Dictionary term
Dip Correction
Direct answer
Dip Correction is the correction for the visible sea horizon lying below the observer's true horizontal plane.
Dip Correction is a height-of-eye horizon correction used in historical astronomy, timekeeping, or navigation.
Dip Correction is a height-of-eye horizon correction used in historical astronomy, timekeeping, or navigation.
An engraved functional orientation; the page explains the real instrument, method, or publication.Quick reference
- Use when
- Use Dip Correction by using the actual height of eye and the horizon type specified by the correction table.
- Do not use it for
- Dip for a natural sea horizon is not the same as an artificial-horizon or bubble-sextant correction.
- Reference category
- Historical Almanacs & Instruments
- Related terms
- Computed Altitude, Altitude Correction, Refraction Correction, Semidiameter Correction
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The story behind Dip Correction
Dip tables became routine companions to marine sextant observations from elevated decks.
Dip Correction in spiritual tradition
Dip Correction rewards careful observation, explicit assumptions, and humility about the limits of every model or measurement.
Dip Correction: fact and faith, kept distinct
This is a factual history-of-science, instrument, timekeeping, or navigation reference. It may support wonder and disciplined attention without becoming a claim of fate, worship, or private revelation.
Dip Correction in numerology
Dip Correction is not a numerology claim. Any numbers attached to it should retain their ordinary scientific, calendrical, navigational, or historical meaning unless a separate symbolic interpretation is clearly labeled.
Why Dip Correction matters
Dip Correction matters because greater height of eye increases the depression of the horizon and therefore changes the measured altitude.
Dip Correction at work: an example
A bridge-wing sight applies a larger dip magnitude than the same sight taken close to sea level.
Where interpretation stops
Dip Correction is presented as sourced astronomy, calendrical, Earth-science, cultural, or instrument-history reference. Definitions should distinguish measured phenomena from civil convention and historical interpretation, preserve location and time dependencies, and avoid turning factual sky data into a deterministic personal claim.
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
- Also appears in
- Historical Almanacs & Instruments
- Aliases
- None listed
- Last updated
- 2026-07-16
Explore Dip Correction
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More in Historical Almanacs & Instruments
- Hourglass
- Marcq Saint-Hilaire Method
- Observed Altitude
- Reflecting Circle
- Star Atlas
- Zenith Sector
- Astronomical Clock
- Chronometer
Common questions
What is Dip Correction?
Dip Correction is the correction for the visible sea horizon lying below the observer's true horizontal plane.
How is Dip Correction used in an almanac?
Use Dip Correction by using the actual height of eye and the horizon type specified by the correction table.
What should I avoid when interpreting Dip Correction?
Dip for a natural sea horizon is not the same as an artificial-horizon or bubble-sextant correction.
