[BITList] Great Circle & Rhumb Lines

[David Harvey]

The Proff has rocks in his head, unless the prayers are intended to reach 
Mecca via the shortest, and therefore quickest, route. I have always 
understood that one must FACE Mecca, therefore to be on a bearing towards 
Mecca.

The Proff may care to ponder on compass bearings, including azimuths and 
amplitudes. He may also ponder on the South West Monsoon or the Fremantle 
Doctor or to which way a current flows. I ask you, in what direction is the 
small and insignificant hamlet of Townsville from beautiful Fremantle. 
(After all Townsville was named after an insignificant Mr. Towns, while 
Fremantle has the honour of being named for Captain Fremantle, Royal Navy, 
nephew of Lord Cottesloe).

If the proff was right at what point during the prayer would one alter his 
direction to finish the prayer facing Mecca.

Dave
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Michael Feltham" <mj.feltham at madasafish.com>
To: "BIT List" <BITList at lists.bcn.mythic-beasts.com>
Sent: Wednesday, January 14, 2009 8:28 AM
Subject: [BITList] Great Circle & Rhumb Lines


> On Monday night I was watching a documentary on BBC4 called "Science &
> Islam".  It was  by an Anglo/Iraqi Professor from an English
> University and was very interesting, last night's programme was about
> the work of an Arab astronomer and mathematician, Al-Biruni.  It
> appears he was able to calculate the circumference of the Earth many
> centuries ago.
>
> One of the topics raised was how Muslims always have to pray in the
> direction of Mecca.  In Washington,D.C. they have built a new Mosque,
> during construction the question arose as to the direction of Mecca.
> Everyone assumed that the direction would be a straight line, (a Rhumb
> Line ) from the States to Mecca but the Professor said that it was not
> correct, it would be a Great Circle.
>
> I am sure this is wrong as when sailing a Great Circle across e.g. the
> Atlantic or Pacific you alter course frequently to keep the ship's
> track on the Great Circle Course.  Perhaps someone who hasn't retired
> such a long time ago could clear the matter up !
>
> Mike
>
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