On 11 November your 0200 zone time DR position is LAT 26°32' S, LONG 154°16' E. You are on course 058°T at a speed of 21 knots. Considering their magnitude, azimuth, and altitude, which group includes the three bodies best suited for a fix at star time?
• Star time observation and why planets vs stars might be chosen • Effect of observer latitude (26° S) on which bodies have good altitude (not too high or too low) • Importance of wide azimuth separation between bodies in a three-body fix
• Look at each choice and picture where those bodies are in the sky from about 26° S – would any be too close to the pole or nearly overhead, making them poor for a fix? • Think about whether you want three bodies close together on the same bearing, or spread well around the horizon. Which group looks best for that? • Which option mixes bright, easily observed planets with well‑placed stars, rather than including a body that is known to be unsuitable for standard three‑body fixes at star time?
• Verify which bodies are circumpolar or poorly placed for latitude about 26° S around local star time in November • Check which group gives good azimuth spread (ideally 60°–120° apart) rather than similar bearings • Confirm that each selected body would have a moderate altitude (roughly 20°–70°) rather than near the zenith or on the horizon
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