Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Nautilus vs Skate

[Marc de Piolenc <piolenc@archivale.com>]

On 9/23/2010 11:11 PM, JimToddPsub@aol.com wrote:
> The Nautilus was the first to traverse the polar ice cap.  It's been
> given credit for being the first to reach the /geographic/ North Pole
> August 3, 1958. The Skate was the first sub to surface at the North Pole
> (geographic? magnetic?) on August 2, 1958.

Definitely the geographic pole; the magnetic pole is on dry land! The 
Nautilus reached the pole under the ice, but did not surface. The Skate, 
which did not exist yet when Nautilus did its polar run, later surfaced 
at the pole. There is no question about priority. Skate has a slightly 
stronger claim to have been EXACTLY at the pole because it was able to 
fix its position by sun sights; Nautilus had to rely on two (possibly 
more) electronic navigation systems, including a special inertial rig 
that had been installed just for that trip.

"The Seadragon surfaced on the
> same date and exchanged greetings with the Skate. I don't know why the
> Nautilus is given credit instead of the Skate.

The Seadragon/Skate meeting was later - not the day that Skate first 
surfaced at the pole. Skate seems to have spent a great deal of her life 
in Arctic waters.

Marc



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