Celestial Navigation in the GPS Age

by John Karl

Celestial Navigation in the GPS Age by John Karl This revised and expanded edition of this popular CN book now introduces simple tabular sight reductions first, followed by calculator methods for those wishing to take full advantage of their flexibility. Of course it retains the same unprecedented clear and accurate explanation of CN mysteries, such as the role of the assumed position , and how positions and celestial LOPs can be plotted with no assumptions. The section on stars has been expanded, and star and planet identification and viewing have been added. It explains nine special sights, such as Polaris sights, meridian sights, and even sights without a sextant. Lunar distance sights are explained from the ground up, using only basic concepts, with no special formulas or tables. The book has a unique chapter on sextants and their properties, explaining the workings and effects of different horizon mirrors and telescopes, and their associated advantages and disadvantages. Related topics integrating CN with GPS for improving skill and safety; constructing plotting sheets; making superior running fixes; designing special LOPs for landfalls; and performing compass deviation checks at sea. Beginners will like the clear and authoritative explanations, arriving at a complete sight reduction in just 40 pages, accompanied by 72 exercises for plenty of practice and confidence building all in the most comprehensive CN book ever written. Experienced navigators will appreciate the comprehensive fresh treatment of all topics, many never seen elsewhere. SC, 2011, 310 pages.

310 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2007

Reviews

[Jaap · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great fun to read during my daily commute. I even got to the point trying to get a fix from the train. :) (but failed)

[Peter Monroe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an ideal book for those who wish to study and learn the ancient art of celestial navigation. It leads the reader from the earliest practitioners to modern theory, explaining the principles and mathematics used along the way in clear and unambiguous language. The use of unfamiliar acronyms seems a little heavy at times, and some study of the included glossary is necessary, but the reader will soon become used to this.

This is a well written, very well researched book that will open the door to an art that has been overtaken by technology, but still has a place in the modern world.