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Which astronomical measurement error can historically result from thermal expansion differences in an astrolabe's construction materials?

A)Inaccurate solar altitude readings
B)Incorrect planetary retrograde calculations
C)Overestimation of stellar parallax angles
D)Underestimation of precise lunar cycle durations

💡 Explanation

When temperature changes, differential thermal expansion in the metal components introduces angular errors because the alidade shifts relative to the plate, distorting solar altitude readings. Therefore, altitude readings become innacurate, rather than the other computations which are intrinsic limitations or involve completely separate instruments.

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