Celestial Navigation · Meridian Altitude — Latitude
At LAN the sun's observed altitude (Ho) is 70°00', the sun bears due south, and its declination is N15°00'. What is your latitude?
- AN05°00'
- BN35°00'✓ Correct
- CS35°00'
- DN55°00'
Explanation
Zenith distance = 90° − Ho = 20°. Because the sun bears south at meridian passage, the observer is north of the sub-point. Latitude = zenith distance + declination = 20° + N15° = N35°. (Check: at N35° a body with dec N15° culminates at 90° − (35° − 15°) = 70°.)
Authority: Bowditch (Pub. No. 9), Latitude by Meridian Altitude
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