"Not fit for purpose"

[Tim Marlow]

Yep, determining the diameter of the earth, then using that to derive the diameter of the moon were the really clever bits! Really intelligent chaps those Ancient Greeks.

[Guest]

Also how do you keep the moon still while measuring.

Another factor.

[Guest]

how do you keep the moon still while measuring.

You set the origin of your coordinate system at the centre of the moon, of course.

[Gern]

.... and I just wanted to know what 2+2/2 was! Good stuff.

[Allen Dewire]

You and me both Dave! A most fascinating thread though and I have learned a few things along the way too. I now know that the moon is really only about 250 kms away and I can now count to more than 20 without having to take off my shoes.......

I guess the only question still open is.......................Does 2 + 2 still = 4, or has that too changed since I was in school.........................

Prost
Allen

PS, does anybody still use the gazinta method???

[Guest]

You set the origin of your coordinate system at the centre of the moon, of course.

Ha Ha but the centre moves at the same rate as the perimeter.

[Tim Marlow]

Ha Ha but the centre moves at the same rate as the perimeter.

But the moon had to be moving to measure it’s diameter……they compared the diameter of the moon to that of the earth as the earth’s shadow moved across it during eclipses …..

[Guest]

But the moon had to be moving to measure it’s diameter……they compared the diameter of the moon to that of the earth as the earth’s shadow moved across it during eclipses …..

Fefering Tim to it moving thro space not revolving.

Theodolite is the answer. Even the Ancient Mariner used one.

The harbour-bay was clear as glass,
So smoothly it was strewn!
And on the bay the moonlight lay,
And the shadow of the Moon.

Samuel Taylor Coleridge

[Tim Marlow]

Theodolite doesn’t work that well in the Himalayas though Laurie, the gravity exerted by the mountains pulls the plumbob off centre :tongue-out3:
Mind you, we were in Greece so that’s irrelevant LOL.
The moon is in a captive orbit so movement of both earth and moon will be synchronous.

[Guest]

Theodolite doesn’t work that well in the Himalayas though Laurie, the gravity exerted by the mountains pulls the plumbob off centre :tongue-out3:
Mind you, we were in Greece so that’s irrelevant LOL.
The moon is in a captive orbit so movement of both earth and moon will be synchronous.

Well you will have to come to Jersey Tim. We will find you an up to date optical & digital Theodolite.
Plus a operative, my son in law, who is a civil engineer.

This is of course where 2+2 ÷2 comes in. He is good at that. Keeps suggesting that I play him at chess.
I know he just wants to bragg he beat me which is not difficult


Laurie

[Guest]

PS, does anybody still use the gazinta method???

Only on Palm Sunday

[minitnkr]

Gazoutas & gazintas were highly technical engineering terms in developing electronic components & business equipment when I worked in a factory.

[outrunner]

My head hurts!

Andy.

[Guest]

Decided for tomorrows lunch I am going to have this amount of grilled sardines on toast.

2 + 3 ÷ 2 =

[Jon Heptonstall]

This is fascinating.Can any one join in?