You observe the lower limb of the Sun at a sextant altitude (hs) of 54°28.2' on 22 July. The index error is 1.5' off the arc. The height of eye is 56 feet (17.1 meters). What is the observed altitude (Ho)?

Question

You observe the lower limb of the Sun at a sextant altitude (hs) of 54&deg;28.2' on 22 July. The index error is 1.5' off the arc. The height of eye is 56 feet (17.1 meters). What is the observed altitude (Ho)?

Accepted Answer

Option C: 54&deg;37.7'. In accordance with Bowditch formulas, index error 'off the arc' is added. The height of eye dip correction for 56 feet is subtracted, followed by standard lower limb semidiameter addition and refraction corrections, resulting in an Ho of 54&deg;37.7'.

You observe the lower limb of the Sun at a sextant altitude (hs) of 54&deg;28.2' on 22 July. The index error is 1.5' off the arc. The height of eye is 56 feet (17.1 meters). What is the observed altitude (Ho)?

You observe the lower limb of the Sun at a sextant altitude (hs) of 54°28.2' on 22 July. The index error is 1.5' off the arc. The height of eye is 56 feet (17.1 meters). What is the observed altitude (Ho)?