Dictionary term
Latitude by Meridian Altitude
Direct answer
Latitude by Meridian Altitude is a latitude calculation using a body's corrected altitude when it crosses the observer's meridian and its declination.
Latitude by Meridian Altitude is a noon-or-transit latitude method used in historical astronomy, timekeeping, or navigation.
Latitude by Meridian Altitude is a noon-or-transit latitude method 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 Latitude by Meridian Altitude by identifying upper or lower transit, correcting the altitude, and applying the correct same-name or contrary-name rule.
- Do not use it for
- A near-noon sight is not automatically the exact meridian altitude, and a wrong declination sign reverses the result.
- Reference category
- Historical Almanacs & Instruments
- Related terms
- Celestial Navigation, Dead Reckoning, Longitude by Chronometer, Noon Sight
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The story behind Latitude by Meridian Altitude
Meridian altitudes of the Sun and stars were among the most enduring practical latitude methods.
Latitude by Meridian Altitude in spiritual tradition
Latitude by Meridian Altitude rewards careful observation, explicit assumptions, and humility about the limits of every model or measurement.
Latitude by Meridian Altitude: 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.
Latitude by Meridian Altitude in numerology
Latitude by Meridian Altitude 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 Latitude by Meridian Altitude matters
Latitude by Meridian Altitude matters because meridian geometry reduces the problem to the relationship among zenith distance, declination, and latitude.
Latitude by Meridian Altitude at work: an example
At upper transit, ninety degrees minus corrected altitude gives zenith distance for combination with declination.
Where interpretation stops
Latitude by Meridian Altitude 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.
- U.S. Naval Observatory: Astronomical and Navigational Almanacs - Official descriptions of the Astronomical Almanac, Nautical Almanac, and their tabular data.
- Source
- The Great Almanac Dictionary
- Category
- Historical Almanacs & Instruments
- Also appears in
- Historical Almanacs & Instruments
- Aliases
- None listed
- Last updated
- 2026-07-16
Explore Latitude by Meridian Altitude
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More in Historical Almanacs & Instruments
- Mariner's Astrolabe
- Octant
- Regulator Clock
- Star Sight
- Alidade
- Astronomical Ephemeris Table
- Compass Rose
- Equatorial Telescope
Common questions
What is Latitude by Meridian Altitude?
Latitude by Meridian Altitude is a latitude calculation using a body's corrected altitude when it crosses the observer's meridian and its declination.
How is Latitude by Meridian Altitude used in an almanac?
Use Latitude by Meridian Altitude by identifying upper or lower transit, correcting the altitude, and applying the correct same-name or contrary-name rule.
What should I avoid when interpreting Latitude by Meridian Altitude?
A near-noon sight is not automatically the exact meridian altitude, and a wrong declination sign reverses the result.
