Time should be expressed to the nearest what?

Time should be expressed to the nearest what?

• A. Second
• B. Minute
• C. Hour
• D. Day

Answer: (A)

Timing in navigation must be precise because most calculations depend on the exact moment events occur. Time should be expressed to the nearest second because even a small error in time directly changes your calculated position. In celestial navigation, longitude is determined from the difference between your local time and a standard reference time (UTC). A one-second error in time can shift your longitude by about one nautical mile near the equator and by even more distance at lower latitudes, which is significant for plotting accurate fixes. Using the nearest second provides the right level of precision for fixes, log entries, and timing of observations without getting into finer tones of time that aren’t routinely needed on board. Expressing time in minutes, hours, or days would be far too coarse to support accurate navigation; the nearest second strikes the balance between practicality and precision.

Timing in navigation must be precise because most calculations depend on the exact moment events occur. Time should be expressed to the nearest second because even a small error in time directly changes your calculated position. In celestial navigation, longitude is determined from the difference between your local time and a standard reference time (UTC). A one-second error in time can shift your longitude by about one nautical mile near the equator and by even more distance at lower latitudes, which is significant for plotting accurate fixes. Using the nearest second provides the right level of precision for fixes, log entries, and timing of observations without getting into finer tones of time that aren’t routinely needed on board. Expressing time in minutes, hours, or days would be far too coarse to support accurate navigation; the nearest second strikes the balance between practicality and precision.