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

Which systematic error increases when an 18th-century navigator uses a sextant at very high latitudes?

A)Horizon blurring from ice crystals
B)Inaccurate timekeeping in cold weather
C)Reduced star visibility near zenith
D)Unresolved parallax due to zenith proximity

💡 Explanation

When sextants are used at high latitudes pointing near zenith, parallax error increases because small angular errors in measurement translate into larger positional errors. Therefore unresolved parallax increases error, rather than horizon blurring, timekeeping errors, or star visibility reduction, all of which stem from distinct environmental factors.

🏆 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