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Which navigational error increases when using early sextants at sea during high swells?

A)Increased error in altitude measurement
B)Underestimated ship's speed over ground
C)Inaccurate magnetic compass readings
D)Incorrect estimation of lunar distance angle

💡 Explanation

When using early sextants during high swells, unstable horizon observations occur because the instrument's frame of reference oscillates relative to the true horizon, increasing the uncertainty in angular measurement. Therefore, altitude measurement error increases rather than speed, compass, or lunar distance estimation issues, which arise from different error mechanisms.

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