From the Sun compass to DECCA system – the history of hyperbole in navigation

When we understand the meaning of these phenomena (the theory) and we have skills (the technology), we are able to put our own signs on the surface of the globe and the nearest part of outer space.

There are two types of objects presented on the exhibition: museum items and simulators of navigation operations. Among the first groups there are archeological artifacts and industrial products of 20th century.

The most important artifact is a wooden disc dated 11th century, found by professor Władysław Filipowiak’s crew in Wolin in 2000, presently a property of the Centre of Mediaeval Baltic Countries Archaeology of Polish Academy of Science in Szczecin. It is interpreted by scientists as a sun compass. In the exhibition room can be found radio navigation receivers of hyperbolic navigation systems (DECCA, Navigator, Omega, LORAN), modern sun compass and navigation maps. There is a family of hyperbolic curves on both maps dedicated to radio navigation systems and sun compasses surfaces. Those navigational instruments were the only in the history to use hyperbolic curve in navigation practice.

An important element of the exhibition, determining the interactive nature of the project, are simulators of navigational activities. On huge monitor appears a bow of the Vikings boat and a horizon, and portable multimedia device simulates how the sun compass works. It will allow us, in a virtual sail on the open see, to aim a specific place.

Working simultaneously with the first one, the simulator of radio navigation receiver Decca Nawigator MK 24 receives the virtual signal from chain of DECCA system transmitters. Since mid 1940s until the beginning of 21st century (when GPS system appeared) the radio systems of hyperbolic navigation were the basis of navigational activities of every fleet. This receiver, working in real time, allows to designate the real position of the unit on the virtual sea.

The goal of the exhibition is to teach by fun and to interest the visitors of the National Museum in Szczecin in natural, formal and technical science. The first of the simulators is supposed to familiarize the visitors with the navigation term “course”, the second one – with term “position”. Exhibition allows to learn the facts and terminology related do Earth surface and the Sun path over the horizon. In practical meaning it’s supposed to teach how to determine directions of the world independently, using the shadow of the gnomon. The author’s ambition is to present navigation as a science, as a part of European modern nature sciences. Navigation is not a history of geographical discoveries, but a combination of the concept of Cartesian coordinate system, Kepler’s planets movement rules and principles of Newton dynamics. It’s a knowledge that remains within the terms, local time, the position of objects in the sky and knowledge of the highlighted direction. It is not the knowledge of the geographical discoveries, but the knowledge of the Earth's magnetism, the principle of momentum conservation and the planets movement which allowed and allowes to get to the destination point. Between the reading of the path signs with the knowledge of the nature and sailing practice, and the use of physical phenomena to the orientation in space, and create a global navigation system, the route leads through physics.

The exhibition is accompanied by rich educational program for children and youth on various levels of education.

The new permanent exhibition in the main building of National Museum in Szczecin is a result of cooperation between Maritime University of Szczecin and Maritime Museum, part of National Museum of Szczecin. The architectural project of the exhibition was prepared by the Compono Ltd. company.

 

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Permanent exhibition: From the Sun Compass to DECCA System – the History of Hyperbole in Navigation

The National Museum in Szczecin, Wały Chrobrego 3

Opening: 4th October 2014
Concept author:
dr Tomasz Budzan
Curator:
dr Tomasz Budzan
Cooperation:
dr ing. Lucjan Gucma (Maritime University of Szczecin)
Organization: The National Museum in Szczecin, Maritime University of Szczecin
Partners: Autocomp Management, Compono, Bardins
Honorary patronage: Marshal of West Pomerania Olgierd Geblewicz

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