On 14 March your 1846 ZT DR position is LAT 21°57.6' N, LONG 132°16.2' W. At that time you observe Polaris with a sextant altitude (hs) of 22°16.8'. The chronometer time of the sight is 03h 45m 10s, and the chronometer error is 01m 32s slow. The index error is 3.2' off the arc, and the height of eye is 44.9 feet. What is your latitude by Polaris?

Question

On 14 March your 1846 ZT DR position is LAT 21&deg;57.6' N, LONG 132&deg;16.2' W. At that time you observe Polaris with a sextant altitude (hs) of 22&deg;16.8'. The chronometer time of the sight is 03h 45m 10s, and the chronometer error is 01m 32s slow. The index error is 3.2' off the arc, and the height of eye is 44.9 feet. What is your latitude by Polaris?

Accepted Answer

Option B: 21&deg;49.8'N. Using the chronometer time, determine the LHA Aries. Correct the sextant altitude for index error, dip, and refraction to obtain Ho. Applying the Polaris correction factors (a0, a1, a2) from the Nautical Almanac results in a latitude of 21°49.8'N, consistent with standard celestial navigation practices.