The primary task of nautical astronomy is to determine a ship’s position at sea by measuring the altitudes of celestial bodies. The astronomical method of observation offers many advantages: it is universally accessible, fully autonomous, and sufficiently accurate for open sea navigation. However, this method requires specialized training, both for conducting observations and for performing calculations.
The proposed software package is designed to automate the computational processes involved in determining location using the astronomical method.
Purchase
The software package is provided on a secure flash drive with an embedded serial key. For purchase inquiries, please contact us via Telegram.
Package Contents
The package includes the following programs:
- Astroblank;
- Astronomical almanac;
- Sunrise;
- StarFinder;
- TVA (ТВА): ТВА-52, ТВА-57;
- Position;
- Auxiliary celestial sphere;
- Datum;
- Calendarium.
Astronomical almanac
The program Astronomical almanac is designed to calculate the equatorial and horizontal coordinates of celestial bodies, as well as other auxiliary values required in nautical astronomy. It serves as a replacement for the Nautical Almanac or its equivalents.
Astroblank
Calculations for observation based on the altitudes of celestial bodies can be performed quickly and accurately on a computer, but manual calculations using tables hold an important place in a navigator’s training. Manual calculations require special practice. This program is designed to check manual calculations.
The program functions as a blank Sh-8B (Ш-8Б, in Russian) form where you only need to enter the initial data for the task. Originally intended for instructors of nautical astronomy, it can also be used by students for self-checking.
The algorithms for calculating the equatorial coordinates of celestial bodies are the same as those in the Astroblank program, but with a simulation of manual calculations according to the Nautical Almanac. The computation of horizontal coordinates and the correction of celestial altitudes also mimic manual calculations, i.e., with some errors. Therefore, it is not advisable to use this program for practical observation, although the difference in the final result from accurate calculations is negligible.
For instructors of nautical astronomy and flagship navigators, this program comes with example problems for group use. Problems for other combinations of celestial bodies or for different years can be provided separately upon request, including in text format.
Sunrise
The program is designed to calculate solar and lunar illumination phenomena for a specified location and time zone. It includes the capability to print the results.
StarFinder
The program is designed to identify celestial bodies (stars and planets) based on measured altitude and azimuth.
ТVА (ТВА)
The program is designed for self-assessment during training in calculating the horizontal coordinates of celestial bodies using TVA-52 (ТВА-52, in Russian) or TVA-57 (ТВА-57, in Russian) tables. The program simulates manual calculations using these tables.
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Position
The program is for calculation a ship’s position based on lines of position.
Auxiliary celestial sphere
The Auxiliary celestial sphere is designed for approximate solutions in nautical astronomy and simulates the apparent motion of celestial bodies.
Primary Version
Extended Version of the Auxiliary Celestial Sphere.
The first part of the program (in the horizontal system of spherical coordinates) simulates the apparent daily motion of the Sun, mean Sun, Moon, and the Earth’s shadow on the Moon’s orbit, as well as Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, and six additional arbitrary celestial objects (stars) whose coordinates are manually input.
The second part of the program (in the equatorial system of spherical coordinates) simulates the apparent annual motion of the Sun and mean Sun, the apparent monthly motion of the Moon, and the apparent motion of the planets.
Additionally, this program can be used to solve problems related to time conversion between different timekeeping systems. The calculations use Greenwich Mean Time (GMT); local time for any given longitude; true solar time; standard time for a specified longitude; time for any time zone; and true local sidereal time for a given longitude.
Legacy Version
In addition, the software package includes the legacy version of the Auxiliary celestial sphere.
Datum
The program is designed for converting geodetic coordinates between WGS-84, Pulkovo-42 (SK-42 reference system by Feodosy Krasovsky), Earth Parameters-90 (ПЗ-90.11, in Russian), and national coordinate systems. It also performs conversion between geodetic coordinates and topographic coordinates in the Gauss projection and vice versa.
Calendarium
The Gregorian calendar, introduced in 1582 (and in Russia in 1918), is currently used as the international calendar. However, various countries also use other calendars in addition to the international one. This program is designed to match dates across some of the most commonly used calendars today:
- Gregorian calendar;
- Julian calendar (Old Style);
- Islamic calendar (Hijri calendar);
- Chinese lunisolar calendar;
- Hebrew lunisolar calendar.
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