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El 23 de junio de 2015 se ha tomado una altura instrumental del Sol de 43° 21.7´, el ojo del observador está a una altura de 14,2 metros sobre el agua, y el cero del tambor micrométrico del sextante queda a 0.2´sobre el cero del nonius. Se pide calcular la altura verdadera del Sol.On 23 June 2015 the Sun's sextant altitude is 43° 21.7', height of eye is 14.2 m above the water, and the zero of the micrometer drum lies 0.2' above the zero of the vernier. Calculate the Sun's true altitude.

Show the answer

Correct answer: d) 43° 30.0'

Why it is correct

With Ci = −0.2′, dip for 14.2 m (−6.7′), and the June lower-limb Sun correction for 43º (+15.2′), the net correction is −0.2′ − 6.7′ + 15.2′ = +8.3′. Added to 43º 21.7′, that gives av = 43º 30.0′.

Why the others are not

  • a) Forgets to subtract the 6.7′ dip of the horizon.
  • b) Subtracts 2′ too much in the total correction.
  • c) Misapplies the Sun's semi-diameter.

How to work it out in the exam

  1. For 14.2 m the dip is −1.775 × √14.2 = −6.7′.

Where this question comes from

Try it: Sight reduction

Pending instructor review. Machine translation, not reviewed.