On 5 May in DR position LAT 38°34.5'N, LONG 124°20.7'W, you take an ex- meridian observation of the Sun's lower limb. The chronometer time of the sight is 07h 59m 10s, and the chronometer error is 01m 10s slow. The sextant altitude (hs) is 67°27.0'. The index error is 1.4' on the arc, and your height of eye is 30 feet. What is the latitude at meridian transit?

Question

Accepted Answer

Option B: LAT 38°36.0'N. Utilizing the ex-meridian reduction method, the observed altitude is corrected for index error, dip, and refraction to obtain the true altitude. Applying the reduction formula based on the hour angle from the meridian transit, the calculated latitude is 38°36.0'N, confirming the vessel's position at the time of transit.