The listed coordinates are not the location of this cache although
they may aid you in finding the ultimate destination.
As the name suggests, this cache has a historical flavor
reflecting an old to new theme.
First a question on the old ways: The constant rate of travel of
the mean sun makes possible conversions of arc to time. If there
are 24 hours in every mean solar day and 360 degrees in the
circumference of the earth how long (in seconds) does it take for
the sun to traverse 1 degree of arc (longitude)?
Second question relates to the newer ways: Universal Coordinated
Time (UTC) is currently based on the frequency of vibration of a
certain element. What is the isotope associated with this
radioactive element?
Using these answers you can now determine the coordinates for
the entrance to the final cache.
Using the answer to the first question, take the first digit and
add it to the minutes of the latitude of the coordinates listed
above. Now take the entire answer to the first question and
multiply it by 2 and then add 69. Subtract this result from the
decimal portion of the listed latitude. For example if you found
the answer to be 120 seconds then the latitude would be N38°
54.385.
Using the answer to the second question, multiply it by 6 and
then add 46. Add this result to the decimal portion of the
longitude of the coordinates listed above. For example if you found
the isotope to be 96 then the longitude would be W077° 03.718.
These new coordinates will get you to the entrance of the
virtual cache. In order to be able to access this area you must now
determine where this is (easiest if done online - it should be
obvious) and sign up for a tour (which is the only way to get past
the gate). It's free and they are currently given every other
Monday starting at 8:30 PM. You can sign up via the location's web
site under public affairs or call.
To claim credit for this cache e-mail me the answer to the
following questions:
1. In the foyer of one of the buildings on the tour is a rather
large instrument that was built in 1897 and was in use until 1995.
What is it?
2. In the Library a display case contains several very old
books, the largest one, placed in the middle of the display
contains several engravings. Who was the author?
This is intended to be a fairly difficult cache to complete due
to the advance preparations. It will most likely take a bit longer
to complete than the average virtual cache, but the experience will
be worth the effort. If you have any questions/difficulties along
the way or just want to confirm anything just fire me a note.
Good luck and have fun!