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← HistoryWhich error is magnified when using an astrolabe with a small diameter to determine distant star azimuth?
A)Parallax error from near objects
B)Spherical aberration in alidade sight
C)Mechanical tolerance in degree markings✓
D)Atmospheric refraction on horizon
💡 Explanation
When astrolabe diameter is small, the mechanical tolerance in degree markings corresponds to a larger angular error, because the same physical distance represents a coarser angle. Therefore mechanical tolerance dominates, rather than parallax, aberration or refraction, minimized under different conditions.
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