Saturday, October 27, 2007

ZONE TIME OF LOCAL APPARENT NOON ( LAN )

Local apparent noon (LAN) is a sight taken on the Sun at the instant it transits an observer's meridian. At that time, the Sun is at its highest altitude. The purpose of observing the Sun at LAN is that it allows you to establish your latitude.

ZONE TIME OF LAN

The purpose of determining watch time of LAN is to arrive on the bridge within a few minutes of the time you should take your sight. Since zone time of LAN is based on your dead reckoning (DR) longitude, the exact moment it transits over your meridian will seldom be precisely calculated, but you should be able to figure it real close.

The Greenwich Mean Time of meridian passage, or GMT Mer. Pass, is found on the lower right daily pages of the "Nautical Almanac" just below the sunset table. This is also the time that the Sun will be over any standard meridian, no matter what zone you maybe in. Be sure that you use the page for the right date.