Abstract
THE growing importance of astronomical observation in air navigation, as a result of the increasing range of aircraft, is reflected by the recent publication of an “Air Almanac”, specially designed to meet the requirements of air navigation. The “Abridged Nautical Almanac” already gives to the surface navigator the astronomical data required to an accuracy of 0·1´ or 0·2´, but involves certain interpolations and conversions that can be avoided in an almanac catering only for one tenth of this accuracy, which is that appropriate to the conditions of observation with a bubble sextant in aircraft. This lower degree of accuracy gives the air navigator his position with all the precision that he needs. His prime requirement is rapidity in the working up of a sight.
The Air Almanac
Prepared by H. M. Nautical Almanac. Office on behalf of the Air Ministry. (Air Publication 1602.) Pp. 16. 2s. 6d. net. Ephemeral Sheets for 1937, October 1 to December 31. (Air Publication 1602A.) Pp. 92. 2s. 6d. net. (London: H.M. Stationery Office, 1937.)
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The Air Almanac. Nature 141, 139–140 (1938). https://doi.org/10.1038/141139b0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/141139b0
