Coast Guard Exams
Question 1614Navigation General70% to pass

In which of the following does the arc of a great circle pass through a body and the celestial poles?

AI Explanation
The correct answer is B) hour circle. The arc of a great circle passes through a body and the celestial poles when it is an hour circle. An hour circle is a great circle that passes through the celestial poles and the body being observed. This is because the hour circle represents the line of constant right ascension, which is the celestial equivalent of longitude on the Earth's surface. The other options are incorrect because: A) Altitude circle is a small circle parallel to the horizon. C) Observer's meridian is a great circle passing through the zenith and the celestial poles. D) Diurnal circle is the apparent path of a celestial body due to the Earth's rotation.

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