The error in a sextant altitude caused by...

Question 1 / 2066636ee928f7522a1c5196ec

Question 1 of 2066636ee928f7522a1c5196ec

The error in a sextant altitude caused by refraction is greatest when the celestial body is in which location?

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Question 1 of 20

66636ee928f7522a1c5196ec

The error in a sextant altitude caused by refraction is greatest when the celestial body is in which location?

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🔍 Key Concepts

• Atmospheric refraction and how it changes with altitude of a celestial body • How a light ray’s path through the atmosphere differs when the body is low vs high in the sky • Relationship between sextant altitude and size of refraction correction in sight reduction tables

💭 Think About

• Think about the thickness of the atmosphere that the light from the celestial body must pass through at different altitudes. When is that path longest? • Compare the typical size of refraction corrections listed in tables (like the Nautical Almanac) for low altitudes vs high altitudes. • Ask yourself: when does the apparent position of a star or the Sun differ the most from its true geometric position because of bending of light?

✅ Before You Answer

• Check how refraction values in the Nautical Almanac correction tables change as altitude increases from the horizon toward the zenith. • Verify that refraction is always negative for celestial navigation altitudes and note when its absolute value is largest. • Confirm which choice corresponds to the situation where the light passes through the maximum amount of atmosphere before reaching the observer.

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Question 1 of 20

The error in a sextant altitude caused by refraction is greatest when the celestial body is in which location?

Rising above 45° elevation

At or near transit

High in the sky

Near the horizon

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Question 1 / 2066636ee928f7522a1c5196ec

Question 1 of 2066636ee928f7522a1c5196ec

The error in a sextant altitude caused by refraction is greatest when the celestial body is in which location?

Back

Question 1 of 20

66636ee928f7522a1c5196ec

The error in a sextant altitude caused by refraction is greatest when the celestial body is in which location?

No comments yet

Be the first to share your thoughts!

If the question has a related picture, it will appear here.

🔍 Key Concepts

💭 Think About

✅ Before You Answer

👋 Hi! I'm Genie, your AI study assistant. How can I help you with this question?

Quick actions

— No credit card needed