Live Quiz Arena
🎁 1 Free Round Daily
⚡ Enter ArenaQuestion
← HistoryWhich precision limit arises when calculating celestial altitude using a cast bronze medieval astrolabe?
A)Thermal expansion during daytime alters angles✓
B)Parallax error from off-axis sighting
C)Material fatigue reduces scale accuracy
D)Corrosion increases component rotational friction
💡 Explanation
When exposed to sunlight, differential thermal expansion occurs across the astrolabe because different parts heat unevenly, causing slight angular distortions that affect altitude readings. Therefore thermal expansion is the limit, rather than parallax, fatigue or corrosion which require different environmental conditions and timescales.
🏆 Up to £1,000 monthly prize pool
Ready for the live challenge? Join the next global round now.
*Terms apply. Skill-based competition.
Related Questions
Browse History →- Which outcome occurred when unreinforced terrace walls saturated with water, experienced freeze-thaw cycles in the Andes?
- Which risk increased for Roman legions during winter campaigns on roads beyond fixed fortifications?
- Which factor most limited the accuracy of calculating time or celestial positions using medieval astrolabes?
- Which structural failure mode most threatened Roman siege towers ('Torus' design) when approaching fortifications?
- Which outcome occurred when ancient Mesopotamian bronze tools encountered sulfur-rich soil?
- Which risk increases when 18th century cast iron bridge experiences repeated thermal expansion cycles?
