Posted on 04/04/2018 8:49:40 PM PDT by ameribbean expat
Physicists from Eötvös Loránd University in Hungary have determined that the sunstones claimed to be used by Vikings to navigate on foggy and cloudy days could provide accurate results.
Vikings living between 900 and 1200AD did not have magnetic compasses, and their ability to navigate was attributed in part to the use of calcite, cordierite or tourmaline crystals which functioned as linear polarizers to help them determine geographic north. The crystals can split sunlight into two beams, and when the crystal is turned, splitting the two beams at the same brightness, a navigator could see the polarized rings around the sun, effectively showing its placement in the sky.
The scientists tested the method by computer simulation by following the sailing routes of 1,000 Viking voyages starting from Hernam (nowadays the Norwegian Bergen) along the 60°21′55″ N latitude, which was the main sailing route of the Vikings to their settlement Hvarf in south Greenland. From Bergen to Greenland, the Viking sailors had to accurately keep the western direction parallel to the 60°21′55″ N latitude.
The study, published in the journal Royal Society Open Science, states that sunstones are surprisingly successful even under cloudy conditions - achieving success rates of between 92.2 and 100 percent during spring equinox and summer solstice if a navigator checked the sailing direction every three hours.
(Excerpt) Read more at maritime-executive.com ...
I have seen on TV more than one successful attempt to validate the crystal navigation device. This is old news
If you’re going to sail the North Atlantic, a device that works in cloudy or foggy weather would be a plus, for sure.
This is very interesting. Thanks for posting.
The couldn’t find the end zone?
I’m surprised to hear that. I gave up on Josh Gates because he never seemed to find what he promised. The TV equivalent of click bait.
true- but at least it shows different parts of the world and customs and people etc- that’s the only reason we watch it now- but you’re right- he rarely finds stuff- although he did find some supposed big foot footprints that got national attention, and found a few archaeological things that were interesting- but usually he is searching for myths- not real stuff- but still we get to see indigenous folks and their worlds they live in so it makes it interesting to us
You are right, of course, but I get tired of programs winding me up with lots of promises and then delivering nothing! Reminds me of headlines in the National Enquirer that you see in the supermarket check out line. Waste of time. LOL
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