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← HistoryWhich mechanism limits accuracy when using an astrolabe to determine sunset time during the equinox?
A)Atmospheric refraction near the horizon✓
B)Parallax error from lunar positioning
C)Instrumental error from alidade slippage
D)Calculation error when converting azimuth
💡 Explanation
When determining sunset time with an astrolabe, atmospheric refraction bends the light from sun near horizon, causing a perceived elevation higher than actual angular height, affecting its measured position. Therefore atmospheric refraction limits the accuracy, rather than parallax error, alidade errors or azimuth conversion, which have different mechanisms and impacts.
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