S-Diagrams for Solving Problems in Astronomical Navigation

Extract

The method described in Schütte's paper is very ingenious and evidently simple in its application; it depends on solving two pairs of equations of identical forms (in terms of different variables) by simple inspection of diagrams constructed in accordance with the first pair of equations. In his paper the author states, with reference to a figure and without proof, the two pairs of equations referred to. It is obvious that the fourth of Schiitte's equations (p. 310) is inconsistent with the figure and with the example he gives on the determination of altitude and ‘azimuth’ (pp. 312, 313). The trouble arises partly from misconception as to the use of the term azimuth. The method deserves a more detailed explanation of the derivation of the formulae and their application.