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Astronomy/Can an ordinary person determine the day of the vernal equinox for themselves by simple means?

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Expert: - 6/26/2011


Question
A follow-up question...

>> Yeah, that sounds good to me, except I prefer the "due West setting"
>> or due East rising, so I don't have to wait all year.

I briefly considered that, but I have a problem with suggestions of observing the sun to rise or set due east or due west, respectively -- unless one were at the equator. It seems you would get different results (i.e., different days) depending upon your latitude. Please explain this.

Thanks.

Answer
Yea, that involves some complicated spherical trigonometry... which is way beyond my knowledge of mathematics. So you'll have to go to a math major for that one. (I've seen that question already answered once before by "math knowledgeable" astronomy allexperts, so I know it can be done by others who know their spherical trig).
Clear Skies,
Tom

PS... but now, of course, you are no longer talking about an "ordinary person"... as was your original question.  

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Tom Whiting

Expertise

Astronomy has been my hobby/pasttime for over 50 years.  Currently own 3 telescopes, the largest of which is a 30 inch Newtonian truss Dob that is portable.I taught Astronomy/Meteorology at the University Level for 13 years before retiring in 1995. Being retired and home most of the time, I am able to answer all questions relatively quickly, unless it's a new moon weekend with good observing conditions.  No astrology questions please, or questions about alleged UFO picture identifications.

Experience

Experience: Astronomy has been my hobby and study for over 50 years. We currently now own a 30 inch portable telescope (Updated - Pennsylvania`s largest portable telescope). It can be seen on our website at:http://www.velocity.net/~bwhiting and also attend several regional starparties during the year, and have been on 5 total solar eclipse expeditions.

Organizations: President, Erie County Mobile Observers Group for over 15 years.

Publications: Wrote the "Over Erie Skies" newspaper article in our local newspaper for 11 years (1975-86).

Education: Masters Degree- Taught at the University level for 13 years. Retired 20 years -USAF Pilot - KC-135 with 180 combat missions;  Also Eagle Scout, Philmont staff 2 Yrs, Order of Arrow Lodge Chief, Ham Radio (inactive).

Awards: two discoveries: The mini-coathanger asterism in Ursa Minor (the little dipper) And the mini-ladle- another asterism in the bowl of Ursa Minor. Clients: Currently President of the ECMOG as mentioned above.

Education/Credentials
BS  Metallurgical Engineering Grove City College, PAMaster's Degree, Gannon University, Erie, PA Also retired USAF pilot, 20 years.

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