Dictionary term
Observed Altitude
Direct answer
Observed Altitude is the celestial angle read from the sextant or other instrument before the full correction sequence.
Observed Altitude is a raw instrument altitude used in historical astronomy, timekeeping, or navigation.
Observed Altitude is a raw instrument altitude 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 Observed Altitude by recording the exact reading, body, limb, index correction, UTC, and horizon conditions together.
- Do not use it for
- Terminology varies by manual, so verify whether a worksheet uses observed altitude before or after index and dip correction.
- Reference category
- Historical Almanacs & Instruments
- Related terms
- Greenwich Hour Angle, Assumed Position, Computed Altitude, Altitude Correction
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The story behind Observed Altitude
Navigation workbooks traditionally separated sextant altitude, corrected intermediate values, and final observed altitude notation.
Observed Altitude in spiritual tradition
Observed Altitude rewards careful observation, explicit assumptions, and humility about the limits of every model or measurement.
Observed 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.
Observed Altitude in numerology
Observed 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 Observed Altitude matters
Observed Altitude matters because keeping the raw observation distinct preserves an audit trail from instrument reading to final altitude.
Observed Altitude at work: an example
A sextant reading of 28 degrees 14.6 minutes is logged before dip and body corrections are applied.
Where interpretation stops
Observed 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.
- Source
- The Great Almanac Dictionary
- Category
- Historical Almanacs & Instruments
- Also appears in
- Historical Almanacs & Instruments
- Aliases
- None listed
- Last updated
- 2026-07-16
Explore Observed Altitude
Observed Altitude in a book is one thing; Observed Altitude in your own birth chart is your life. The Oracle casts your real chart and tells you what it means for your love, your work, and your year ahead, in conversation, free.
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More in Historical Almanacs & Instruments
- Reflecting Circle
- Star Atlas
- Agricultural Almanac
- Astronomical Clock
- Chronometer
- Dip Correction
- Intercept Method
- Marine Chronometer
Common questions
What is Observed Altitude?
Observed Altitude is the celestial angle read from the sextant or other instrument before the full correction sequence.
How is Observed Altitude used in an almanac?
Use Observed Altitude by recording the exact reading, body, limb, index correction, UTC, and horizon conditions together.
What should I avoid when interpreting Observed Altitude?
Terminology varies by manual, so verify whether a worksheet uses observed altitude before or after index and dip correction.
