Sun, Sea and Sextants

Simon Harrison

How sailors find their position without GPS. Solving the science of navigating across the world’s oceans occupied the best mathematical and scientific minds for centuries; developments in astro-navigation have continued through the 20th century and into the 21st; however, possibly the greatest advances in methodology were made by an American in 1837 and a Frenchman in 1875. All the necessary components for practising astro-navigation on a small boat today will be explored with references to the rich historical background.

Concern about the vulnerability of electronic navigation systems has caused many Navies to re-instate training in astro-navigation as a core competency for their navigators. The techniques they will learn will be little different from what amateur sailors have been practising since Joshua Slocum sailed alone around the world in 1895.

So put this meeting in your diary and listen to Simon describe how small boat sailors do it.

And after the break - Simon Kidd - ‘Two new asteroid moons discovered’

Simon is one of our long-standing members and has had a longtime interest in asteroid occultations. I’ve always been really impressed when he was able to image Mercury, very close to the Sun, from his back garden and recover surface detail. So don’t miss how he discovered some news asteroid moons.

Please feel free to e-mail me (n_m_gray@btinternet.com) if you would like to speak on any astronomy related talk after the coffee break. I’m currently looking for after the break speakers from 27th Jan 2027 onwards.

The meeting will be held at Standalone Farm and will also be available over Zoom to Members. Please purchase your tickets in advance via MemberMojo to receive the Zoom link.

£2 for Members and £3 for Guests.

Guests can attend two physical meetings in the year before having to pay membership.