VibraXX
Live Quiz Arena
🎁 1 Free Round Daily
⚡ Enter Arena
HomeCategoriesHistoryQuestion
Question
History

Which systematic error affects celestial navigation using a sextant during a long voyage when temperature varies considerably?

A)Index error increases from frame distortion
B)Dip varies from changing atmospheric pressure
C)Parallax increases affecting lunar distance
D)Refraction decreases affecting solar altitude

💡 Explanation

When temperature varies, differential thermal expansion of the sextant frame causes index error because the mirrors shift slightly, altering reflected angles. Therefore increased index error affects navigation, rather than dip, parallax, or refraction, which are caused by atmospheric conditions or observation angles.

🏆 Up to £1,000 monthly prize pool

Ready for the live challenge? Join the next global round now.
*Terms apply. Skill-based competition.

⚡ Enter Arena

Related Questions

Browse History