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 R R D D Mean

Hor. Angle 338.833333 339.5 339.983333 339.691667 339.502083

Time 2.681944444 2.693611111 2.719166667 2,738611111 2.6982407407

Zenith 42.4166667 42.3666667 42.8416667 42.7083333 42.5833333

Ver. Angle 47.58333333 47.63333333 47.15833333 47.29166667 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 894728.09. 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.