The Time and Navigation Geocache
The National Air and Space Museum's Time and Navigation gallery answers the question, "If you want to know where you are, why do you need a good clock?" This cache was placed by the museum's STEM in 30 webcast team in conjunction with their educational broadcast on Time and Navigation in August, 2015. Today we use synchronized clocks and orbiting satellites to determine extrememly accurate location and participate geocaching.
From the Time and Navigation Exhibit:
Global Positioning System (GPS)
In 1973, the Defense Department combined its competing satellite navigation systems. The new joint program under the Air Force was called the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System, or GPS. It introduced synchronized time from space, provided by onboard atomic clocks. The system was intended for a range of military applications, including locating ships and targeting weapons. GPS designers envisioned that civilians would use the system as well. As technology advanced, GPS receivers became smaller and easier to use and included more features. Most early units provided simple map data, while later devices incorporated information and communication links.
To learn more about how GPS navigation works, visit the Time and Navigation exhibit at the National Air and Space Museum or watch the webcast STEM in 30 online.
Now it's TIME for you to NAVIGATE on your own!
This cache is located on the grounds of the National Air and Space Museum. It is outside, so after visiting the museum's galleries, head outdoors to go geocaching. This cache contains a logbook and a surprise for the FTF. Be careful, this area is swarming with muggles! (Average: 7 million a year!!) Happy caching!