The online class "Lunars: Finding Longitude by Lunar Distance" was a very interesting introduction to the esoteric history of lunars as practiced at sea in the pre chronometer 18th century tall ship era. Practical instruction was also done demonstrating the physical process of observing a lunar with a sextant followed by a how to lunar sight reduction example using a pocket calculator, formulae, and tables. A very rewarding experience.
Greg Rudzinski
Retired Merchant Mariner
SUNY Maritime class of 80
ATLANTIC or PACIFIC session?
Workshops are scheduled as ATLANTIC or PACIFIC for the convenience of navigators nearer the Atlantic Ocean or nearer the Pacific Ocean.
This year ATL or ATLANTIC online sessions run from 10:00am to 4:00pm US Eastern time on Saturday and Sunday. This corresponds to 1400 - 2000 UT and may be convenient for those joining from longitudes ranging from about 30°E to 135°W. The choice is yours. If you follow a schedule with exotic hours, don't feel bound by the geographic name of the session!
This year PAC or PACIFIC online sessions run from 8:00pm to 11:45pm US Eastern time which is 5:00pm to 8:45pm US Pacific time (PDT). This corresponds to 0000-0345 UT (next calendar day) and may be convenient for those joining anywhere from longitude 60°W across all of North America, past the dateline (180° W) and as far into Asian longitudes as 120°E. NOTE: PAC sessions are scheduled for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday evenings in US time zones which cross into the next calendar day by UT, as well as in longitudes further east in the Pacific and east Asia.
Find your longitude on the map. Are you in New Zealand or Australia or Japan? Then a PAC of PACIFIC session is right for you. Are you in Europe or eastern Brazil or the Canadian maritimes? Then an ATL or ATLANTIC session would be more convenient for you. Are you in New England or most of Canada or California? Then you might find either an ATLANTIC or a PACIFIC session convenient and feasible. And don't feel bound by geography. If you have an unusual schedule, choose the option that suits your hours.
If you're registered for an online workshop, you will be invited to attend hour-long sextant practical sessions in Rhode Island and Connecticut scheduled as weather and other conditions permit. These live, in-person sessions are included in your registration for online classes.
All workshops created and taught by Frank Reed.
Comments:
Greg Rudzinski wrote: 6👍
Samuel S Lyness wrote: 8👍
Frank, a wonderful course in Lunars. I learned a lot. I admire your teaching skills and your astounding fund of knowledge. I would wish to emulate your style of instruction. Best regards, hope to sign up for your course in Cel. Nav. in Age of Sailing.
Sam Lyness
Sam Lyness
Philip M. Sadler wrote: 85👍
What a joyful and stimulating experience to enroll in Frank Reed's class, Celestial Navigation: 19th Century Methods. Frank is a skillful and engaging teacher, able to draw students into this fascinating subject, whether they be novice or experienced. His depth of knowledge is tremendous. Participants get a real taste of what it was like to be aboard a sailing ship of the day. I learned much to enliven my own teaching and decode 19th century ship's logs. It is a rare experience, indeed, to have so much thoughtfulness, enthusiasm, and fun packed into two days. This is the way to learn!
Philip M. Sadler, Ed.D.
F.W. Wright Senior Lecturer in Celestial Navigation
Harvard University Astronomy Department
Cambridge, MA
Philip M. Sadler, Ed.D.
F.W. Wright Senior Lecturer in Celestial Navigation
Harvard University Astronomy Department
Cambridge, MA
