Abstract: The present invention discloses an automatic identification method and device for planetary seismograph azimuth angles based on a planetary sundial, comprising: obtaining geographical coordinates of a sundial needle tip and a sundial needle tip shadow relative to a planetary surface; determining a theoretical second solar ray elevation angle and a ray azimuth angle; constructing an objective function according to a first solar ray elevation angle and a ray azimuth angle corresponding to a time for obtaining the sundial needle tip shadow; and taking a minimum objective function as a target for solving a planetary seismograph azimuth angle. The present invention determines the planetary seismograph azimuth angle only by optical photos of a planetary rover or a lander without active vibration devices on supporting legs of the lander, thereby reducing system complexity and reducing weight, volume and power consumption brought by additional devices on the supporting legs of the lander.

Abstract: A method for supporting a user aiming at an object with a telescope includes determining and storing a first object position of the object relative to the telescope when a user aims at the object with the telescope and the telescope is located at a first telescope position, and supporting a user when aiming at the object again with the same telescope based on the stored first object position relative to the telescope.

Abstract: A crime scene is recorded as to the locations of key evidence such as a knife in relation to a victim's body. The criminalist places a stand next to each piece of evidence. An onboard RTK/GNSS receiver displays the latitude, longitude and altitude of each marker. Additional data such as case number, classification of evidence, number assigned to evidence, weather and comments can be entered into the RTK/GNSS device remotely or by a keyboard attached to the marker. A photo is taken of each marker screen. A UAV is launched over the field of evidence. A local transmission of the RTK/GNSS data can be sent to and stored in a portable electronic device. That device can send the data to a UAV and/or to a central computer. The central computer can use the recorded coordinates to visually recreate the crime scene to a jury years later with accurate representation of relational data among all the items of evidence.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an optical adapter for an optical scope. The optical scope includes a tube defining a conduit. The optical adapter is coupled to an end of the tube. The optical adapter defines a proximate end and a distal end. The optical adapter includes a casing defining a longitudinal direction. The casing includes a first wall and a second wall, in which the first wall and the second wall define a first viewing port therebetween. The second wall defines a second viewing port. The optical adapter further includes a hinge coupled to the first wall, a reflecting lens defining a first end separated from a second end in the longitudinal direction, in which the first end is coupled to the hinge, and an actuator coupled to the first wall and to the second end of the reflecting lens. The actuator pivots the reflecting lens about the hinge from a retracted position adjacent to the first wall to an extended position toward the second wall.

Abstract: An optics system, a telescope system, and an optics system for a telescope are provided. The optics system may include a plurality of mirrors arranged around and centered about four orthogonal, rotational axes in a quad-axis Coudé optical path. The rotational axes are consecutively dependent on one another, and the plurality of mirrors direct light to a predetermined region irrespective of an orientation of an incident beam directed to the plurality of mirrors.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an articulated arm coordinate measurement machine can include a plurality of transfer members and a plurality of articulation members connecting the plurality of transfer members to each other to measure an angle between the transfer members. The machine can additionally include at least one coordinate acquisition member positioned at an end of the articulated arm. Further, the machine can include a harness connected to at least one of the group consisting of the transfer members and the articulation members to support at least a portion of the weight of the transfer members and the articulation members. The harness can also be configured to mount to a human.

Abstract: To provide a surveying instrument capable of evaluating tracking performance without using a device other than the surveying instrument. In order to attain the object described above, a surveying instrument includes a tracking section that detects a position of a target from a shot image, a virtual target position calculating section, a virtual tracking section that converts a position of a virtual target as if it was captured by the tracking section, a tracking arithmetic section that handles an output of the virtual tracking section the same as an output of the tracking section and determines rotational movements of a horizontal shaft and a vertical shaft, a motor control section, motors that rotate the horizontal shaft and the vertical shaft, and encoders that detect rotation amounts of the horizontal shaft and the vertical shaft.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a communication system. Particularly disclosed are systems and methods for locating and tracking radio frequency signals and for automatically positioning an antenna to receive a desired radio frequency signal.

Abstract: A tracking device for use when performing astrophotography comprises a guider camera and at least one tilt stage, with the topmost of the tilt stages arranged to support an astrophotography camera and the guider camera. Actuators are coupled to the tilt stages such that the astrophotography and guider cameras can be tilted about three axes. The guider camera and actuators are connected to electronics which include a computer programmed to operate in a calibration mode and a tracking mode. In calibration mode, a calibration procedure determines the effect of each actuator on the positions of at least two objects within the field-of-view (FOV) of the guider camera. In tracking mode, the actuators are operated as needed to maintain the positions of the at least two objects constant within the said FOV.

Abstract: The present invention relates to optical devices for imaging and spectroscopic applications where optical field curvature is a predominant characteristic. In particular, the invention relates to imaging optics and an optical device for mapping a curved image field. The optical device for mapping a curved image field comprises a focal plane array 20 having a plurality of light processing elements 21 and a focal plane adapter 110 mounted in front of the focal plane array 20 configured to transmit the curved image field to the light processing elements 21 of the focal plane array 20.

Abstract: The improvements include an illuminator for a gun comprising a manually manipulated and storable external IR filler with a plurality of radially directed circumferential tabs integrally extending from the frame to allow a manual torque to be applied to the frame to manually screw it into and out of the bezel in the field. A high g-force diaphragm shock mount for the lamp includes a receptacle which positions the longitudinal axis of the lamp on the optical axis of the reflector. The field serviceable lamp assembly is an integrated or modular and sealed unit. A field serviceable electronics module is accessed by removing the rear bezel. The illuminator handle includes a double locked latch lever. A T-Slot to Picatinny adapter allows a SureFire T-rail fitting of the handle to fit a conventional Picatinny rail.

Abstract: An object-finder-mounting apparatus comprises: a base for mounting the object-finder-mounting apparatus to an optical instrument; an object-finder-holder assembly coupled to the base and comprising one or more object-finder holders for removably holding an object finder; a projection plate moveably coupled to the base and/or the object-finder-holder assembly for movement between first and second positions; and a shadow-casting member. The object-finder-mounting apparatus is convertible between first and second working modes. In the first working mode, the projection plate is moved to the first position which permits use of the object finder held by the object-finder holders to locate objects. In the second working mode, the object finder is removed from the object-finder holders and the projection plate is moved to the second position. In the second working mode, the shadow-casting member casts a shadow onto the projection plate when the optical instrument is directed toward a luminous object.

Abstract: A method of azimuth determination includes determination of local star time and latitude, where the azimuth determination unit is fixed at an object and oriented relative to the local horizon or the vertical; two or more celestial bodies with known coordinates are selected among visible celestial bodies and the line of sight is aimed at celestial bodies in turn, after that elevations over the horizon or zenith ranges to celestial bodies, horizontal angles between bodies are measured and measured times are recorded; and local star time, site latitude and azimuth are calculated. An apparatus for azimuth determination comprising an orientation unit to orient relative to the local horizon or the vertical line, an optical unit to aim at point light sources, a horizontal angle measurement unit, an elevation measurement unit, a time measurement unit and a computation unit, characterized in that orientation, aiming, angle and time measurement units are connected to a computation unit.

Abstract: A method and device are described for defining a pair of position angles needed to measure an angular location of a point in space with respect to a central point using a sphere having surface measurements substantially similar to a Cartesian coordinate system, and a cardinal point with a pair of angular coordinates thereof that represent the pair of position angles. The method may also be performed using a substantially Cartesian two dimensional surface wherein the diameter of the sphere divided by the fractional length of the coordinate along the X and Y axes provides the X and Y angular values of the pair of position angles, respectively. Such features enable use of this method for simplification of computational tasks, as well as more readily understandable graphics and devices regarding the position, trajectory, and orientation of an object in space.

Abstract: A system and method for improving the survivability of space systems following a High Altitude Nuclear Explosion (HANE) incident resulting in energetic electrons being trapped in the inner radiation belt of Earth is disclosed. The ULF electromagnetic waves is generated by space or ground based transmitters and the frequency range is selected such that the injected waves are in gyrofrequency resonance with trapped energetic particles. The Radiation Belt Remediation (RBR) depends on the wave-number of the injected waves and the wave-number of the injected waves increases along their propagation path when they approach the cyclotron frequency of the dominant or minority ions 0+, He+ and H+.

Abstract: A system for determining the orientation of a fixture relative to the Earth includes at least one sensor configured to detect a celestial body and provide signals indicative of a plurality of positions of a detected celestial body relative to the sensor over a period of time. The system further includes a processor configured to receive information relating to a time and date associated with the period of time during which the celestial body is detected, and information relating to an expected relationship between the detected celestial body and the Earth at the time and date. The processor is further configured to determine the orientation of the fixture relative to the Earth based on signals from the at least one sensor, and the information relating to the time and date and the expected relationship between the detected celestial body and the Earth at the time and date.

Abstract: A method of azimuth determination includes determination of local star time and latitude, where the azimuth determination unit is fixed at an object and oriented relative to the local horizon or the vertical; two or more celestial bodies with known coordinates are selected among visible celestial bodies and the line of sight is aimed at celestial bodies in turn, after that elevations over the horizon or zenith ranges to celestial bodies, horizontal angles between bodies are measured and measured times are recorded; and local star time, site latitude and azimuth are calculated. An apparatus for azimuth determination comprising an orientation unit to orient relative to the local horizon or the vertical line, an optical unit to aim at point light sources, a horizontal angle measurement unit, an elevation measurement unit, a time measurement unit and a computation unit, characterized in that orientation, aiming, angle and time measurement units are connected to a computation unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a quasi-uniaxial solar trajectory tracking transit system including a canopy, a case, a first positioning ring, a second positioning ring and a pole. The canopy is a transparent hemisphere marked with a graduation line indicating elevation angles. The first positioning ring is a hollow body for receiving the second positioning ring. The two sides of the positioning ring have an axle respectively to connect with the case. The second positioning ring is a hollow fan-shape body for receiving the positioning pole. The second positioning ring has an axle perpendicular to the two sides of the axles of the first positioning ring for connecting to the first positioning ring thereby. The flange of the second positioning ring has a groove, and the central of the second positioning ring has an axle. A partial of positioning pole is hollow as a hollow pole and the other partial of the positioning pole is solid as a solid pole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a quasi-uniaxial solar trajectory tracking transit system including a canopy, a case, a first positioning ring, a second positioning ring and a pole. The canopy is a transparent hemisphere marked with a graduation line indicating elevation angles. The first positioning ring is a hollow body for receiving the second positioning ring. The two sides of the positioning ring have an axle respectively to connect with the case. The second positioning ring is a hollow fan-shape body for receiving the positioning pole. The second positioning ring has an axle perpendicular to the two sides of the axles of the first positioning ring for connecting to the first positioning ring thereby. The flange of the second positioning ring has a groove, and the central of the second positioning ring has an axle. A partial of positioning pole is hollow as a hollow pole and the other partial of the positioning pole is solid as a solid pole.

Abstract: A pointing device adapted to allow a user to set a pointing arrow to point towards another location, such as a city in another country. The pointing arrow is adapted to not point in a direction along the surface of the earth but to point accurately through the Earth. An apparatus including a pointing device and a calculation portion adapted to allow the user to determine how to point the pointing arrow towards the desired location. The calculation portion may include an electronic device and may include the use of a global computer network.

Abstract: A skyline imaging system includes an image sensor and an inclination reference coupled to the image sensor. The inclination reference provides a righting moment for the image sensor and establishes a predetermined orientation for the image sensor relative to the Earth's gravity vector. A heading reference determines an azimuth heading for the image sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a quasi-uniaxial solar trajectory tracking transit system including a canopy, a case, a first positioning ring, a second positioning ring and a positioning pole. The canopy is a transparent hemisphere marked with a graduation line indicating elevation angles. The first positioning ring is a hollow body for receiving the second positioning ring. The two sides of the positioning ring have an axle respectively to connect with the case. The second positioning ring is a hollow fan-shape body for receiving the positioning pole. The second positioning ring has an axle perpendicular to the two sides of the axles of the first positioning ring for connecting to the first positioning ring thereby. The flange of the second positioning ring has a groove, and the central of the second positioning ring has an axle. A partial of positioning pole is hollow as a hollow pole and the other partial of the positioning pole is solid as a solid pole.

Abstract: A skyline imaging system includes an image sensor and an inclination reference coupled to the image sensor. The inclination reference provides a righting moment for the image sensor and establishes a predetermined orientation for the image sensor relative to the Earth's gravity vector. A heading reference determines an azimuth heading for the image sensor.

Abstract: A calendar indicating device can include easy placement through a north-south block (1) to orient an equinox line (3) to provide sunrise shadow indications of one or more solstice events such as the summer solstice or the winter solstice at the moment of sunrise. Designs can be based on remnants of artifacts that included some of the possible components, even for prehistoric man, in one integral stone device built from a stone base (2). Embodiments may include sunset indicator(s), solar altitude indicator(s), indicators for the maximum solar altitudes on the summer and/or winter solstice dates, and alignment aid(s).

Abstract: A skyline imaging system includes an image sensor and an inclination reference coupled to the image sensor. The inclination reference provides a righting moment for the image sensor and establishes a predetermined orientation for the image sensor relative to the Earth's gravity vector. A heading reference determines an azimuth heading for the image sensor.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a signal processing method for multi aperture sun sensor comprising the following steps: reading the information of sunspots in a row from a centroid coordinate memory, judging the absence of sunspots in that row, identifying the row and column index of the sunspots in the complete row, selecting the corresponding calibration parameter based on the row and column index, calculating attitude with the attitude calculation module the corresponding to identified sunspots, averaging the accumulated attitude of all sunspots and outputting the final attitude. At the same time, a signal processing device for multi aperture sun sensor is also presented. It is comprised of a sunspot absence judgment and an identification module and an attitude calculation module. The disclosure implements the integration of sun sensors without additional image processor or attitude processor, reduces field programmable gate array resource and improves the reliability of sun sensors.

Abstract: A measurement device comprising a horizontal track, at least one self-leveling foot coupled to the horizontal track, a hemispherical track coupled to the horizontal track, a movable sensor unit coupled to the hemispherical track, and a connector disposed on the hemispherical track for taking measurements on the ground.

Abstract: A skyline imaging system includes an image sensor and an inclination reference coupled to the image sensor. The inclination reference provides a righting moment for the image sensor and establishes a predetermined orientation for the image sensor relative to the Earth's gravity vector. A heading reference determines an azimuth heading for the image sensor.

Abstract: A hand-held electronic celestial object-locating device assists in identifying a celestial object or directing a user to a desired celestial object. The device is useful for locating or identifying any celestial object including stars, constellations, planets, comets, asteroids, artificial satellites, and deep sky objects to name a few. The device utilizes sensors for 3-axis magnetic field and 3-axis gravitational field detection. The device utilizes a processor and an electronic database to perform the required calculations. The device's database may be updated through access to the Internet through which the updates may be purchased.

Abstract: Celestial object location devices with sensor arrays of having less that one sensor for each of three orthogonal components of gravity and magnetic field vectors. The accuracy of position sensing is enhanced by estimating “missing” sensor input based on input from two orthogonal sensors provided, or determined with limitations from the two gravitational sensors provided.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for tracking the geographic location. In one aspect, a method includes receiving timed magnetic field information descriptive of a magnetic field to which a magnetometer was subject, the magnetic field information having been collected while the magnetometer was associated with an animal, receiving timed longitude information descriptive of a longitude position of the animal, the longitude information having been collected while the magnetometer was associated with the animal, and matching the longitude information that is relevant to a first time to the magnetic field information that is relevant to the first time to determine a geographic location of the animal at the first time.

Abstract: A sighting device may be used to identify and/or locate remote celestial and/or terrestrial objects. The device may include one or more gravity sensors and one or more magnetic sensors that are used to determine the direction in which the device is aimed. Once the aiming direction is determined, a device control system may be used to access an object database and determine a likely candidate object on or near the aiming direction. The device may include capability to output audiovisual information related to the object. The device may be configured to provide audiovisual commands that direct the user to point the device toward a desired or target location, thereby allowing the user to locate objects with unknown positions. The device may be used as a control system for telescopes and other optical devices.

Abstract: A celestial object locating device according to the present disclosure enables a user to unambiguously identify one or more stars or other celestial objects. The celestial object locating device may also direct a user to a desired celestial object or objects. The device may be useful for locating or identifying stars, constellations, and deep sky objects without knowing a users location or time of day. The celestial object locating device determines the angle between selected visible stars and compares these angles to angles between known stars to determine the location of all other stars. The device includes a 3-axis magnetic field sensor and a 3-axis gravitational field sensor that operate with a processor and an electronic database to perform the required calculations. The device's database may be updated using any suitable method such as flash drives, network connections or other.

Abstract: Disclosed is a celestial identification device. According to some embodiments, the device includes a housing, a positioning sensor, and a light generator structured to generate an indicator beam that can be pointed at celestial objects. The positioning sensor can include sensors to determine altitude and azimuth of the device. The light generator can be a laser and mounted to a moveable pivot or deflected by mirrors and/or lenses such that the light beam points in a different direction than the housing. The device can be coupled to a feedback device, such as an audio player to communicate information about celestial objects to a user. The device can also contain or be coupled to a database of celestial objects such that, when combined with the positional data of the device, can determine at which object the device is pointing.

Abstract: A system and method for navigation utilizing sources of pulsed celestial radiation are provided. A spacecraft, satellite, or other vehicle (12) has a pulse sensor (22) mounted thereto for detecting signal pulses (14) generated by a plurality of pulsars or other celestial objects (16). The detected signal pulses (14) are synchronously averaged at the known period of the pulsar or other celestial object (16) with respect to a timer (24). Timer (24) measures the pulse time of arrival at the pulse sensor (22) by comparing the pulse signal (14) with a pulse shape template (52), and a processing means (30) calculates the offset time between the measured pulse time of arrival at sensor (22) with a calculated pulse time of arrival at the solar system barycenter (SSBC).

Abstract: Celestial object location devices with sensor arrays of having less that one sensor for each of three orthogonal components of gravity and magnetic field vectors. The accuracy of position sensing is enhanced by estimating “missing” sensor input based on input from two orthogonal sensors provided, or determined with limitations from the two gravitational sensors provided.

Abstract: From a plurality of pictures 1-1 through 1-3 captured at successive time intervals, pictures 2-1 through 2-3 of regions determined in accordance with the movement of the celestial object are cut out. By deriving median values in regard to the same pixels in each of the cut-out pictures 2-1 through 2-3, a median value picture 3-1 is created. By deriving median values, the influence of large numbers of fixed starts that hinder the detection of the moving celestial object that moves in the cut-out pictures is eliminated, and only the moving celestial object is permitted to remain. When deriving median value, pixel values indicating singular values are eliminated in advance, so that the effects of the images of large bright light sources and the lost pixels that output no pixel values are effectively reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for setting up a satellite dish to receive satellite signals, including television satellite signals, with precise positioning and aiming of the satellite dish, including determination of a clear line of sight, azimuth orientation, elevation angle and skew or tilt angle. The apparatus includes a line of sight mechanism removably attachable to a satellite dish.

Abstract: A hand-held electronic celestial object-locating device assists in identifying a celestial object or directing a user to a desired celestial object. The device is useful for locating or identifying any celestial object including stars, constellations, planets, comets, asteroids, artificial satellites, and deep sky objects to name a few. The device utilizes sensors for 3-axis magnetic field and 3-axis gravitational field detection. The device utilizes a processor and an electronic database to perform the required calculations. The device's database may be updated through access to the Internet through which the updates may be purchased.

Abstract: Celestial object location devices with sensor arrays of having less that one sensor for each of three orthogonal components of gravity and magnetic field vectors. The accuracy of position sensing is enhanced by estimating “missing” sensor input based on input from two orthogonal sensors provided, or determined with limitations from the two gravitational sensors provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for finding and identifying objects in a nighttime sky which includes templates which may represent the form of constellations and a means of holding said templates positioned to orient and identify the names of celestial bodies while looking at them. The present device is viewed simultaneously and directly in line with the stars, thus if two or three stars of the constellation are lined up, all of the stars will be lined up, including those stars too dim to be seen with the naked eye in the given light conditions. To compensate for the dome of the sky, only one area of the sky will be viewed at a time. Additionally, the present device allows the observer to see the lines connecting the stars to make up a given constellation, asterism, or other such grouping at the same time as the stars.

Abstract: A device for determining the suitability of a communications satellite antenna reception device site has a bubble level and inclinometer for orienting the device vertically and horizontally. The device also carries a magnetic compass and an azimuth dial for establishing orientation relative to magnetic North and True North. The device also carries a declination slider and an inclinometer for establishing celestial declination of a satellite spacecraft. A viewing lens is used to observe obstructions, or the lack thereof, along the line of site between the antenna reception device and the satellite spacecraft.

Abstract: Sun sensors or position sensors may be used to determine the angular location of the sun or other object with respect to the sensor. The sun sensor provides high resolution over a wide field of regard. A position or sun sensor comprises a sensor housing, a plurality of pinholes formed In the sensor housing, a detector mounted within the housing and a method of processing the information detected. The detector is mounted in the sensor housing. Each pinhole has a field of view and the detector receives the images from each field of view. Each field of view is defined by the position of the pinhole relative to the detector. The images are received in an overlay relationship thereby providing a field of regard. The processing method determines the presence and location of an object In a field of regard.

Abstract: A hand-held electronic celestial object-locating device assists in identifying a celestial object or directing a user to a desired celestial object. The device is useful for locating or identifying any celestial object including stars, constellations, planets, comets, asteroids, artificial satellites, and deep sky objects to name a few. The device utilizes sensors for 3-axis magnetic field and 3-axis gravitational field detection. The device utilizes a processor and an electronic database to perform the required calculations. The device's database may be updated through access to the Internet through which the updates may be purchased.

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating a shadow on a scaled figure is presented herein. The apparatus includes a circular disk with a lines corresponding to the declination angle of the earth with respect to the sun at particular dates of the year. The apparatus also includes arcs on the circular disk which correspond to the earth's rotation at particular times of the day. The circular disk can also have a slot to facilitate insertion of a pencil or pen time therein. The circular disk is substantially transparent to enable a user to lay the disk over a scaled figure and make calculations and measurements corresponding to a shadow to be estimated. Also disclosed is a method for estimating a shadow for a structure depicted in a scaled figure. The circular disk is placed over the scaled figure such that the slot in the disk is aligned with an azimuth of the sun so as to trace a shadow line. The circular disk is then reoriented perpendicular to the shadow line so that a scaled height line may be traced.

Abstract: A hand-held electronic celestial object locating device assists in identifying a celestial object or directing a user to a desired celestial object. The device is useful for locating or identifying any celestial object including stars, constellations, planets, comets, asteroids, artificial satellites, and deep sky objects to name a few. The device utilizes sensors for 3-axis magnetic field and 3-axis gravitational field detection. The device utilizes a processor and an electronic database to perform the required calculations. The device's database may be updated through access to the Internet through which the updates may be purchased.

Abstract: In the astrolabe herein, both the rete and the plate rotate, although around different centers. The stars are drawn onto the plate, and the coordinate system is represented by the rete. In contrast to the conventional astrolabe, where the stars and the coordinate system are projected onto a plane parallel with the earth's equator, the improved astrolabe projects stars and the coordinate system using a stereographic projection onto a plane parallel with the plane of the ecliptic. This projection puts the celestial pole at the center of the rete, and the line orthogonal to the ecliptic is projected onto the center of the plate, which points about 23.5 degrees off the earth's axis. As with a conventional astrolabe, the rete is rotated to represent the sidereal motion of the stars. In contrast to the conventional astrolabe, the plate may also be rotated to represent the precession of the earth's axis.

Abstract: A horizontal sundial constructed to accurately tell time at a specific latitude having female threads incorporated into both the north (10) and south (12) sides of the dial plate (6). Threadedly matched male gnomon angle-adjusting bolts (18) serve to raise either the north or the south end of the dial plate and gnomon. This serves to bring the gnomon to the same angle with the horizontal as the latitude of intended use. The female threads (10) & (12) can be located on the face of the dial plate (6) to establish a simple mathematical relationship, such that a one degree change in gnomon elevation will correspond to a whole number of revolutions of the gnomon angle-adjusting bolts (18).

Abstract: An orienting device controls two tilt degrees of freedom of one or more suspended objects by raising supporting cables on one or two sides of the objects while lowering the cables on the opposite sides. Two separately controlled sets of tilt cables adjust two independent tilt degrees of freedom. An example is a stack of solar panels hanging below the gondola of a scientific balloon. The panels are automatically pointed in the same direction by the parallelogram-like arrangement of the cables. By manipulation of the cables, the stack of panels can be pointed in essentially any direction despite rotation of the gondola about the vertical axis in a way that eliminates any twisting of cables or need for slip rings. Additional cables deploy the stack of panels as well as restow them very compactly and securely inside the protective base of the gondola. These deployment/retraction cables are arranged to manipulate the tilt cables to prevent tangling or snagging during restowing.

Abstract: A sight reduction apparatus includes a sextant, a processor, and a nautical almanac, preferably all provided in an unitary housing. The sextant includes a fixed telescope which is pointed at a known celestial body, and a radial arm is moved against an arc graduated in degrees until a mirror mounted on the sextant reflects an image of the horizon down the telescope to coincide with the known celestial body. The angular elevation of the celestial body, corrected for the exact time and date, gives the position of the user on an imaginary circle. The nautical almanac provides essential data for determining the location of a predetermined list of celestial bodies relative to a fixed location. The processor is programmed to determine the position of a user based upon measurements made with respect to two celestial bodies using the sextant and information provided in the nautical almanac and to further provide the position of a user in terms of latitude and longitude.