NAUTICAL ASTRONOMICAL ALMANAC for 2002-2003 (in Russian)

Foreword

Institute of Applied Astronomy (IAA) of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS) and Admiral Makarov State Maritime Academy (AMSMA) submit a new тАЬNautical Astronomical AlmanacтАЭ (NAA-2) biennial for deck officers.

NAA-2 is created on the basis of a тАЬNautical Astronomical YearbookтАЭ (NAY). NAA-2 provides a permanent presence of necessary Navigational Publication on the board ship. NAA-2 and NAY have a similar volume, but NAA-2 is more informative and does not require any other publications for observation processing and gives the same accuracy of basic astronomical parameters as the NAY does.

According to the resolutions of International Astronomical Union, the computing of ephemerides is based on the modern theory of celestial bodies motion what provides an accuracy sufficient for analytical researches and practical applications.

To calculate positions of the Sun, Moon and major planets of Solar System in NAA-2 the DE200/LE200 theory has been used, where coordinates and velocities of celestial bodies are presented by Chebyshev polynomials. NA-2 gives star positions in FK5 fundamental catalog system.

The originality of ephemerides presentation allowed to extend noticeably NAA-2 informative capabilities. NA-2 includes detailed algorithms of solving main practical celestial navigation tasks, such as compass error calculations and determination of a vessel's position by stars and the Sun.

Such paragraphs as тАЬApplication of marine sextantтАЭ, тАЬUse of star globe and of star mapтАЭ are presented in NAA-2, as well as the universal altitude correction schedule and new fixing position plotter.

In conformity with the STCW 95 Code provisions, every watch officer, chief mate and master should have a skill in classic methods of Nautical Astronomy, that's why we are sure they will appreciate the new Nautical Astronomical Almanac available.

тАЬThe Nautical Astronomical Almanac for 2002-2003тАЭ, created at IAA RAS and AMSMA is approved by Department of Safety of Navigation of a State Marine Fleet Service ROSMORFLOT of the Ministry of Transport of Russian Federation.

The тАЬNautical Astronomical AlmanacтАЭ biennial is recommended to be used by deck officers of Russian ships.

Captain A.N. Bystrov
Deputy Chief
Principal
Department of Safety of Navigation
Rosmorflot
Ministry of Transport
RUSSIAN FEDERATION