Practical and Spherical Astronomy: For the Use Chiefly of Students in the Universities (Classic Reprint) - Hardcover

Robert Main

9780267953349: Practical and Spherical Astronomy: For the Use Chiefly of Students in the Universities (Classic Reprint)

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0267953348 ISBN 13: 9780267953349

Publisher: Forgotten Books, 2018

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Master practical celestial navigation with a time-tested method for finding longitude.

This guide explains how lunar distances are used with the Nautical Almanac to compare observed positions with geocentric distances, and how to correct for refraction and parallax. It also covers the step-by-step process, from taking measurements to interpolating Greenwich mean time, using clear formulas and classic techniques.

The text presents the methods in accessible terms, emphasizing real-world observation and calculation. It shows how to manage the complex factors involved, including the motions of the Moon, planets, and stars, and how to translate observations into precise time and location data. By following the procedures, readers gain a solid foundation in practical spherical astronomy.

How lunar distances are observed and prepared for comparison with geocentric distances
Corrections for refraction and parallax to turn observed data into true values
Interpolation and successive approximation techniques for Greenwich time
Alternative methods and historical context for mastering lunar-distance calculations

Ideal for students, navigators, and enthusiasts who want a reliable, hands‑on approach to celestial navigation and practical astronomy.

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