Using the Sun to get an Azimuth

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penguinsix

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Oct 4, 2005
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Despite sleeping through much of Astronomy, I recall that the Sun is more or less "due South" at noon (quite a stretch).

Checking http://www.emphemeris.com and my Astronomy program Starry Night, I've discovered that the Sun will hit the meridian tomorrow at 12:50:44 EDT. In fact, the Sun will be at 40 degree elevation (I need 38.9).

Since there isn't much magnetic declanation with the Sun, can I basically just point the dish at the Sun at that hour to find true South? I don't seem to have a satellite exactly at my long (76.5376) but suspect one won't be that far off.

Anyone had any luck with "solar pointing" of a dish?
 
Actually this worked out really well. I put a couple of poles in the yard in front of the dish when the sun was directly south (Starry Night said 12:50:44). I lined them up using the shadows, and then put sticks in the ground to create a "line" that was true south. Checked it with a compass but once I had the marker down it was quite easy.
 
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