Old instruments
Computed Altitude
Direct answer
Computed Altitude is the altitude a celestial body should have from an assumed position at the observation time.
Computed Altitude is a predicted body altitude used in historical astronomy, timekeeping, or navigation.
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At a glance
- Found in
- Historical Almanacs & Instruments
- Related
- Assumed Position, Observed Altitude, Altitude Correction, Dip Correction
Computed Altitude is a predicted body altitude used in historical astronomy, timekeeping, or navigation.
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The story behind Computed Altitude
Computed altitude became the central prediction in intercept sight-reduction workflows.
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Why Computed Altitude matters
Computed Altitude matters because comparison with corrected observed altitude yields the intercept used to position the line.
Computed Altitude in practice: an example
A table returns 28 degrees 08.4 minutes for the assumed position, ready for comparison with the corrected sight.
Where readings of Computed Altitude go wrong
A precise calculation from wrong time, coordinates, or body data is still wrong.
Sources and editorial method
Research references used for this entry include:
- National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency: The American Practical Navigator - Official modern reference for navigation principles, celestial observations, sight reduction, and navigational tables.
- Source
- The Great Almanac Dictionary
- Category
- Historical Almanacs & Instruments
- Last updated
- 2026-09-26
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More in Historical Almanacs & Instruments
- Equinoctial Ring Dial
- Line of Position
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- Almanac Ephemeris
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Common questions
What is Computed Altitude?
Computed Altitude is the altitude a celestial body should have from an assumed position at the observation time.
What do people get wrong about Computed Altitude?
A precise calculation from wrong time, coordinates, or body data is still wrong.
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