Celestial Navigation (ASA 107)

Celestial Navigation uses the Sun, Planets, Moon and Stars to determine your Latitude and Longitude.

Topics covered:

  1. Explanation of time zones and how to convert standard and zone time to GMT.
  2. The how the sextant works measures the arc from body to horizon.
  3. Index error, dip and altitude correction for Sun, Moon, Stars and Planet.
  4. Calculate time of meridian passage of the Sun for any given Longitude.
  5. Calculation of times of Sunrise, Sunset, and Twilight.
  6. Observers Latitude by Sun noon or twilight Polaris sights.
  7. Construction of a chart from a blank sheet of paper.
  8. Construction of a Universal Plotting Sheet.
  9. Solving the Celestial triangle using H.O. 249 tables.
  10. Solving the Celestial triangle using S-tables (included in the Nautical Almanac so you do not need the H.O. 249 tables).
  11. Determining Latitude and Longitude using any of the following celestial bodies - sun, moon, planets and 53 navigational stars.
  12. Plotting of Celestial L.O.P. on a Universal Plotting Sheet using simultaneous sights or running sight methods.
  13. Determination of Azimuths and Altitude of navigational bodies at twilight.
  14. Calculation of Compass Deviation using Celestial bodies.
  15. Computing Great Circle routes.
  16. Setting up and using an artificial horizon.

Course runs for 9 consecutive weeks. The course costs include the following items (which will be shipped to you prior to the start of the class):

  1. Notes and Power Point presentation slides.
  2. Relevant copies of the following publications - Nautical Almanac (daily pages, increments and S-tables), H.O. 249 (Volume I - Selected Stars and Volume II Lat 000 to 039).
  3. H.O. 249 forms.
  4. Universal Plotting Sheets.
  5. Questions relating to the Lectures and Notes.
  6. Answers to course questions.

Supplies needed:

  1. Rolling Ruler (or Parallel Rules).
  2. Dividers.
  3. Several pencils and a VERY large eraser.
  4. You WILL NOT need a sextant unless you wish to practice at home.

Cost for the 9 week course which begins Wednesday, February 13, 2013 is $469.00.

In Denver, these classes are held at our classroom site, Colorado Executive Club Building.

In Calgary the classes will be held at our Calgary office - #235, 5925 - 12th Street SE, Calgary, AB.

To register Store/Navigation Courses