FIELDWORK 5 : SOLAR AZIMUTH

I. Introduction
Solar observation was used to determine the true azimuth of baseline MMA 39. We observed the
sun's position. We computed for its azimuth through the astronomic triangle. We applied the corrections
due to parallax and refraction. We have also taken note of the latitude and north polar distance (NPD)
because these values are needed in the computation of the sun's azimuth. The fieldwork was done on
baseline (MMA 39). The fieldwork helped to us to become familiar with the procedures of astronomic
observations and azimuth determination.

The fieldwork was done March 14, 2011, from 2 p.m.to 4 p.m. The sun shone with little amount
clouds through out the activity.

II. Instruments Used

To be able to meet the objective set above, for the fieldwork, we used the following instruments:
(1) theodolite with solar attachments, (1) tripod, (1) pole and (2) cones.

III.Surveying Party and Designations

The surveying party was composed of the following students: Luis Panganiban as the Chief of
Party and recorder; Brent Dargantes and Alexis Claridades as the instrument men, Axl Novera time
keeper and Sarah Lumabao as the rodman. The instruments are enough for the whole party so there is no
rotation of instruments because of time constraints.

IV. Methodology
A. Pre-survey activities
The group first met at MH 422-424 to discuss information prior to starting the survey.
Reconnaissance was also done to determine if the weather is appropriate for solar observation. The group,
then borrowed the instruments stated above in the instrument room.

B. Solar Observation
The transit was set up at one end of the line whose azimuth to be determined. The telescope was
in the reverse orientation when the pole was sighted at some distance on the baseline. The instrument was
then rotated and pointed towards the direction of the sun. The solar eyepiece was used to observe the sun
since it harmful to the eyes when observing directly the sun. The tangency method was used in
determining the position of the sun. The group used the set 2 order which is reverse-reverse-direct-direct
on the tangency method. The zenith, horizontal angle, date and time of the fieldwork were also recorded.
The initial and final horizontal readings were also recorded which is 180-30-00. The initial and final
horizontal readings can affect the true azimuth of te line.

V. Data Gathered
Table 1: Shows the orientation of the telescope, horizontal angle, time, vertical angle zenith with corresponding means
(the angles where converted into decimals)
Position Hor. Angle Time Zenith Ver. Angle
R 338.833333 2.681944444 42.4166667 47.58333333
R 339.5 2.693611111 42.3666667 47.63333333
D 339.983333 2.719166667 42.8416667 47.15833333
D 339.691667 2,738611111 42.7083333 47.29166667
Mean 339.502083 2.6982407407 42.5833333 47.416666665
Note: The time interval of the 2 consecutive observations should be less than 2 minutes.

Table 2: Shows the initial and final horizontal readings north polar distance, latitude,
and parallax and refraction which can be found in the almanac (PAG-ASA)
Initial Reading 180.5
Final Reading 180.5
Mean Reading 180.5
NPD at 2PM 92.65622222
Hour Var. 0.0164333333
P&R 0.0127777777
Latitude 14.65673611

VI. Sample Computations/Formulas (all are in degrees decimals)

Difference in Time (∆t) = Mean Time –2 P.M.

i.e. ∆t = 2.6982407407 – 2 = 0.698240740666667

Correction to NPD (Corr. NPD) = ∆t * hourly variation

i.e. Corr. NPD = ∆t * 0.164333333 = 0.0114744228359614

Corrected NPD (C NPD or P) = NPD at 2PM – Corr. NPD

i.e C NPD = 92.65622222 – 0.114744228359614 = 92.6447477971641

Corrected Altitude (H) = Mean Vertical Angle – P&R (Parallax and Refraction)
i.e H = 47.416666665 – 0.0127777777 = 4703888873

S = (P + H + L)/2 = 77.352686397232

Azimuth of the sun (A)

cot A/2 = √ [(Sec S) Sec(S-P) Sin(S-H) Sin(S-L)] = 1.44928626047221
A = 69.2109483067362 (Azimuth of the sun)
Azimuth of MMA 39 (Az Mark)
AzMark = Mean Horizontal Angle - Azimuth of Sun - Mean Horizontal Reading
= 339.5020833 - 69.2109483067362 – 180.5
= 89.791135 or 89 – 47 - 28.09

VII. Results and Conclusion

Based from the computed data, the azimuth of baseline MMA 39 is 89–47–28.09. In computing,
the azimuth we must take note of the error due to parallax and refraction because when light passes
through different mediums it refracts and thus creating an error which can be corrected. We have also
take into account the polar distance as well latitude. Polar distance varies from the time of the day since
the earth revolves around the sun which is not constant (some near and some far) and also rotates.
Latitude can also be a factor in determining the azimuth because because the location on the earth can
affect the position of observation of the sun. There are other factors but they can be disregarded since
they are too minimal to measure. There are clear errors in sighting the sun like the lens is blurred so there
is a difficulty in observing the sun. The fieldwork is prone to mistakes because it is time pressured and
also lack of mastery.
VIII. Recommendations
The group recommends that the day of solar observation should be done as much as possible with
clear skies because cloudy skies can disrupt your observations since you cannot observe the sun. The
group also recommends that the instrument men should be experienced as well as fast in observing the
sun since the observation is time constraint. The group also recommends that the members should know
theire role on the field (timekeeper, recorder, etc.) and has a mastery in their assigned tasks especially the
instrument men.