You observe the lower limb of the Sun at a sextant altitude (hs) of 38°07.5' on 8 August. The index error is 5.2' off the arc. The height of eye is 72 feet (22 meters). What is the observed altitude (Ho)?

Correct Answer: Option A — 38°19.2'

Apply corrections to the sextant altitude (hs) in the following order: Index Error (5.2' on the arc is additive), Dip (based on 72 feet), and the Sun's altitude correction (Refraction, Parallax, and Semi-diameter). Summing these values according to Bowditch Table A2 yields an observed altitude (Ho) of 38°19.2'.