Celestial Navigation · Azimuth — Compass Check
A computed azimuth (Zn) of a celestial body is used at sea chiefly to:
- AFind the height of eye
- BCheck the compass by comparing it to the observed bearing of the body✓ Correct
- CMeasure the sextant index error
- DDetermine the equation of time
Explanation
The true azimuth from Pub. 229 (or an azimuth formula) is compared to the body's compass bearing to determine compass error (the algebraic sum of variation and deviation), the most common use of an azimuth sight.
Authority: Bowditch (Pub. No. 9); Pub. No. 229 azimuth angle
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