Folks,
Roger's comment re sun compasses is correct and also applies
partially to Antarctica.
Up to at least the 1970s, ANARE (Australian National Antarctic
Research Expeditions) used surplus military Astro Compasses on
over-ice traverses.
When I wintered at Davis Station 68o 35' S 78o 00'E, we used
magnetic compasses ALL the time. All I had to do was remember that
the deviation was 78o W (I think it was west!). At times, this caused
some interesting discussions about directions!
Altho the large deviation was inconvenient, it was not really a
problem.
Of course, GPSs have ended all that!
John
Dr John Pickard
Senior Lecturer, Environmental Planning
Graduate School of the Environment
Macquarie University, NSW 2109 Australia
Phone + 61 2 9850 7981 (work)
+ 61 2 9482 8647 (home)
Fax + 61 2 9850 7972 (work)
