Solar celestial position (as function of latt, long, time of day, date, )

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on predicting the positions of the sun and moon in the sky based on geographical location and time. Participants are seeking equations, software, and resources for celestial navigation, particularly for a trek from France to the Arctic Circle.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests equations and resources for predicting celestial positions, emphasizing the need for offline solutions.
  • Another participant suggests several online resources for celestial navigation but acknowledges the difficulty of finding offline options.
  • A suggestion is made to learn real celestial navigation, noting that modern methods often use software to replace traditional tables.
  • Concerns are raised about the accuracy of prediction methods in extreme latitudes like the Arctic and Antarctic.
  • A participant recommends using an ephemeris and provides a link to a free resource, expressing uncertainty about its effectiveness.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the best methods and resources for predicting celestial positions, with no consensus on a single solution or approach. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best offline methods.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention limitations in the accuracy of prediction methods in polar regions and the challenges of finding reliable offline resources.

Antimatter
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Hi, people!
I'm looking for a way to predict the sun's (moon's) position in the sky at any given time/any given place. Equations would be great, maple worksheets aswell; links, estimates, tables, whatever.
Would be used as (rough) backup for the backup of the navigation instruments during France -> Arctic Circle trek.
Thx for reading; many thanks for any replies already :)
Greetings



Sincere apologies if this was already posted elsewhere (and I suspect it is), didn't have any luck digging it up...
 
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Antimatter said:
Hi, people!
I'm looking for a way to predict the sun's (moon's) position in the sky at any given time/any given place. Equations would be great, maple worksheets aswell; links, estimates, tables, whatever.
Would be used as (rough) backup for the backup of the navigation instruments during France -> Arctic Circle trek.
Thx for reading; many thanks for any replies already :)
Greetings



Sincere apologies if this was already posted elsewhere (and I suspect it is), didn't have any luck digging it up...
Some of these might give a basic start:

http://www.heavens-above.com/main.asp?Session=kebgcddoaheglimdllbloook

http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/

http://www.griffithobs.org/Skyinfo.html
 
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Labguy said:
Some of these might give a basic start:

http://www.heavens-above.com/main.asp?Session=kebgcddoaheglimdllbloook

http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/

http://www.griffithobs.org/Skyinfo.html
Thanx, Labguy! I'm exploring all routes starting from what you gave me.
Thing is, I'm going to need an offline solution; not easy to find :(
 
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Antimatter said:
tables
Look into learning real celestial navigation. The new way to do it uses computer software (maybe on pda by now...) to replace the tables. Essentially, you just type in the time and position of several objects and it tells you your lat and long.
 
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The crude methods of prediction get really sloppy in the Arctic and Antarctic.
 
pervect said:
What you want is an ephermis. You might try

http://www.alcyone-ephemeris.info/

I really don't know for sure how well it works, but it's cheap (i.e. free).
HOLY ****

Looks like I owe you a beer :smile:
Thanks a lot!
 

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