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← HistoryWhich function did horizon lines perform on medieval astrolabes crafted in Islamic regions?
A)Calculating planetary altitudes for navigation
B)Showing Qibla direction for prayer orientation
C)Displaying sunrise/sunset at given latitude✓
D)Measuring time using star transits overhead
💡 Explanation
Horizon lines on astrolabes aided in determining sunrise and sunset times at a given latitude because they represented the visible horizon by representing the boundary between the visible and invisible sky. Therefore sunrise/sunset is displayed rather than altitude calculations (which require alidade angle), Qibla direction and time needing other elements or scales.
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