Which function did the 'sinus versus' (versed sine) serve in calculations using medieval astrolabes?

💡 Explanation

The sinus versus was used because calculating zenith distance from observed altitude involved subtracting the altitude angle from 90 degrees; the sinus versus directly provided this value read from the astrolabe’s scales. Therefore zenith distance determination, rather than orbital paths, sunrise times or refraction, were the primary results.

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