Navigation Problems USCG Question #248 (Set 7)

On 15 October an ex-meridian altitude of the Sun's lower limb at upper transit was observed at 1146 ZT. Your DR position is LAT 22°42.0'N, LONG 139°52.0'E, and your sextant altitude (hs) is 58°30.4'. The index error is 3.4' on the arc, and your height of eye is 56.7 feet. The chronometer time of the observation is 02h 45m 06s, and the chronometer error is 01m 06s slow. Find the latitude at meridian transit from the ex-meridian observation.

Official USCG Answer & Rule Citation

Correct Answer: Option A — LAT 22°35.2'N

Determine the time from meridian transit using the chronometer and longitude. Correct the sextant altitude for index error, dip, refraction, and semi-diameter. Utilize the ex-meridian reduction formula to adjust the observed altitude to the meridian, resulting in a calculated latitude of 22°35.2'N, following standard Bowditch celestial navigation principles.

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