Astronomical Brain-Teaser

[sfellows]

It depends on the observer. If I am the observer (taking the sight) the lines are exactly the same. So they not do not cross. They are superimposed on each other.

If, however I am observing the sightings taken from another fixed point (not on Earth) then, as the Earth has moved relative to the Sun the lines will cross at the centre of the Sun.

It's all relative......

 

[Gary Fox]

I would say in navigation usage, we think of a line as: 'continuing forever until it does something useful'...
a LOP would be a prime example.

 

[JumbleDuck]

I would say in navigation usage, we think of a line as: 'continuing forever until it does something useful'...
a LOP would be a prime example.

A well then you have a problem, because the universe is not a Euclidean space ...

 

[Gary Fox]

A well then you have a problem, because the universe is not a Euclidean space ...

Oh yes it is, sextant navigation is dumbed down for oi polloi.

....in navigation usage.....

 

[Slowboat35]

I think the entire thing is based on a false premise; "You are standing on a hilltop and, at sunrise, you aim your sextant at the middle of the Sun. This forms a line."

It does not!

It defines a plane of known elevation on which the centre of the sun lies. It most certainly does not "form a line" unless a compass is involved too, and there's no mention of that.

 

[Skylark]

I think the entire thing is based on a false premise; "You are standing on a hilltop and, at sunrise, you aim your sextant at the middle of the Sun. This forms a line."

It does not!

It defines a plane of known elevation on which the centre of the sun lies. It most certainly does not "form a line" unless a compass is involved too, and there's no mention of that.

……or an accurate measure of time etc etc. It’s incomplete / misleading. What point is it trying to make ?

 

[Sybarite]

Who cares when you've got GPS?

 

[LittleSister]

If you aim your rifle at a paper target the line the bullet follows goes straight through and carries on.

Only if you actually hit the target you aimed at!

 

[john_morris_uk]

Only if you actually hit the target you aimed at!

What are you suggesting? That my aim is not perfect? I resemble that remark..