VibraXX
Live Quiz Arena
🎁 1 Free Round Daily
⚡ Enter Arena
HomeCategoriesHistoryQuestion
Question
History

Which error amplified during multi-sight celestial navigation using an 18th-century sextant affects calculated longitude most significantly?

A)Shade filter angular misalignment
B)Horizon mirror perpendicularity error
C)Telescope optical axis decentration
D)Index mirror parallelism deviation

💡 Explanation

When index mirror parallelism is skewed, the resulting angular errors compound during successive observations because each measurement uses the same flawed reference, distorting derived celestial lines of position and calculated longitude. Therefore index mirror deviation predominately affects longitude, rather than perpendicularity, decentration, or filters which cause smaller or random inaccuracies.

🏆 Up to £1,000 monthly prize pool

Ready for the live challenge? Join the next global round now.
*Terms apply. Skill-based competition.

⚡ Enter Arena

Related Questions

Browse History