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← HistoryWhich limitation constrained the accuracy of dead reckoning navigation before Harrison's chronometer?
A)Inaccurate celestial altitude measurements
B)Uncertain estimation of magnetic declination
C)Cumulative error in longitude reckoning✓
D)Variable atmospheric refraction calculation
💡 Explanation
Before accurate chronometers, longitude estimation depended on dead reckoning and distance estimation because longitude calculation requires very precise time knowledge, leading to cumulative error with each course change. Therefore the uncertainty was highest in longitude, rather than latitude or magnetic declination which relied primarily on celestial observations or magnetic compass variations.
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