The vertical mirror, its potential applications to theodolites and two star image stopping micrometers

Abstract

A small area of a mirror can be made vertical with a high degree of accuracy by using a free mercury surface and an autocollimation target made of a mirror. The direction of the horizontal axis of a theodolite can be established, made and kept perpendicular to the vertical mirror for all telescope altitudes and the direction of the line of sight can be made, perpendicular to the horizontal axis with the same high degree of accuracy. Observations can thus be made on any part of a chosen celestial vertical circle much more accurately than by using the best striding levels. This application is potentially useful in determination of: astronomical longitude; changes in longitude differences with time, or the possible East-West component of continental drift; right ascension differences between stars; and the rotation rate of the Earth. Other applications include a leveling instrument of a new type, checking of tubular spirit levels, monitoring tidal variations in the direction of the plumb line, establishing an accurate 90° angle, and checking the graduations of the horizontal and vertical circles of theodolites. The impersonal micrometer for special astronomical observations stops the star image. Only parallel rays will enter the telescope when the observer is tracking the star keeping the star image stationary at the center of cross hairs.