The great circle distance from LAT 08°50.0'N, LONG 80°21.0'W to LAT 12°36.0'N, LONG 128°16.0'E is 8664 miles, and the initial course is 306.6°T. Determine the latitude of the vertex.

Question

The great circle distance from LAT 08&deg;50.0'N, LONG 80&deg;21.0'W to LAT 12&deg;36.0'N, LONG 128&deg;16.0'E is 8664 miles, and the initial course is 306.6&deg;T. Determine the latitude of the vertex.

Accepted Answer

Option C: 37&deg;30.2'N. The latitude of the vertex for a great circle track is determined using the spherical trigonometry formula: cos(Lat_v) = cos(Lat_1) * sin(Initial_Course). Given the initial course of 306.6° and starting latitude of 08°50.0'N, the calculation yields a vertex latitude of 37°30.2'N, consistent with standard celestial navigation principles.

The great circle distance from LAT 08&deg;50.0'N, LONG 80&deg;21.0'W to LAT 12&deg;36.0'N, LONG 128&deg;16.0'E is 8664 miles, and the initial course is 306.6&deg;T. Determine the latitude of the vertex.

The great circle distance from LAT 08°50.0'N, LONG 80°21.0'W to LAT 12°36.0'N, LONG 128°16.0'E is 8664 miles, and the initial course is 306.6°T. Determine the latitude of the vertex.