astronomical navigational tables

astronomical navigational tables

Tables in which the altitude angle of a particular heavenly body as seen from a position close to the observer (i.e., from the assumed position) is given. These consist of two parts: one for selected stars and the other for the sun, the planets, and stars with a declination less than 29°. These tables give the tabulated altitude to the nearest minute of arc and angles (Z) to the nearest whole degree, against three arguments. These are (i) latitude—shown for each whole degree from 69°S to 9°N; (ii) declination—for selected stars and bodies with a declination between 0° and 29°N and S; and (iii) hour angle—in general, for each whole degree for which the altitude of the body is greater than 10° and less than 180°. The tables of declination are limited to 29°N and S, as this covers the maximum range of declination of the sun, the moon, and the planets.