INTERACTIVE CELESTIAL WORKSHEET CALCULATOR is designed to help learners understand how to calculate a simple sun’s line of position (LOP) using a scientific calculator. It also provides feedback on the accuracy of the answers along with theoretical explanations.
While written for the completion of the eight exercises, the page additionally only presents the solution for the La Rochelle exercise.
I recommend fully mastering the free La Rochelle exercise on this page before making a purchase.
This way, testing your skills on the remaining exercises will be enjoyable. Remember that it is also the groundwork for the stars, moon, and planets.
The 6 sections
see symbols and abbreviations of the worksheet
Ho = observed height
P = polar angle
D = sun’s declination
Hc = calculated height
Zv = true azimuth
Intercept = Ho ⎼ Hc
Each of the six different expressions mentioned above from the worksheet will be treated separately on this page.
Our observations on the La Rochelle exercise page
Now that you were supposed to find these red entries from our observations on the La Rochelle exercise page, we can proceed with the calculations.
INTERACTIVE CELESTIAL WORKSHEET CALCULATOR
Section 1
-Ho- (observed height)
We will calculate and explain Ho in two steps:
Blue section
Apparent height of the sun (theory Ha)
Red section
Observed height of the sun (theory Ho)
INTERACTIVE CELESTIAL WORKSHEET CALCULATOR
Section 2
Local Hour Angle (LHA) and (Polar Angle) P
GHA = _ _ ° _ _ ‘, _
+pp = _ _° _ _ ‘, _
GHA = _ _° _ _’, _
___________________
*G = _ _ ° _ _ ‘, _
_____________________
LHA = _ _ ° _ _ ‘, _
In fact *G add if East / subtract if West
Sun in the East !
How to calculate GHA + pp ( increment)
dead reckoning position L and G
After finding LHA, how to deduce P ?
ロ LHA < 180°
sun in the West P = LHA
ロ LHA > 180°
sun in the East P = 360- LHA
P = _ _ ° _ _ ‘, _
NE / NW / SE / SW
(To clarify, for example P = _ _ ° _ _ ‘, _ SE , We are situated in the Southern Hemisphere, and the sun is in the East at the time of our observation.
Section 3
-D- (Declination of the sun)
D = _ _ ° _ _ ‘, _
correc. d = _ _ ° _ _ ‘, _
___________________
D = _ _ ° _ _ ‘, _
INTERACTIVE CELESTIAL WORKSHEET CALCULATOR
Section 4
-Hc- (calculated height)
L = _ _ ° _ _ ‘, _
D = _ _ ° _ _ ‘, _
P = _ _ ° _ _ ‘, _
INTERACTIVE CELESTIAL WORKSHEET CALCULATOR
Section 5
-Zv- (true azimuth)
L = _ _ ° _ _ ‘, _
D = _ _ ° _ _ ‘, _
Hc = _ _ ° _ _ ‘, _
Z = _ _ _ , _ °
ロ Sun in the East ⟹ Zv = Z
ロ Sun in the West ⟹ Zv = 360° – Z
True azimuth: Zv = _ _ _ , _ °=
theory Zv / How to calculate Zv
INTERACTIVE WORKSHEET CALCULATOR
Section 6
-intercept-
Ho = _ _ ° _ _ ‘, _
Hc = _ _ ° _ _ ‘, _
______________________ –
intercept = _ _ ‘, _
Ho – Hc = intercept
Intercept towards the sun (+)
And intercept away from the sun (-)
INTERACTIVE CELESTIAL WORKSHEET CALCULATOR: Additional Knowledge:
Concerning the time interval between two Lines of Position (LOPs), the process of transferring a LOP, and understanding the uncertainty area associated with a LOP
Sun’s LOP running fix and the uncertainty zone.
Day planning with the two sun LOP’s
Using the local apparent noon sight latitude with the sun is a widely adopted technique in maritime navigation.
It offers a straightforward and swift approach for determining latitude.
Local apparent noon sight latitude
Calculate Local Apparent Noon Time
INTERACTIVE WORKSHEET (calculator)
Hence, On this page, you will discover a set of recommendations to follow.
If you’re familiar with the process, feel free to skip ahead, as the following text may be tedious and unnecessary.
Firstly, it is essential to comprehend that the calculations presented above serve as the fundamental cornerstone of my website, shaping its core functionality and reliability.
Please take note and understand the significance of these calculations for optimal usage and outcomes.
The Importance of Persistence and Effort in Achieving Progress
In fact, it’s essential to set realistic expectations and understand that working through the worksheet will take effort and time on your part. However, with dedication and persistence, you will eventually see progress.
It’s natural to want to see results quickly, but it’s important to remember that any significant change takes time.
Certainly, as you work through the exercises, you may encounter challenges or feel frustrated at times. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t see progress right away; it’s all part of the process.
INTERACTIVE WORKSHEET (calculator):
Stay committed
Moreover, the key is to stay committed and make a conscious effort to work towards completing the exercises every day.
Although it may seem difficult at first, remember that every small step you take will lead you closer to achieving your goals.
In summary
Knowledge of celestial navigation in the GPS era provides a solid back-up form of navigation in the event GPS becomes unreliable for whatever reason.
It is also good professional practice to use one navigational system to verify the accuracy of another.
Moreover, celestial navigation nurtures a profound appreciation for the cosmos and instills a sense of wonder and curiosity. Additionally, it promotes self-reliance, resilience, and adaptability in navigating vast oceans.
In addition, celestial navigation allows for a deeper understanding of the Earth’s position in relation to the celestial bodies and fosters a sense of connection with ancient seafaring traditions.
Furthermore, mastering celestial navigation can enhance problem-solving skills and cultivate a greater appreciation for the intricacies of our universe.
Furthermore, for individuals who are fluent in French, there exists a French rendition of this website that goes by the name www.ladroitedehauteur.com