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[pct-l] Re: pct-l-digest V1 #341
Greg --
A sextant or backstaff is not necessary to "navigate" the PCT. I used my
neck ID chain as a plumb line to sight and identify zenith stars. This while
lying in my bag at night identifying constellations, etc. A hiker who wanted
to play with this could carry a good star map and use a longer plumb line, aka
bear line, to improve accuracy.
My crude shot of Vega was in error by about 80 miles, which wasn't as
good as I had hoped, but it's an interesting exercise. Also adds to the
appreciation of the night-time sky. A star at the zenith has the same
declination as your latitude. An error of one degree will put you off by
about 60 miles.
TrailDad
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