Observations with the Jaya Prakas
Temporary calibration methods were required to make use of the Delhi Jaya Prakas. It was also felt that it would be easier for usage within a couple of hours of the Solar Noon as the shadow would be closer to the center where markings are better visible. Temporary cross wires were stretched North-South (the pegs were broken in this direction, and the wire had to be held in place over the remains of the pegs) and East-West (the pegs here, were in working condition).
Jayaprakas measurements were done once in the morning on the 29th of March 2004
and the most enthusiastic participants were students of Sanskriti school -
(we had with us theoretical values for every half hour - so that students could
immediately check their values for accuracy).
Azimuth readings were easier - and fractions of degrees were read off from the existing markings by placing tape measure parallel Azimuth circles. Altitude readings were taken by measuring the radial length to the location of the shadow of the cross wire and using the entire sector length for calibration - from center to the surface of the hemisphere being 90 degrees of altitude - the compliment of it actually - as an altitude of 90 degrees would mean the shadow falling at the center of the bowl and an Altitude of Zero when the shadow would fall at the surface of the hemisphere.
The following were the readings obtained by the students, from the Jaya Prakas -
They made measurements at
Time -
11:28 11:30
11:41 AM
Obtained Altitudes of - 61.75
deg 61.93 deg 63.16 deg
Theoretical value at 11:30 AM
61.83 deg
Azimuth obtained was - 147.67
deg 148.5 deg -----
Theoretical value at 11:30 AM
149.33 deg
These were the first measurements of the day - and really encouraging and
thrilling - and made us move to Ram Yantra for the rest of the day.
More details will be added - please do check back at a later date.