On 15 August an ex-meridian altitude of the Sun's lower limb at upper transit was observed at 1130 ZT. Your DR position is LAT 26°24.0'S, LONG 155°02.0'E, and your sextant altitude (hs) is 48°45.9'. The index error is 2.6' on the arc, and your height of eye is 51.5 feet. The chronometer time of the observation is 01h 27m 38s, and the chronometer error is 02m 14s slow. Find the latitude at meridian transit from the ex-meridian observation.

Question

On 15 August an ex-meridian altitude of the Sun's lower limb at upper transit was observed at 1130 ZT. Your DR position is LAT 26&deg;24.0'S, LONG 155&deg;02.0'E, and your sextant altitude (hs) is 48&deg;45.9'. The index error is 2.6' on the arc, and your height of eye is 51.5 feet. The chronometer time of the observation is 01h 27m 38s, and the chronometer error is 02m 14s slow. Find the latitude at meridian transit from the ex-meridian observation.

Accepted Answer

Option B: LAT 26&deg;51.6'S. Determine the time of meridian passage and the Sun's declination. Apply the ex-meridian reduction formula to the observed altitude, adjusting for the time difference from local apparent noon. This calculation provides the latitude at meridian transit, resulting in 26°51.6'S, adhering to standard celestial navigation reduction procedures.