Re: Wind Directions?


W. Watson wrote:
> It seems like a weird rule in that N and S take precedence. I wonder if
> there are other ways of designating these directions. Perhaps in S. America
> or Asia, they do it differently? Probably not. I find it odd that very
> seldom, as in close to never, does anyone bother to state the rule. I have a
> book titled Compass by Aczel and he doesn't give a clue. I guess someone
> decided on the rule millennia ago, and everyone has just gone with it.
>

Actually, sea navigators had a much easier time determining north-south
position (and orientation) than they do east-west position. Mystic
Seaport, CT, has a lovely planetarium exhibit that explains this
problem and the interesting history of its resolution (including the
invention of a very reliable clock!). Exploring the history of this
now-taken-for-granted business is something I'm sure you would find
fascinating.

PD

.

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