Celestial Navigation Quiz

What key concept allows the simplification of celestial navigation formulas involving trigonometric functions?

• Spherical correction

• Altitude averaging

• Compliments of angles

• Celestial refraction

In the PZX triangle, what does the leg ZX represent?

• Co-Declination

• Zenith Distance

• Altitude

• Co-Latitude

If the observer's latitude is 40°, what is the Co-Latitude?

• 50°

• 60°

• 40°

• 90°

Which of the following best describes the role of the celestial pole (P) in the PZX triangle?

• Movable point determined by observer's latitude

• Reference for the declination of a star

• Fixed point used to compute Local Hour Angle

• The highest point in the sky for the observer

How is Zenith Distance (ZX) calculated from altitude?

• 90° + altitude

• Declination - latitude

• 90° - altitude

• Latitude + declination

When calculating azimuth using the cosine formula, which variables are involved?

• PX, ZPX, PZ

• PZ, ZX, PX

• Cos(ZX), Cos(PX), Cos(PZ), Sin(ZX), Sin(PZ)

• Sin(Altitude), Cos(LHA), Cos(Dec)

A celestial body has a declination of 23°N. What is its polar distance?

• 90°

• 67°

• 113°

• 23°

Which instrument is used to obtain the observed altitude (Ho) of a celestial body?

• Marine barometer

• Chronometer

• Marine sextant

• Octant

What purpose does solving the PZX triangle serve in navigation?

• Determine sea depth

• Estimate wind direction

• Identify compass error

• Determine observer's position

In spherical trigonometry, why are 90° angles significant in navigation problems?

• They mark the equator

• They allow use of Napier's Rules

• They simplify altitude measurements

• They define meridian crossings