Which limitation influenced the design of an 18th-century naval sextant most profoundly?

💡 Explanation

When using a sextant, a clear, unobstructed horizon is critical for accurate angular measurements using the mirrors because determining the altitude of celestial bodies relative to a stable point needs the horizon as reference. Therefore, an unobstructed horizon limits navigational accuracy rather than temperature effects rust, or time of day, needing different mitigating tools.

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