A star transit is the passage of a star across the field of view of a telescope eyepiece. The precise observation of star transits is the basis of many methods in astronomy and in geodesy. The measurements can be done in different ways:
visually (mostly up to 1990): accuracy 0,1" to 2" (depending on the instrument); timing with digital clocks about 0,05–0,2 seconds; by CCD and other electro-optical sensors: as above, time often better; semi automatic instruments: photography or "impersonal micrometer", ca. 2 times better than No. 1; by scanning methods: astrometry satellites like Hipparcos about 0,01".
See also Accuracy and precision Instrument error Meridian circle Minute and second of arc Theodolite Transit instrument
Literature Karl Ramsayer, 1969: Geodätische Astronomie, Vol.2a of Handbuch der Vermessungskunde, 900 p., J.B. Metzler-Verlag Stuttgart. Ivan I. Mueller, 1969: Spherical and Practical Astronomy as applied to Geodesy, 610 p., Fred.Ungar publ., USA IAU Coll.48: Modern Astrometry, Egermann, University Vienna.