(FX-602P) Position Directly from Observations of Two Celestial Bodies

[SlideRule]

An extract from A Numerical Method for Computing the Craft's Position Directly from Observations of Two Celestial Bodies or Simulation Method, Numerical Methods in Astronomical Navigation, International Hydrographic Review, LX (2), July 1983

"This article will try to demonstrate a new method and a new approach to the perennial problem of determining a craft’s position by observation of celestial bodies. This method has been called the “Simulation Method”, as in our calculations the latitude is simulated until the actual one is determined. The simulated latitude can differ considerably from a craft’s actual latitude without any adverse effect on the calculation and final result. We need not simulate longitude to determine the craft’s position; however, by simulating it, too, we could shorten our program considerably. Once we have computed latitude, longitude is easily found.
…
For computing the craft’s position i.e.. latitude and longitude, by this method we can use any programmable calculator, or even a simple, non-programmable one, but in the latter case we have to work out our problem step by step. If we use a sophisticated calculator with sufficient memory we can incorporate data which we would normally obtain from an almanac.
For this work, the Japanese made “CASIO FX-602P” programmable calculator has been used …"

The background information (theory, equations etc.) merit a perusal in their own right AND the program/algorithm has potential for 'other' platforms.

BEST!
SlideRule

[Archilog]

Very interesting, many thanks. It seems my 602 was waiting for this program!