摘要 |
This device computes position, direction, course, azimuth, altitude, and time for any longitude and latitude on earth. It will solve any spherical triangle problem. It can be independent of any electrical power. It is to celestial navigation what the slide rule is to mathematics. It is very educational. It not only solves the celestial navigational problem without the massive charts, but it shows you in a visual way how you are getting the solution. One might ask, Why do we need a mechanical celestial navigational device in this day of global positioning systems, computers, and calculators? There are at least two reasons. 1. This device would be an outstanding backup to the G.P.S.'s, Computers, and Calculators. In celestial navigation it will not totally replace the sextant but the charts can be smaller, simpler, and may not change as often. 2. This device is much more accurate than a magnetic compass, much easier to use, and the complicated gyrations done to compute a magnetic course can be left to a backup role for the magnetic compass. This device is very accurate while in motion, gives instantaneous reading in turns and after banked turns, it is free of effects of metal and electromagnetic interference. A possible third reason for some might be the absence of electromagnetic radiation from it, and no effect of electromagnetic radiation on it. So this device will serve a primary role in direction finding, including dead reckoning, triangulation, and course maintenance. It will serve as a back up to G.P.S.'s, computers, and calculators. It will take the place of sundials, except for those collectors and those who prefer ornaments.
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