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← HistoryWhich limitation influenced the design of an 18th-century naval sextant most profoundly?
A)Accuracy changes with ship's temperature
B)Reliance needs unobstructed horizon view✓
C)Measurement only reliable during nighttime
D)Rusting of index mirror in salty air
💡 Explanation
When using a sextant, a clear, unobstructed horizon is critical for accurate angular measurements using the mirrors because determining the altitude of celestial bodies relative to a stable point needs the horizon as reference. Therefore, an unobstructed horizon limits navigational accuracy rather than temperature effects rust, or time of day, needing different mitigating tools.
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