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← HistoryWhich limitation constrained the accuracy of pre-telescopic astronomical observations using astrolabes?
A)Atmospheric refraction distorting celestial positions✓
B)Metal fatigue weakening structural integrity
C)Magnetic pole wandering impeding compass alignment
D)Lunar phase cycles disrupting measurements
💡 Explanation
When observing through the atmosphere, atmospheric refraction occurs because the Earth's atmosphere bends light, shifting the apparent position of celestial objects and limiting astrolabe accuracy. Therefore atmospheric refraction matters, rather than metal fatigue, magnetic pole wandering, or lunar cycles which introduce different errors without refraction.
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