Patent ID: 7428780
Filing Date: 2008-09-30
Classification: G01C

Abstract:
1. A method of viewing celestial objects comprising the steps: providing a celestial object viewing device having a viewing axis defined by an azimuth angle and a nadir angle, a magnetic field sensor array having a first, second and third magnetic field sensors arranged orthogonally with the first magnetic field sensor aligned parallel to the viewing axis and each magnetic field sensor generating a signal proportional to a sensed magnetic field, a gravitational sensor array having two perpendicular gravity sensors, with a first gravity sensor aligned parallel to the viewing axis and each gravity sensor generating a signal proportional to a sensed gravity field, a microprocessor, a database, and output means; the microprocessor receiving signals from the magnetic field sensors and the gravity field sensors; the microprocessor computing an azimuth angle and a nadir angle relative to the viewing axis; the microprocessor providing data from the database to the output means related to celestial objects aligned with the viewing axis.