the greater hour-angle,
and then the less by adding or subtracting t.
247. Mr. Douwes's formulas, however, are somewhat dif-
ferent.
From the triangles Z P M, Z P M' we have by Sph. Trig. (4)
sin h = sin d sin L + cos d cos X cos jP,
sin h' = sin d sin i + cos d cos L cos T f /
the difference of which is
sin h — sin h! =s cos d cos L (cos T— cos T r ).
This by PI. Trig. (130) becomes
sin A— sin h'= 2 cos d cos L sin f (T+ T 7 ) sin £ {T'-T) ;
whence, since
T = i (r+ r ) and i r = | (r- T 7 ),
2 sin 2^ = (sin ti — sin A) sec d sec i cosec % £, (195)
which gives T 0J provided for L we use the approximate la-
titude L'. •
We then have as before
T=T-it, r= T + ±t (196)
and for finding the meridian zenith distance from the greater
altitude, (116)
cos z = sin h + cos i' cos d versin T 7 , )
or, j. (197)
cos Zn = sin A' + cos U cos c? versin T", )
Mr. Douwes prepared special tables (Tab. XXIII., Bowd.,)
to facilitate the use of formulas (195) and (197) calling
log cosec \ t, log of " half elapsed time,"
log (2 sin T ), log of "middle time,"
log versin t, " log rising " ;
LATITUDE BY TWO ALTITUDES.
249
increasing the indices of the last two by 5, so that natural
sines, etc., to 5 decimal places may be treated as whole
numbers.
(193) and (194) are preferable, as they require only tables,
which are in common use.
248. When the declination is taken for the middle time,
we have for the correction of the computed latitude (191)
A d. sin T
AZ =
sin 4 t
(198)
in which A d is the change of declination in half the inter-
val of time between the observations.
Example.
At sea, 1865, April 16, A. M. and P. M., in lat. 37° 20' S.,
long. 12° 3' W., by account, two altitudes of the sun were
observed for finding the latitude, the corrected times and
altitudes being as follows :
G. m. t. April 15 23 h 16 m 25 3
" " 16 1 IS 26
Mid.G.m.t. "
— Eq. of t.
Mid. G. ap. t.
Elapsed m. t.
Ch. of eq. of t.
Elapsed ap. t.
16
17 25.5
+ 16.4
17 42
O's true alt. 38° 16' 25"
" 42 15 30,
^(h + li)- 40 15 57
£(£— h!)=z— 1 59 32
S. 15£pts.E.
S. 161 W.
2 1
+ 1
2 2
O's dec, d = + l0° 13' 57 ff
Ch. in 1* +53.04
Ch. in l h .0l7 J d = + 53.7
Computation by (185), (187) and (191).
1. sec \ t
\. tan d
1. tan B
0.01558
9.25651
9.27209
. .5 = + 10° 35' 52'
Z-—4.1 45 25
B+Z -—37 9 33
1. cosec i t 0.58001
1. sec d 0.00696 1. sin d 9.24955
1. cos i(h+h') 9.88256 1. cosec \ (Ji+h') 0.18954
1. sin i(h+h') 8.54113 n 1. sec|(/i— A') 0.00026
1. sin C 9.01066 ?! 1. cos C 9.99771
1. cos C 9.99771 1. cosec B 0.73539
1. sin (B+Z) 9.78106 n 1. sec Z 0.17245
250
NAVIGATION.
Xi =-36 55 52 1. sinZ 9.77877 t*
AL— +26 mid. G.ap.t. = h l7 m 42 3
L= 36 55 26 S. T ^-0 29 28
Long. + 47 10
or 11° 47' 30" W.
1. sec L
1. sin C
1. sin 1\
1. cosec -J- 1
log J d
0.09726
9.01066m
9.10792n
0.580
1.730
log(-JZ) 1.418 n
IS
The azimuth at the greater altitude being the greater, Z
— , or S., like the latitude.
Computation by (193), (194) an^ (191), with assumed lat.
37° 20' 8.
t = 2 h 2 E1 2 s
L
, cosec \ 0.58001
i(h + h')= 40° 15' 57
1.
, cos
9.88256
£(A_A')=- 1 59 32
1.
sin
8.54113n
log 2
0.30103
d = + !0 13 57
1.
I.
sec
tan
0.00696
1. cos d
1. 2 cos d
9.99304
C
9.01066 n
"O29407
U =-37 20
1.
sec
0.09957
1. cosX'
9.90043
2;=— h 29 ra 37 s
1.
sin
9.11023 n
21. s'miT' 7.67078
i*=+l 1 1
T' =+0 31 24
733
log
7.86528
h' - 42° 15' 30"
sin .67248
z =-47 10 25
cos .67981
d= 10 13 57
L x =-36 56 28
2d Approximation.
c
1. tan 9.01066 n
1. 2 cos d
0.29407
L x =-36°
56'
28"
1. sec 0.09732
1. cos L"
9.90268
T Q =— h 29*
1 28 s
1. sin 9.10798 n
it = + 1
1
1
sin/i' .67248
2 1. sin i T
7.67488
T =+
31
33
744
log
7.87163
z ft =-47
9
46
cos .67992
1. sin T
9.108 n
which substituted in (202) gives
h = i (h + K) + [i t *+T >] A h. (203)
The difference of the two equations of (201) gives
h-h' = (T*-T 2 ). A h = 2 T 1. A Q h.
Hence
Substituting this in (203) we have
h = HM ) + (^J h + ^p^l. (205)
The reduction to the meridian, then, is effected " by add-
ing to the mean of the two altitudes two corrections; 1st,
the quantity (| t) 2 . A A, which is nothing more than the
common reduction to the meridian (120) computed with the
half-elapsed time as the hour-angle; 2d, the square of one
fourth the difference of the altitudes divided by the first
correction." Several pairs of altitudes can be thus com-
bined, and the mean of the meridian altitudes taken, from
which the latitude can be obtained as from an observed me-
ridian altitude.
LATITUDE BY TWO ALTITUDES. 253
251. The restriction of the method corresponds with that
of circum-meridian altitudes (Art. 150).* Quite accurate
results can be obtained with hour-angles limited to 5 m when
the altitude is 80°, to 25 m when the altitude is only 10°. If
the interval t, however, exceed 10 m , AJi should be computed
to two or three places of decimals, as it is given in Table
XXXII. (Bowd.) only to the nearest 0".l.
The accuracy of the method depends mainly upon the ac-
curacy of the 2d correction, and therefore upon the preci-
sion with which the difference of altitudes has been obtained.
The altitudes, then, should be observed with great care.
Errors of the tabulated dip and refraction, and a constant
error of the instrument will affect both altitudes nearly alike.
* Xote to Art. 150 (omitted in its proper place).
From (117) we have with more exactness,
cos L cos d 2 sin 2 4- t
Ah:
or putting
sin (L—d) ' sin 1"
2 sin 2 i t , . cos L cos d
m = — : — —j— and A = — — jj — jt-,
sm 1 sm (L—dy
Ah = Am and h = h -\-A m.
Delambre's formula, obtained by developing in series the preceding equa-
tion, (116) is
h = h -\-A m —B n,
in which
2 sin 4 !-* ,_ _
n = — , , £ = A 2 tan (Z— d)
Table Y., of Chauvenefs Astronomy, contains m and ra, and Table VI.
contains log m and log n for different values of t from to 30 m .
Table VII. A gives the hmiting hour-angle at which the error resulting
from neglecting the 2d reduction, Bn, amounts to 1". It varies from in
the zenith to 36 m in latitude 40°, or to 67 m in latitudes 0° and 80°, for an
altitude of 10°.
Table XXXII. (Bowd.) gives J h only to the nearest 0".l ; if, then, it is
taken from this table, AJi. t 2 may be in error 1", if t > 4 m . If, however,
AJi is computed to the nearest 0".001, the error of using J /i. f, instead of
A m, will not exceed 1", unless t > 20 m and h > 60°.
254 NAVIGATION.
If the altitudes are equal, this second correction becomes 0.
The most favorable condition is, therefore, that of equal alti-
tudes observed on each side of the meridian.
At sea, the method is especially useful for altitudes of the
sun observed with a clear, distinct horizon. A long interval
between the observations is to be avoided on account of the
uncertainty of the reduction of one of the altitudes for the
run of the ship.
252. The hour-angle of either altitude may also be ob-
tained approximately; for we have from (204), in minutes,
(Ji-h')
and
(206)
Example.
1865, March 14, near noon, in lat. 45° 30' S., long. 120° 10' E..
by account, two altitudes were observed for latitude,
T. by Chro. 4 h 15™ 20 s ; Obs'd alt. 46° 45' 30", (North)
" " " 4 26 16 " " " 46 54 40;
Index cor. of sextant +5' 20"; height of eye 18 feet.
The sun's declination at noon —2° 31' 57", H. ch. +59".
By preliminary computation AJi — 2".02 ; log AJi — 0.306.
t = 10 m 56 3 h—h' = — 9' 10"
i t = 5 28 = 5 m .47 l(h—h')=— 137
(ity= 29.9 '$(h + h')= 46° 50' 5"
Aji= 2 ".02 1st cor. 29.9 x2".02= + l
137 2
2 log i {h-h')
4.274
log (1st cor.)
1.781
log (2d cor.)
2.493
log i (h-h')
2.137 n
ar. co. log -} t
9.262
ar. co. log A Q h 9.694
log T Q
1.093
T«=~
■ 12 m .4
T = —
■17 .9
r=-
■ 6 .9
2d cor. -— — •
60.4
= +5 11
46 56 16
In. cor.
+ 5 20
S. diam.
+ 16 7
Dip
— 4 11
Ref. and par.
— 48
K =
: 47 12 44
z o —
: 42 47 16 S.
(12 m before h
)d=
: 2 32 9 S.
Ls=
45 19 25 S.
LATITUDE BY TWO ALTITUDES. 255
{JE) PresteVs method* by the rate of change of altitude
near the prime vertical.
253. In the note to Art. 197 we have, for a very brief in-
terval of time, and a small change of altitude,
A t - Alh
15 cos L sin Z' i
or, using the notation of this problem,
T'-T=t = „ h '~ A . „ ;
15 cos L sin z 7
whence
cos L = ~ cosec Z; (207)
in which A'— h is expressed in seconds of arc, and t in
seconds of time, and, Z being + when east, — when west,
cos L is always positive. If Z is near 90°, its cosecant
varies slowly. When Z = 90°, we have,
cosZ=4^. (207')
If, then, two altitudes are carefully observed near the
prime vertical, and the times noted with great precision, the
interval not exceeding 8 or 10 minutes, an approximate lati-
tude may be found by (207 ; ), when the altitudes are within
2° or 3° of the prime vertical; or by (207) when they are at
a greater distance, and Z is approximately known.
The time of passing the prime vertical can be found by
(107). Z maybe roughly computed from the altitudes, or
found within 2° from the bearing observed by a compass,
which will suffice, if the observations are made within 10°
of the prime vertical.
As, near the prime vertical, the altitude changes uniformly
with the time, several altitudes may be observed in quick
succession and the mean taken as a single altitude.
The larger h'—h and t, consistent with the supposition of
uniformity of change and the condition by which they are
* Chauvenet's Astronomy, I., pp. 303, 311.
256 NAVIGATION.
substituted for their trigonometric functions, the more accu-
rate in general will be the result.
Still the method does not admit of much precision. It
is entirely unavailable near the equator, and in latitude 45°
may give a result in error from 5 to 10 minutes, even
when the greatest care has been bestowed on the observa-
tions. It may, however, be useful to the navigator in high
latitudes, as it can be used for altitudes of the sun, when it
is almost exactly east or west, and consequently when no
other method is practicable. There are occasions at sea,
when to find the latitude only within 10' is very desirable.
Examples.
1. 1865, June 15, 7 h A. M., in lat. 60° N., Ion. 60° W. ;
T. by Chro. ll h 13 m 25 s .3, obs'd alt. © 27° 0' 23" ) O's Az.
" " 27 48 42 J N.88°E.;
log 8.8239
log 3.4622
ar. co. log 7.4137
1. cosec 0.0003
1. cos 9.7001
If A (ti—h) = 10", A log (h f -h) = A 1. cos L = .0015, and
JX = 6'. If the difference of altitudes can be depended on
within 5", the latitude is correct within 3'.
2. 1865, July 13, 5 h P. M., in lat. 54° 20' N., long. 113° W.,
by account ; the altitude of the sun's lower limb was ob-
served at h 23 m 34 s by the chronometer, which was slow of
G. mean time 10 m 18 s ; and the sextant remaining clamped
the upper limb arrived at the same altitude at h 27 m 8 s -5 ;
the true altitude of both limbs was 27° 18' 20"; required
the latitude.
The sun's diameter, 31' 33", is the difference of altitudes
in this case. The sun's azimuth computed from the altitude
and supposed latitude is 1ST. 88|° W.
required
; 11 19 51 .0,
the latitude.
h'—h =
t —
z-
L =
i
48' 19"
6 m 2o 8 .7
88°
59° 55' N.
LATITUDE BY TWO ALTITUDES. 257
TT
log 8.8239
h — h' = W 33" log 3.2^2
t = 3 m 34 s .5 ar. co. log 7.6686
Z— 88£° 1. cosec 0.0002
L = 53° 56' N. 1. cos 9.7699
If we suppose t to be in error I s , 1. cos L will be in error
.0020 and Z, 11'. If the elapsed time can be depended on
within s . 5, the latitude is correct within 6'.
The longitude obtained from the same observations is
113° 5' W.
This method of observing the successive contacts of the
two limbs of the sun with the horizon with the sextant
clamped is recommended.
254. Problem 60. To find the latitude from two altitudes
of different bodies, or of the same body when the change
of declination is considerable, the Greemoieh times being
known.
Solution. The observed altitudes should be reduced
to true altitudes, watch times to chronometer times, and the
difference of the two chronometer times for the rate in the
interval, as in Problem 59 (Art. 238), and to a sidereal in-
terval, when the altitudes of two different bodies have been
observed.
When the latitude only is to be found, the Greenwich
mean times of the observations are wanted only with suffi-
cient exactness for finding the right ascensions and declina-
tions of the bodies. If the longitude is also to be found, it
is necessary to note the times by a Greenwich chronometer,
or a watch compared with it.
It is well also to note the azimuth, or bearing, for each
observation ; or, as is sufficient, the difference of the azi-
muths.
Let M and M' be two positions of the body, or bodies,
258
NAVIGATION.
h — 90°— Z M, the true altitude
of M,
h! = 90°— Z M', the true altitude
of M',
d = 90°— P M, the decimation
of M,
d'=90°— P M', the declination
of M',
r=ZPM, the hour-angle of M,
f = ZP M', " « ' " M ; ,
t == T-T= M P M', the differ-
ence of the hour-angles.
£ is positive in the direction of the diurnal rotation, and
will be positive and less than 12 h if M P M', estimated from
P M in that direction, is less than 12 h , or 180°. We shall,
as in the diagram, designate the two positions as M and M'
respectively, so as to satisfy that condition. It will be seen
hereafter, however, that it will be sufficient to have t nu-
merically less than 12 h , without regard to its sign.
255. The method of finding t varies with the objects ob-
served. But in any case we are at liberty to add or to sub-
tract 24 h , either to change a negative into a positive result,
or to reduce it within the numerical limit of 12 h . A posi-
tive result greater than 1 2 h , or a negative result less than
12 h indicates that PM' is in the negative direction from
P M.
a. When two bodies are observed at different times, if
a and a' are their right ascensions,
S and /S", the sidereal times of the observations,
by Art. Ill,
T=S -a, T' = 8'-a f
and t = S'—S—a' + a;
or, t = s-ha— a! (208)
LATITUDE BY TWO ALTITUDES. 259
when M has been first observed ;
t= — (s + a'—a) (208')
when M' has been first observed.
In either case, the right ascension of the body first ob-
served is added to the sidereal interval, and the right ascen-
sion of the other body subtracted. If M' has been observed
first, the sign is to be changed.
b. When two bodies are observed at the same time.
5 = and t = a—a\ (209)
the difference of their right ascensions.
c. When the sun, moon, or a planet is observed at two
different times, we have, as in Art. 238,
t — s—s. 4 a (1 — .00273) (210)
for an elapsed sidereal time ;
t = t m + t m (9S.8565- J h a) (211)
for an elapsed mean time; in which A h a is the change of
right ascension in l h of mean time; (1 — .00273) A h a, the
change of right ascension in l h of sidereal time ; and t m and s
as coefficients are expressed in hours.
In the case of the sun the last expression becomes, as in
(175)
t=t m +t m . 4E;
in which J h E is the hourly change of the equation of time,
employing for E the sign of its application to mean time.
If this result exceed 12 h , it should be subtracted from
24 h . M' in that case is the position at the first observation.
256. We have given (Fig. 47)
h = 90°-Z M, xl = 90°-P M,
h' = 90°-Z M ; d l - 90°-P M',
and ^MP M',
260
NAVIGATION.
to find from the triangles P M M', Z M M' and PM'Z, or
PMZ,
L = 90°-P Z.
The following method is selected as the most common.
25 7. Fourth Method of Bote ditches Navigator.
1. In the triangle P M M', (Fig. 48)
MPM'-«, P M = 90°- J, PI' = 90°-c?',
are given, from which w T e may find
M M' — _5, the distance of the two positions, and
the angle, PM'M = P,
By Sph. Trig. (4) and (10)* we have
cos B = sin d! sin c?+cos d! cos d cos t,
cos dJ tan d — sin d' cos t
cot F :
sin t
the 2d of which, by multiplying both numerator and deno-
minator by cos d, becomes
™ cos d f sin d — sin d' cos d cos t
cot P f — v- v— .
cos • (215)
sin jLj — ■ ^77 • i
cos N ! )
We may take JV numerically less than 90°, and give it
the same sign as that of cos q r : and the latitude i, numeri-
cally less than 90°, with the same sign as J¥' + d r .
There Avill be two values of L derived from the two values
of q'. Unless q f is small, we may select the value w r hich
agrees best with the known approximate latitude.
If Z n (Fig. 47) be drawn perpendicular to P M', we shall find M' n =N'
and 90° — Y n =N'+ d\ the declination of n.
258. Thus, by (212), (213), (214), and (215), the solution
is effected. We have seen in each how the proper quadrant
of the unknown quantities can be 'determined (with the re-
striction of t to positive values less than 12 h ), except that Q'
may have two values. The same results would be obtained
by following the usual trigonometric precepts.
259. We may, however, select the proper value of Q' and
avoid the double solution, by means of the noted azimuths.
For, if Z and Z are the azimuths of M and M' (Fig. 47),
reckoned as positive toward the right,
MZM'=Z'-Z,
and in the triangle M Z M'
LATITUDE BY TWO ALTITUDES.
263
sin Q'=$in (Z'-Z)~.
As cos h and sin _Z? are positive, (?' will have the same sign
as (Z'—Z) restricted numerically to 180°. Hence, as Q' is
to be subtracted from P\ Ave shall have
q'=_P f — Q\ when M' bears to the right of M,
q'=P r + Q', when M' bears to the left of M.
Figs. 47 and 48 illustrate these two cases, for, in the first,
where M' is to the right of M, PM'Z = P M' M - Z M' M ;
and in the second, where JVT is to the left of M,
PM'Z=PM'M-ZM'M.
If M M' be extended to the meridian, in the first case,
P and Z are on the same side of the intersection, and in
the other they are on opposite sides ; so that
q f =jP f — Q' when the zenith and north pole are on the same
side of the great circle, which joins the two
positions ;
q r =P'+ Q\ when the zenith and north pole are on different
sides, or the zenith and south pole are on the
same side, of that circle.
To use this criterion it will be necessary to note where
the circle, which connects the two positions observed, crosses
the meridian.
264 NAVIGATION.
The doubtful case with either of these criterions is when
Z'—Z is near 0, or 180°, or the great circle, which joins the
two positions, passes near the zenith. These two conditions
are coincident, except when the two positions are near the
meridian on the same side of the zenith.
260. The hour-angle of M' may also be found, and thence
the longitude, if the times have been noted by a chronometer
regulated to Greenwich time. For, in the triangle P M' Z,
we have, by Sph. Trig. (10),
, rrt , cos d' tan Ji r — sin d' cos a'
COt T = : ; — — ,
sin q
which, by multiplying numerator and denominater by cos h y
becomes
, rril cos d' sin h' — sin d' cos h r cos q f
cot T — tt~ -, — -
cos h sin q
Putting, as before,
n' sin JSF= cos h' cos q !
?i f cos iV'= sin h\
and eliminating n\ we have
tan i\r= cot h! cos q' )
cot r= '<*£ cos gT ±*1. \
sin Is )
Or, L having been found, we have also
. m1 sin q' cos h f /^h\
sm T — — - — ^ — . (217)
cos L x 7
By (217) sin T and sin q' have the same sign, which will
be positive when M' is west of the meridian, negative when
M r is east of the meridian. In (216), if JST r has been taken
cos q'
less than 90° with the same sign as that of cos q\ — — ^7 is
positive, and cos T' and cos (iV'-f- d!) have the same sign.
We may take T\ then, numerically in the same quadrant as
iV r/ + d\ and give it the positive sign when q 1 '< 180°, the
negative sign when q' > 180°, or is negative.
If the proper value of Q ', and therefore q\ has not been
(216)
LATITUDE BY TWO ALTITUDES.
285
previously determined, we shall have two values of T\ but
may ordinarily take that which agrees best with its known
approximate value.
261. The preceding formulas employ the angles at M', and
the triangle P M' Z. We may also use the angles at M and
trie triangle PMZ; and, as M and M' are similarly situated
with regard to the triangles, except that the angles at each
are estimated in opposite directions, Ave shall obtain, by
interchanging accented and unaccented letters in the pre-
ceding formulas, a set similar in form, but with this differ-
ence of interpretation, that t is posi-
tive in the opposite direction of the
diurnal rotation, and q is less than
180° east of the meridian and great-
er than 180°, or negative, west of
the meridian. This difference is
shown in Fig. 49, in which the
primitive position of the triangles
is east of the meridian, instead of
west as in Fig. 47.
We have, then,
tan M~ tan d' sec £,
sin d' cos (M — d)
cos B
cot P =
sin M
cot t sin (M-
•d)
Bin f
cos M
fcos s sin (s — h')
hQ = i/(-
cos li' sin B
tan iV= cot h cos q, )
sin L :
cot T--
sin li sin (iV+ d) >
' coTiV^ ' )
cot q cos (JV+ d)
sin JV"
(212')
(213')
(214')
(215')
(216')
266
NAVIGATION.
sin T = —
sin q cos h
(217')
q — P—Q, when M bears to the left of M',
q = P + Q, when M bears to the right of M',
262. Either set of formulas may be used ; but, in general,
the latitude can be best found from the altitude, which is
nearest the meridian ; the hour-angle, from the altitude
which is nearest the prime vertical.
The distinction made with regard to M and M' (Art. 254),
is important only so far as it may aid in determining the
hour-angles and selecting the proper value of q or q'. So
that it is sufficient practically to find t numerically less than
12 h without regard to its sign.
263. The most favorable condition is, as stated in Article
(243), when the difference of azimuths is 90°. But altitudes
near the meridian will give a good determination of the lati-
tude, and altitudes near the prime vertical, a good deter-
mination of the hour-angles, when the difference of azimuths
is small, or near 180°; especially if the altitudes have been
carefully observed, and their difference is nearly exact.
264. If we put in (212' &c.)
M=-A, P = C,
Q=Z,
we shall have
2=:90°-#,
tan A = — tan d' sec £,
~ sin d' cos (A + d)
cos G —
P=90°-P,
cot F- —
sin A
tan t cos A
sin | Z = j/7-
sin {A + dy
/cos s sin (s -
-A')
cos h' sin B
G = F±Z,
tan 1= cot h sin 6r,
T _ sin h sin (d + I)
-Lj — —
SID
COS /
(218)
LATITUDE BY TWO ALTITUDES. 267
the formulas of Bowditch's 4th method, if we take h r and^c?'
as the greatest altitude and the corresponding declination.
By attending to the signs of the quantities and their func-
tions, the proper result can be obtained. We may give to
Z the same sign, or name, as that of the latitude, when the
zenith and elevated pole are on the same side of the great
circle, which passes through the two j30sitions observed ;
but a different sign, or name, from that of the latitude, when
the zenith and elevated pole are on opposite sides of that
circle.
The precepts, which Bowditch gives (p. 194) are based
on the consideration of the trigonometric functions, and
possess the advantage that the sum of quantities of the same
name, or the difference of quantities of different names, is
taken, and the name of the greater given to the result. If
the sum exceed 180°, it should be subtracted from 360°, and
the name changed.
Example.
At sea, 1865, May 5, 7 h P. M., in lat. 36° 41' N"., long.
168° 57' W., by account; altitudes of a TJrsse Majoris and
the moon were observed and the means noted as follows :
required the latitude and longitude.
T. by Chro.6 h 41 m 27 s : alt, of* 62° 18'30 r/ ; bearing N".byE.|E.
" " " 6 53 8 ; " " JD44 56 50 ; " S.E.fS."
Chro. at 18 h fast of G. m. t, 36 m 48 s , losing daily 10 s .2 ;
Index cor. of sextant —4' 20"; height of eye 18 feet.
Ship running NT. E. by X. (true), 10 knots an hour.
From these data, reducing the second altitude to the posi-
tion of the first, we find,
a Ursce Maj. Moon,
G. ra. t. May 5 18 h 4 m 39 3 .3 IS 11 16 m 20 s .4 Elap. in. t. ll m 41U
R. A. 10 55 24.3 11 37 57.0 Red. +1.9
Dec. d'— + 62° 28' 45" d=—0° 53' 54" -Elap. sid t.-ll 43 .0
True alt. h'= 62 9 29 h= 45 39 54 Diff. ofR. A. 42 32.7
*=30 49.7
268
NAVIGATION.
Computation by (212-
-216).
t- 7° 42' 26"
1. sec t
0.00394
d— — 53 54
1. tan d
8.19535 71
1. sine* 8.19530 n
M' = — 54 24
1. tan M-'
8.1992971
1. cosec 31' 1.80077 n
d'=+ 62 28 45
M-d' = - 63 23 9
lcos(M'-d') 9.65126
.5=: 63 38 39
1. cosec B
0.04766
1. cos B 9.64733
h= 45 39 54
1. cot t 0.86859
h'= 62 9 29
1. sec 7i'
0.33066
1. sec M 1 0.00005
2s= 171 28 2
Ism(M'-d') 9.95136 n
s= 85 44 1
1. cos s
8.87153
1. cotP' 0.82000 n
*—A = 40 4 7
1. sin (s—h)
9.80869
19.05854
i Q = 19 46 19
1. sin -J- Q'
9.52927
G'= 39 32 38
P' = 171 23 36
1. cot A'
9.72278
q'— 210 56 14
1. cos q'
9.93335 ^
1. cot q' 0.22230
or -149 3 46
1. tan iV'
1. sin ti
9.65613 n
1. cosec N' 0.38441 n
JST'z=— 24 22 20
9.94657
1. cos (N' + d') 9.89590
d'= + 62 28 45
1. sec iV"
0.04054
1. cot T' 0.50261?i
N' + d'—+ 38 6 25
1. sin (N'+d') 9.79038
r'=r — l h 9 m 48 8
1. sin L
9.77749
■X-'sR.A.= 10 55 24.3
Sid. time 9 45 36 .3
Lat. 36 c
' 48'.3 N.
— S —2 53 28.5
Long. 168
52 .4 W.
Red.forG.m.t. — 2 58.2
L. m. t. 6 49 9 .6
G. m. t. 18 4 39 .3
Long. 11 15 29.7
265. When equal altitudes have been observed, (213) and
(213') reduce to the simple form,
// CQg-ftJ?+»)\ ,
y 1 2 ^ i » ™° *'
sin £ (?'= sin | # :
cos £ P cos hj '
We have also from the isosceles triangle Z M M' (Fig. 47),
cos Q'= cos Q = tan J- ^ tan A. (220)
266. When a lunar distance has been measured and re-
duced to the true or geocentric distance (Prob. 55), we have
in the triangle P M M' (Fig. 47),
LATITUDE BY THBEE ALTITUDES. 269
PM = 90°-e?, 3PM'=-90°— : dr," and
JM M'=j5, the geocentric distance,
from which we may find P M' M = P' and P M M'= P.
By Sph. Trig* (30),
sm ^ -y [ sin b cos d' : )
which reduces to
• i™, //cos j(B+d+d') sin j(B+d '-d)\
Sin ^r - y ^ sin i? cos # J
or putting
(221)
"»*'=•( -•*££?' ) l
So also we shall have
• i r> //cos s' sin ($' — d')\ #««,>.%
m *. Pas .r \ ^ ^ Id > < 221 )
These may be employed instead of (212) and (212') ; and
if the altitudes of both bodies have been observed, the lati-
tude and hour-angles can be found by the subsequent formu-
las.
From a lunar distance, then, and the two observed alti-
tudes, the longitude, latitude, and local time may all be
found.
267. PKOBLEMf 61. To find the latitude from three alti-
tudes of the same body near the meridian, and the chrono-
meter times of the observations.
The Greenwich time, or the longitude, will be required
only with sufficient exactness for taking the declination from
the Ephemeris.
* smH A = ^*(«+»7«)Bh *(«-»+«) (80)
sin o sin c v '
f Chauvenet's Astronomy, Vol. L, p. 299.
270
NAVIGATION.
Let A, h\ h\ be the true altitudes,
h 0J the meridian altitude,
Tj T\ T", the chronometer times,
T^ the chronometer time of meridian passage,
a, the change of altitude in I s of chronometer
time from the meridian,
then we have, from the three observations (120), the differ-
ences of the times being expressed in seconds,
h Q = h +a(T-T )*)
h = h'+a(r-T o y\ (222)
V=A f +a(Z*-JS) , J
the differences of which are
= h> -7i + a [(r -T o y-(T -T yi
= £"-# + a [(T f '~Ty-(i«^To)%
From these we obtain
7i — 7i
T-
h'-
-T
a (T'+T)-2a T oy
(223)
(224)
TF — f7 = a(T»+T')-2aT ,
the difference of which is
y_y h-h' _, Tlf T ,
rpn rpi rpi rp t(/ yJ. J. ]•
If now we put
h y
b = T , T , the mean change of altitude in I s of the chro-
nometer from the first to the second observa-
tion,
c = rpn T n tne mean change in I s from the second to the
third observation,
we shall have, from (224) and (223),
_ c—b
2 o/
(225)
LATITUDE BY THREE ALTITUDES. 271
from which a and T Q may be fonnd. h may then be found
by either of the three equations (222) ; and thence the lati-
tude as from an observed meridian altitude (Prob. 45).
The correction and rate of the chronometer need not be
known ; it is sufficient to have the rate uniform during the
period of the observations.
This method is restricted like other methods of circum-
meridian altitudes (Arts. 150, 247), to hour-angles varying
with the meridian zenith distance of the body. Its accuracy
depends upon the precision with which a, &, and c are ob-
tained : hence the altitudes should be carefully observed, so
that their differences shall be nearly exact, and the intervals
of time should be greater, the greater the distance of the
middle observation from the meridian.
268. The computation is facilitated if the observations are
made at intervals of exact minutes of time. For then, ex-
pressing these intervals in minutes, and taking a, 5, and c as
changes of altitude in l m of chronometer time,
, 7i — ~h! ~h! — h" ^ _ c — h , ,
h c
are easily found. - — and - — , however, will be in minutes
Z co l co
of time. Reducing them to seconds, we shall have, instead
of (225),
CO CO
In (222)
h = h +a(T-T o y\
h = h' + a(F-T o yy
h Q = h n +a(T"-T Q y)
we may now use, in computing the reductions, a table of
* If the intervals are reduced by the methods of Art. 238 to intervals of
hour-angle, and the declination has not changed, a will be the change of alti-
tude in l m of hour-angle, as in (119) and Tab. XXXII. (Bawd.).
272 NAVIGATION.
" squares of minutes and parts of a minute" as Tab. XXXIII.
(Bowel.).
269. For the sun, as its declination usually changes in the
interval, T is the chronometer time of the maximum alti-
tude* (Art. 142) ; in which case the meridian declination is
to be employed.
If the latitude and longitude also have changed, as is usu-
ally the case at sea, c and 5, being observed changes of alti-
tude, are no longer due to the diurnal rotation alone, but are
affected by the change of position. But with altitudes near
the meridian, a change of latitude has the same effect as a
change of declination in the opposite direction, while a
change of longitude is equivalent to a change in the rate of
the chronometer. If, then, the motion of the ship has been
tolerably uniform in the interval of the observations, T is
still the chronometer time of the maximum altitude. The
method, then, can be used at sea when the sea is smooth
and the horizon well defined, and meridian altitudes of the
sun are prevented by passing clouds. But the altitudes
should be very carefully observed, and on both sides of the
meridians when practicable. The intervals should not be
less than 10 m .
270. If the three altitudes are observed at equal intervals
of time, the process of computation becomes much simpli-
fied.!
Let t be this common interval,
T 7 , the time from the maximum altitude at which the
second observation w r as made ;
then we have
h -h + a (T-ty
h = 7i f +a T 2
h = h f '+ a (T+t) 9 .
* Chauvenet's Astronomy, Vol. I., pp. 299 and 244.
f Chauvenet's Astronomy, Vol. I., p. 309.
LATITUDE BY THREE ALTITUDES. 273
Half the sum of the second and third equations is
which, subtracted from the third, gives
= h f - i (h + h") - a f;
whence
a f = h'- \ (h + h°).
The difference of the first and third gives
al - T? '
which, substituted in the second equation, gives h .
If we put A— a f, we have, as the formulas for computa-
tion,
EXAMPLES.
1. At sea, 1865, Sept. 16, in lat. 40° 0' K, long. 60° 0' W.,
by account ; the following altitudes of the sun were observed
near noon ; index cor. + 2' 10*; height of eye 20 feet.
T. by Chro. 4 h 25 m 15 9 Biff. Obs'd alt. of O. 52° 24' 20" (S.) Biff.
32
37
15
15
5
20 10
14 50
4' 10'
5 20
T+ T') = 4* 28 re
l 45 s
. 250"
= S5".1
log6
1.553
^^1= -7
a
34
_ 320"
5
= 64 .0
log 30
1A11
T Q = 4: 21
11
_ 28".3
~12~
= 2 .36
ar. co. log
a 9.627
T—4: 25
15
454 s
, 30 6
log— —
a
2.657
T-T Q = 4
4
a(T-T Q f
= 2".36 x
16.5 = 39"
274 NAVIGATION.
1st alt. of 52° 24' 20" ( In. cor. +2' 10" dip —4' 24"
+*13 45 -J S. diam. +15 58 ref. & par. —38
Mer. alt. h = 62 38 5 (Red. +39
Mer. zen. dist. z = 37 21 55 N.
Mer. dec. d — 2 28 48 N.
Lat. 39 50 43 N.
If the middle altitude had been 30" greater or less than 52° 20U0", the
result would have been varied only 20" ; but if the middle altitude had been
1/ less, the latitude would have been 39° 40'. The interval is too short, un-
less the differences of the altitudes can be relied on within 40".
2. At sea, 1865, May 8, in lat. 35° 50' S., long. 60° 0' E.,
by account ; the following altitudes of the sun were observed
at equal intervals near noon : index cor. + 2' 0* ; height of
eye
20 feet.
Obs'd alt.
of 0.36°
44'
20" (N.)
T. by watch ll b 50 m
20 s
36
51
40
12
20
36
52
40
12
10
20
*(* +
70 =
:36
48
30
h-
-h" =
-8' 20"
A =
3
10
i (*-;
h")=.
- 125"
2 log 4.194
log A 2.279
h' =
:36°
51'
40" t
Red.
+ 1'
22"
1.915
+ 13
42 -J
In. cor.
+ 2
Dip
-4' 24"
Mer. alt.
h =
:37
5
22 (
S. diam
. + 15
53 Ref. &
par.-
-1 9
Mer. zen. dist.
h —
52
54
38 S.
Mer. dec.
d =
■11
1
19 N
Lat 35
41
19 S.
If either of the altitudes be changed 1', the reduction to the meridian will
be changed less than 40" : so that, if the differences can be depended on
within 1', the reduction is correct within 40".
CHAPTER X.
AZIMUTH OF A TERRESTRIAL OBJECT.
271. Ix conducting a trigonometric survey, it is necessary
to find the azimuth, or true bearing, of one or more of its
lines, or of one station from another. Thence, by means of
the measured horizontal angles, the azimuths of other lines
or stations can be found ; and, still further, a meridian line
can be marked out upon the ground, or drawn upon the
chart.
For example, suppose at a station, A, the angles reckoned
to the right are
B to <7, 48° 15' 35"; C to D, 73° 37' 16"; D to E, 59° 45' 20";
and that the azimuth of D is N". 35° 16' 15" E. ; the azimuths
of the several lines are
A B, N\ 86° 36' 36" W. A Z>, N. 35° 16' 15" E.
A (7, N. 38 21 1 W. A E, N". 95 1 35 E.
If upon the chart a line be drawn, making with A B an
angle of 86° 36' 36" to the right, or with iDan angle of
35° 16' 15" to the left, it will be a meridian line.
Or, if a theodolite or compass be placed at A in the field,
and its line of sight, through the telescope or sight-vanes, be
directed to D, and the readings noted ; and then the line
of sight be revolved to the left until the readings differ
35° 16' 15" from those noted,, it will be directed north. If a
stake or mark be placed in that direction, it will be a meri-
dian mark north from A.
276
NAVIGATION.
212. If the azimuth of a terrestrial object is known, it
may be conveniently used in finding the magnetic declina-
tion, or variation of the compass. For, let the bearing of
the object be observed with the compass, — the difference of
this magnetic bearing and the true bearing is the magnetic
declination, or variation, required. It is east if the true
bearing is to the right of the magnetic bearing ; but west if
the true bearing is to the left of the magnetic bearing.*
273. Peoblem 62. To find the azimuth, or true bearing,
of a terrestrial object.
Solution. Let
Z (Fig. 50) be the zenith, or place, of
the observer ;
O, the terrestrial object ;
M, the apparent place of the sun, or
some other celestial body ;
Z — N Z O, the azimuth of O ;
z = N Z M, the azimuth of M ;
^ v = Z-s = MZO, the azimuth an-
gle between the two objects, or
the difi&rence of azimuth of M
and O.
The problem requires that z and £ be found ; then we have
Z=z + $.
Or, numerically,
* This has reference to the two readings. The actual direction of the
object is the same ; but the true and magnetic meridians, from which the
angles are estimated, are different. When the magnetic declination is east,
the magnetic meridian is to the right of the true meridian ; when the mag-
netic declination is tvest, the magnetic meridian is to the left of the true
meridian.
It is sometimes necessary to distinguish between the magnetic bearing and
the compass bearing. The latter is affected by the errors of the instrument
employed and by local disturbances ; the former is free from them.
AZIMUTH OF A TERRESTRIAL OBJECT. 277
Z=2 + £, when the azimuth of the terrestrial object is
greater than that of the celestial,
Z — z — ^ when it is less. The sign of £ should be noted
in the observations.
274. 2 = XZ M, the azimuth of the celestial body, may-
be found from an observed altitude (Prob. 40), or from the
local time (Prob. 38). In the first case, the most favorable
position is on or nearest the prime vertical ; for then the
azimuth changes most slowly with the altitude. In the
latter, positions near the meridian may also be successfully
used.
275. £ = M Z 0, the azimuth angle between the two ob-
jects, may be found in one of the following ways : —
1st Method. (By direct measurement.)
M Z O, being a horizontal angle, may be measured direct-
ly by a theodolite or a compass, by directing the line of sight
of the instrument first to one of the objects and reading the
horizontal circle, then to the other and reading again. The
difference of the two readings is the angle required. Or, the
telescope or sight-vanes of a plane table may be directed
successively to the objects, and lines drawn upon the paper
along the edge of the ruler in its two positions, and the an-
gle which they form measured by a protracter.
At the instant when the observation is made of the celes-
tial object, either its altitude should be measured, or the
time noted, so as to find its azimuth simultaneously.
The instrument should be carefully adjusted and levelled.
With the compass or plane table, it is not well to observe
objects whose altitudes are greater than 15°.
A theodolite can be used with greater precision than the
other instruments ; but the greater the altitude of the object,
the more carefully must the cross-threads be adjusted to the
axis of collimation, and the telescope be directed to the
object.
278 NAVIGATION.
The error of collimation is eliminated by making two ob-
servations with the telescope reversed either in is Vs, or by
rotation on its axis. Low altitudes are generally best.
276. If the sun is used, each limb may be observed alter-
nately ; or a separate set of observations may be made for
each.
To find the azimuth reduction for semi-diameter, when
but one limb is observed ;
Let h— 90° — Z s (Fig. 51), the altitude of
the sun,
s = S s, its semi-diameter,
s f = S Z s, the reduction of the azimuth
for the semi-diameter.
We have
. sin S s
sin- SZs = .., „ 3
sin Zs
or, since s and s r are small, rig - 51 -
s f — s sec A, (229)
which is the reduction required.
The sign, with which it is to be applied, depends upon
the limb observed.
277. If the observations are made at night, and the ter-
restrial object is invisible, a temporary station in a conve-
nient position may be used, and its azimuth found. The
horizontal angle between this and the terrestrial object may
be measured by daylight, and added to, or subtracted from,
this azimuth.
A board, with a vertical slit and a light behind it, forms
a convenient mark for night observations.
The place of the theodolite should be marked, that the
instrument may be replaced in the same position. But in
doing this, ancl selecting the temporary station, it should be
kept in mind that a change of the position of the instru-
AZIMUTH OF A TERRESTRIAL OBJECT.
279
ment of g^Vs °f tne distance of the object may change the
azimuth 1'; or of 2W000 of the distance may change the
azimuth more than l" .
278. 2d Method. Finding the difference of azimuths of a
celestial and a terrestrial object by a sextant y sometimes
called an " astronomical bearing"
Measure with a sextant the angular distance M O (Fig. 52)
of the two objects, and either note the time by a watch
regulated to local time, or measure simultaneously the alti-
tude of the celestial object. Measure, also, the altitude of
the terrestrial object (if it is not in the horizon), either with
a theodolite which is furnished with a vertical circle, or
w T ith a sextant above the water-line at the base of the ob-
ject, when there is one. Correct the readings of the instru-
ments for index errors, and when only one limb of the sun
is observed, for semidiameter.*
Observed altitudes of either object above the water-line
are also to be corrected for the dip by (53) or Tab. XIII.
(Bowd.), if the horizon is free; but by (55) or Tab. XVI.
(Bowd.), if the horizon is obstructed.
The altitude of the celestial object,
when not observed simultaneously,
may be interpolated from altitudes
before and after, by means of the
noted times. (Bowd, p. 246.) Or
the true altitude may be computed
for the local time (Prob. 38 or 39),
and the refraction added and the
parallax subtracted to obtain the
apparent altitude.
* It is best in measuring the distance of the sun from the terrestrial ob-
ject to use each limb alternately.
280 NAVIGATION.
Let h! = 90° — Z O (Fig. 50), the apparent altitude of O,
H' — 90° — Z M, the apparent* altitude of M.
D — M O, the corrected distance.
We have then in the triangle M Z O, the three sides
from which £ = M Z O, may be found by one of the follow-
ing formulas : —
1. By Sph. Trig. (164) we have
. 1V /sin i (Z> + 7T— h') sin HZ) — H' + h')
sm | £ = j/- cqs ^ cqs v 1
or, letting d == H'—h\
sin
i >• - / sin Hi) + ^) sin j (2> — ) 1* (231)
COS J £ = i/ ^7^ TT 1 |
r COS jH cos h' J
(230) is preferable when £ < 90°; (231), when $ > 90°.
279. If O is in the true horizon, or its measured altitude
above the water line equals the dip, h = 0, and the right
triangle M m O gives
cos $ = cos MO = cos D sec H' ; (232)
or more accurately when £ is small (Sph. Trig., 105),
tan \ $ = V (tan J {D + H f ) tan £ (D-H f ) ). (233)
If the terrestrial object is in the water-line, A' is negative,
and equals the dip.
* The true altitude of M is used in finding g, its azimuth.
AZIMUTH OF A TERRESTRIAL OBJECT. 281
280. If both objects are in the horizon, or H and h are
equal and very small, we have simply
$ = Z>. (234)
In general the result is more reliable the smaller the in-
clination of M O to the horizon. If M O is perpendicular
to the horizon, the problem is indeterminate by this method.
281. If the terrestrial object presents a vertical line to
which the sun's disk is made tangent, the reduction of the
observed distance for semidiameter is
s' = s sin MOZ (235)
and not s, the semidiameter itself. This follows from the
sun's diameter through the point of contact, O, being per-
pendicular to the vertical circle Z O and not in the direc-
tion of the distance O M.
As the altitude of the terrestrial object is always very
small, we may find MOZ by the formula
^ r ^ „ sin h'
COS MOZ— - — — ; ,
sin D 7
D' being the unreduced distance.
282. When precision is requisite, the axis of the sextant
with which the angular distance is measured must be placed
at the station Z ; and if the object seen direct is sufficiently
near, the parallactic correction must be added to the sex-
tant reading. If
J represent the distance of the object,
cZ, the distance of the axis from the line of sight or axis of
the telescope, this correction is
p = — cosec V = 206265" — . (236)
It is 1', when A = 3437.75 cl
283. If the distance of the terrestrial object and the dif-
ference of level above or below the level of the instrument
282 NAVIGATION.
are known, Ave may find its angle of elevation, nearly, by
the formula
tan h' = — ,
A
A being the distance of the object, and
E, its elevation above the horizontal plane of the instru-
ment.
If the object is below that plane, E and h! will have the
negative sign.
Note. — The horizontal angle between two terrestrial objects may also be
found by measuring their angular distance with a sextant, and employing
the same formulas (230 to 234) as for a celestial and terrestrial object ;
H' and K representing their apparent angles of elevation. Each of these
may be found by direct measurement, or from the known distance and the
elevation, or depression, from the horizontal plane of the observer. If the
two objects are on the same level as the observer, we have simply as in (234)
Example.
1865, May 16, 5f A. M. in lat 38° 15' 1ST., long. 76° 16' W.;
the angular distance of the sun's centre from the top of a
light-house measured by a sextant (©to the right of L. H.),
75° 16' 25", index cor. —1' 15"; altitude of O above the
sea-horizon observed at the same time, 10° 18' 20", index
cor. +2' 10"; observed altitude of the top of light-house
above the water-line, distant 7300 feet, 1° 15' 20", index cor.,
+ 2' 10"; height of eye, 20 feet; required the true bearing
of the light-house.
From the data we find
O'sap. alt. H'.= 10° 31' 57"; ap. alt. of L. H. fc'= 1° 1' 34"
O'strue" E = 10 27 7; ang. disk D = 75 15 10
©'s dec +19 9 30.
AZIMUTH OF A TERRESTRIAL OBJEC3
283
Computation
(100) and (230).
H =
10° 27' 7" 1. sec 0.00726
H' - 10° 31' 57"
1. sec 0.00738
L =
38 15 l.sec 0.10496
V = 1 7 34
1. sec 0.00008
P =
70 50 30
d = 9 24 23
2s =
119 32 37
D =75 15 10
s =
59 46 18 1. cos 9.70196
i (£+d) = 42 19 46
L sin 9.82827
p — s =
11 4 12 1. cos 9.99184
£(£— e*) = 32 55 24
1. sin 9.73521
19.80602
19.57094
iZ =
36° 53'.0 1. cos 9.90301
if = 37° 36'.2
f= / 75 12.4
1. sin 9.78547
O 's azimuth
Z=N. 73 46 .0E.
True bearing of L. House
(Z-J) = N. 1 26 .4 "W
4