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

Accepted Answer

Option B: LAT 26°51.6'S. Calculate the time from transit and the corresponding reduction factor. Correct the sextant altitude for index error, dip, refraction, and semi-diameter. Apply the ex-meridian reduction to the Ho to find the latitude at transit, 26°51.6'S, ensuring all celestial corrections are applied according to the Nautical Almanac and Bowditch.