The problem of determining the length before the existence of the mechanisms of global positioning

The problem of determining the length before the existence of the mechanisms of global positioning (GPS) and modern computer systems offered an interesting challenge for scientists around the world who devoted great efforts to investigate a fast and convenient method to find the coordinates. The first approaches to the solution back in time Ptolemy (150 ddC) in order to locate it on a map primitive major cities grandfather clock repair of the time defined a spherical coordinate system, consisting of meridians and parallels, determining the origin of latitude in Ecuador and the length so that will happen by then called "Fortunate Islands". This reference system has changed over time, but only has changed the location of the origin of the length to the current location, grandfather clock repair located in Greenwich (UK). The determination of the latitude entails serious problems for travelers, measuring the duration grandfather clock repair of the day or the height of the sun or some known stars above the horizon can be calibrated with good approximation. However, to determine the length grandfather clock repair is necessary to know the local time, as this varies depending on the length of the considered point, so if you compare the difference between the time of origin of a reference point with the Local hour time difference can make this difference in length, knowing that every hour represents 15 degrees of deviation. The problem of determining the length of the ships was especially problematic because due to temperature variations, vibrations and changes grandfather clock repair of direction, humidity and other atmospheric factors is particularly difficult to maintain a reference time point and therefore difficult to determine the length. These difficulties slowed the process of exploration at sea, despite the good maps and excellent navigational instruments. With the expansion of colonization grandfather clock repair and development naval corresponding increase was the need to know the position of a ship at sea with precision to avoid clashes with islands wrecks and other problems of navigation little known lands, causing a massive interest in the naval powers, large amounts of money allocated to research this problem anyone who is permitted to offer a feasible and useful method of obtaining the length of the sea. After a detailed analysis of the various alternatives grandfather clock repair were proposed, a method based on astronomical and the other watches. grandfather clock repair Regarding the astronomical method was based on careful observation of the sky, with determinations of the distance between the stars and the moon and the predictions of eclipses by Jupiter, method developed by Galileo. However, the astronomical method grandfather clock repair had problems because they could not always required to observe the stars and sometimes the weather conditions prevented determinations, and the accuracy of the determinations was scarce in most cases. The alternative method was astronomical watch. Had designed clockworks able to keep the port when starting with high accuracy compared to this time after the local and thus find the length, although grandfather clock repair this problem was unattainable for the time clocks. It was not until the seventeenth century that were created pendulum clocks with an accuracy sufficient, although these trips marine pendulums were affected by the movement of waves and Huygens was the first to patent the spiral spring for watches so that the watches were produced more stable front vibration.
Sublime article. When you spoke to at the beginning of 15º deviation time difference not entennie fine calculation, but I guess the fact that 15 360 be multiplied by 24, is no accident ... In my humble opinion, is one of the best articles has been written on this blog on April 29, 2009, 14:06
Obviously, the ratio of the length grandfather clock repair of the difference is not incidental, and is calculated from the relationship you have named, considering grandfather clock repair that the earth does a 360 degree turn in 24 hours, it is a turn of 15 degrees per hour. In the coming days I will write the continuation of this article on the beginnings grandfather clock repair of watchmaking precision. April 29, 2009, 15:36
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