On 28 October morning twilight will occur around 0524 ZT. Your DR position is LAT 25°25.0' N, LONG 32°33.3' W. Considering their magnitude and location, which group will be the three stars best suited to observe for a star fix at star time?
Official USCG Answer & Rule Citation
Correct Answer: Option A — Sirius, Capella, Denebola
Optimal star selection balances magnitude, altitude, and azimuth spread. Bowditch recommends stars with altitudes between 15° and 75° to ensure reliable observations. Sirius, Capella, and Denebola offer a balanced geometric configuration at this latitude and time, providing the necessary separation in azimuth to achieve a high-quality celestial fix.
100% Free & Open Access — No daily limits, paywalls, or gated answers on BrightMariner.