a)what if you were a polynesian \"wayfinder\"(navigator) and did not use a compa

Question

a)what if you were a polynesian "wayfinder"(navigator) and did not use a compass but you used measurements of a star's altitude made using your hand and fingers to determine when you were on the correct latitude to make "land fall". For example, to sail to Hawaii from the south, the wayfind would watch the Southern Cross descend as she sailed north until the bottom star is 6 degrees above the horizon(the same distance as between the two stars in the long arm of the Southern Cross). I estimate that someone familiar with this technique could determine the altitude of the bottom star in the Southern Cross(or any other star close to the horizon) to an accuracy of 1/2 degree. Calculate the accuracy in latitude that this traditional observing techique yields. Show work.

Explanation / Answer

The southern cross is always above the horizon and it can seen all year round in the southern hemisphere. In the southern hemisphere , Southern cross constellation is formed by the five stars with four brighter stars forming a cross. Identify the two stars that form the long axis of the cross. Then extend a line through the long axis of the cross. About 4 and 1/2 times the length of this long axis is directly above south. Drawing the lines between the two stars of this cross piece will point towards the Alpha Centauri, which is the closest star to the earth.

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