Nice simple explanation of the principle behind a celestial observation LOP.
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Part of what he is saying formed an important part of Polynesian use of celestial bodies. Altair was an important star to Tahitian navigators who were aware of the GP of the star at various times of the year. Captain James Cook and his officers recorded The Tahitian navigator Tupaia’s ability to establish his position and the direction to sail to various island groups.
His ability to do this degraded the further South the voyage went.
Most navigators have taken high altitude noon sights where taking an altitude 4 minutes before and 4 minutes after meridian passage and plotting the zenith distance (LOP) directly from the GP of the sun gives a position.
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