On 16 June 0612 zone time, morning stars were observed. The vessel's position was LAT 27°23.0'S, LONG 56°22.0'W. The vessel is steaming at 16.0 knots on a course of 212°T. A sextant observation of the Sun's lower limb is made at 0850 zone time. The chronometer reads 00h 53m 19s, and the sextant altitude is 22°58.6'. The index error is 2.0' off the arc, and the chronometer error is 02m 43s fast. Your height of eye is 61.0 feet. What is the azimuth (Zn) of this sight using the assumed position?

Question

On 16 June 0612 zone time, morning stars were observed. The vessel's position was LAT 27&deg;23.0'S, LONG 56&deg;22.0'W. The vessel is steaming at 16.0 knots on a course of 212&deg;T. A sextant observation of the Sun's lower limb is made at 0850 zone time. The chronometer reads 00h 53m 19s, and the sextant altitude is 22&deg;58.6'. The index error is 2.0' off the arc, and the chronometer error is 02m 43s fast. Your height of eye is 61.0 feet. What is the azimuth (Zn) of this sight using the assumed position?

Accepted Answer

Option A: 044.3&deg;. Calculate the Sun's GHA and Declination for the observation time. Using the assumed position, solve the navigational triangle for the azimuth (Zn). The computed values for the LHA and latitude result in an azimuth of 044.3°T, consistent with standard celestial sight reduction procedures found in Bowditch.