That's an interesting suggestion about the satellite dish.
I have a tv dish now, which is aimed at a geostationary satellite.
I think if I go measure its' inclination from the north/south horizon
and its' inclination from the east/west horizon I can determine my
location. It is easy to figure which satellite it is, so I can get an
accurate longitude for my location.
I think all geostationary satellites are positioned over the equator,
so latitude is an easy find.
Of course it's easy to buy a gps device, but where is the fun in that?
And how will we get around after the nuclear winter when all
electronic gadgets stop working?
Roger W. Sinnott wrote:
Brent,
Yes, I think you *could* determine your longitude by observing a
geosynchronous satellite whose location was known. There would be some
uncertainty if it wanders a little. Much more important, however, is
figuring out which geosynchronous satellite you are looking at. You'd
probably have to aim a dish at it and see what TV stations you get.
-- Roger
----- Original Message ----- From: "Brent" <[email protected]>
To: "Sundial List" <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, December 09, 2010 3:17 PM
Subject: stop the earth
I have been wondering why I can determine my latitude using simple
tools but not my longitude? The earth is a sphere, I would think if
you can determine one you can determine both.
The problem with calculating longitude seems to be the earth is
rotating on its' axis. If the earth stopped spinning, the sun would
not rise and set but stay put, and then I could determine the angle of
the sun from my horizon and thus determine my longitude.
Well that's not going to happen anytime soon. But if I could see a
geostationary satellite I could essentially do the same thing don't
you think?
I have seen orbiting satellites at dusk many times but does anyone
know if you can see geostationary satellites with the naked eye?
thanks;
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