You observe the lower limb of the Sun at a sextant altitude (hs) of 62°22.2' on 6 June. The index error is 1.2' on the arc. The height of eye is 28 feet (8.5 meters). What is the observed altitude (Ho)?

Question

You observe the lower limb of the Sun at a sextant altitude (hs) of 62&deg;22.2' on 6 June. The index error is 1.2' on the arc. The height of eye is 28 feet (8.5 meters). What is the observed altitude (Ho)?

Accepted Answer

Option C: 62&deg;31.4'. Following Bowditch guidelines, subtract index error 'on the arc' and dip for a 28-foot height of eye from sextant altitude. Adding the lower limb semidiameter and applying refraction produces an observed altitude (Ho) of 62&deg;31.4'.

You observe the lower limb of the Sun at a sextant altitude (hs) of 62&deg;22.2' on 6 June. The index error is 1.2' on the arc. The height of eye is 28 feet (8.5 meters). What is the observed altitude (Ho)?

You observe the lower limb of the Sun at a sextant altitude (hs) of 62°22.2' on 6 June. The index error is 1.2' on the arc. The height of eye is 28 feet (8.5 meters). What is the observed altitude (Ho)?