[24 AZIMUTH]

Chapter 24

AZIMUTH -

THEORY

Explanation of Azimuth (Az)

Azimuth is the bearing of a celestial body, as
illustrated in diagram 1. In this chapter, we will deal
with only True Azimuth. However, while considering
compass error, the Azimuth can be Compass
Azimuth, Magnetic Azimuth or Gyro Azimuth. You are
familiar with compass bearings, magnetic bearings &
gyro bearings after studying chapters 3 & 4.
Diagram 1
Prime
Z Vertical

Vertical
Circle
X
N

W E

Y S Azimuth

Rational Horizon
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Diagram 2
N

W E
Z
Y
Q

S
In diagram 2, on the plane of the Rational Horizon:
NESW are the cardinal directional points of the
rational Horizon.
Z is the Zenith of the observer.
P is the elevated pole.
WZE is the Prime vertical circle.
NZS is the Principal vertical circle.
WQE is the equinoctial.
NP = ZQ = lat of observer.
X is a Celestial Body (CB).
PY is part of the celestial meridian of the CB.
YX is the Declination of the CB
PX is the Polar Distance of the CB.
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ZX is the Zenith Distance of the CB.

PZ is the co-lat of the observer.
Angle ZPX is the LHA of the CB.

Note: P, Z, X, Y & Q are on the surface of the

celestial sphere and not on the flat surface as it
appears in this two-dimensional diagram.

Larger angle PZX is the Azimuth of the CB in the

three-figure notation, about 300 (T) in this case.
Smaller angle PZX is the Azimuth of the CB in the
quadrantal notation, about N60W in this case.

Expression of Azimuth (Az)

You may express Azimuth in the three-figure notation
or in quadrantal form, both of which you have learned
earlier & are very familiar with. Both these forms of
expression are shown in diagram 3 wherein the PZX
triangle is shown under different conditions.
NP & SP are the North & South Celestial poles as
applicable.
CB is shown before & after its meridian passage.
The observer is shown in both, N & S latitudes.

Definition of Azimuth
Azimuth is the arc of the rational horizon, or the angle
at the Zenith, contained between the observers
celestial meridian and the vertical circle passing
through the celestial body.

In the above definition, some sources use the words

Principle vertical circle instead of observers
celestial meridian. That is acceptable because:
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Diagram 3
After meridian Before meridian
passage passage
NP NP

X
Z
Z

Azimuth 300(T) Azimuth 125(T)

or N60W or S55E X
Azimuth 245(T) Azimuth 067(T)
or S65W or N67E X

Z
Z

SP SP

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It will be seen from diagram 2 that the directions ZP &

ZN coincide. However, the words observers celestial
meridian are preferable because the definition fits
directly into the PZX triangle which is used to
calculate Azimuth.

Use of Azimuth to the navigator

Azimuth is useful in two specific areas of celestial
navigation:
Firstly, the calculated or True Azimuth of a celestial
body is compared with the value observed using a
gyro or a magnetic compass. The difference is the
error of the Gyro or the magnetic compass, as the
case may be. Compass error has been thoroughly
covered in Chapters 3, 4 & 5..
Secondly, the True Azimuth is an indication of the
Position Line (PL) or the Line of Position (LOP) on
which the observers position lies. This will be
explained in subsequent lessons.

Calculation of Azimuth
You will study this under the calculations for each CB
sun, stars, planets & moon later in this book.

-o0o-

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