What can the bearing of the Sun at sunset help determine?

The correct answer is connected to the concept of celestial navigation, a key aspect of sea navigation. By observing the bearing of the Sun at sunset, navigators can indeed gain valuable information about their position on the globe, particularly their relationship to true north. This observation can help them assess the accuracy of their gyrocompass by comparing the angle measured against true north and the expected position of the Sun.

When the Sun sets, its bearing provides crucial data that can validate or correct gyro error, which is vital for maintaining an accurate heading. Gyro error occurs due to the inherent differences between true north and magnetic north, as well as the adjustments needed because of the vessel's movements. In essence, by determining the Sun's position at sunset, navigators can refine their understanding of their course, allowing for more precise navigation.

While latitude is determined through different methods such as measuring the angle of the Sun at noon, the bearing of the Sun at sunset is more related to correcting heading errors. Longitude, on the other hand, typically requires timekeeping and is calculated using other celestial observations. Celestial navigation is an overarching term that encompasses the practice but does not specifically answer what the bearing of the Sun at sunset helps to determine.