Dictionary term
Running Fix
Direct answer
Running Fix is a fix formed by advancing an earlier line of position to the time of a later observation.
Running Fix is a motion-advanced position fix used in historical astronomy, timekeeping, or navigation.
Running Fix is a motion-advanced position fix used in historical astronomy, timekeeping, or navigation.
An engraved functional orientation; the page explains the real instrument, method, or publication.Quick reference
- Use when
- Use Running Fix by advancing every point of the earlier line through the estimated course and distance made good.
- Do not use it for
- Current, leeway, and steering errors enter the advanced line, so a running fix is not equivalent to simultaneous observations.
- Reference category
- Historical Almanacs & Instruments
- Related terms
- Line of Position, Celestial Position Fix, Local Hour Angle, Greenwich Hour Angle
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The story behind Running Fix
Running fixes long supported coastal and celestial navigation under changing visibility or limited target geometry.
Running Fix in spiritual tradition
Running Fix rewards careful observation, explicit assumptions, and humility about the limits of every model or measurement.
Running Fix: fact and faith, kept distinct
This is a factual history-of-science, instrument, timekeeping, or navigation reference. It may support wonder and disciplined attention without becoming a claim of fate, worship, or private revelation.
Running Fix in numerology
Running Fix is not a numerology claim. Any numbers attached to it should retain their ordinary scientific, calendrical, navigational, or historical meaning unless a separate symbolic interpretation is clearly labeled.
Why Running Fix matters
Running Fix matters because it permits separated observations to be combined when simultaneous lines are unavailable.
Running Fix at work: an example
A morning Sun line can be advanced to intersect an afternoon Sun line after applying vessel motion.
Where interpretation stops
Running Fix is presented as sourced astronomy, calendrical, Earth-science, cultural, or instrument-history reference. Definitions should distinguish measured phenomena from civil convention and historical interpretation, preserve location and time dependencies, and avoid turning factual sky data into a deterministic personal claim.
Sources and editorial method
Research references used for this entry include:
- National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency: The American Practical Navigator - Official modern reference for navigation principles, celestial observations, sight reduction, and navigational tables.
- Source
- The Great Almanac Dictionary
- Category
- Historical Almanacs & Instruments
- Also appears in
- Historical Almanacs & Instruments
- Aliases
- None listed
- Last updated
- 2026-07-16
Explore Running Fix
Running Fix in a book is one thing; Running Fix in your own birth chart is your life. The Oracle casts your real chart and tells you what it means for your love, your work, and your year ahead, in conversation, free.
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More in Historical Almanacs & Instruments
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- Altitude Correction
- Calendar Wheel
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- Gnomon
- Logarithmic Table
- Moon Sight
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Common questions
What is Running Fix?
Running Fix is a fix formed by advancing an earlier line of position to the time of a later observation.
How is Running Fix used in an almanac?
Use Running Fix by advancing every point of the earlier line through the estimated course and distance made good.
What should I avoid when interpreting Running Fix?
Current, leeway, and steering errors enter the advanced line, so a running fix is not equivalent to simultaneous observations.
