On 28 April your vessel's 0515 zone time position is LAT 23°26'S, LONG 95°30'E. At this time, the observed altitude (Ho) of the star Rigil Kentaurus is 24°51.4'. Your chronometer reads 11h 16m 36s and is 01m 18s fast. What is the intercept (a) based on the assumed position method?

Correct Answer: Option A — 34.4 miles

Correcting the sextant altitude for index error, dip, and refraction/parallax provides the Ho. Comparing this to the Hc derived from the assumed position using the Nautical Almanac and sight reduction tables results in an intercept of 34.4 miles, following standard Bowditch celestial navigation protocols.