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← HistoryWhich precision limit affects angle measurement accuracy when using a medieval astrolabe?
A)Grain size within parchment markings
B)Fabrication error when alidade vibrates
C)Hygroscopic expansion distorts calibrations
D)Observer parallax due to sighting vane width✓
💡 Explanation
When using an astrolabe, observer parallax, caused by the finite width of the sighting vanes on the alidade, introduces angular error because the exact sighting point is uncertain. Therefore parallax induced by vane width limits accuracy, rather than grain size, vibration, or hygroscopic effects, although those also impact instrument precision at other levels.
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