The soldier tasked with the targeting is Hurst Romodi, the same soldier who pulled the trigger on Jedha. Having observed the Battle Station's destructive potential and under the pressure to fire as soon as possible it certainly doesn't seem beyond the realms of reality that he **simply took the shot he had, factoring in the position of the Death Star in relation to the Citadel.** 

> Meanwhile, Tarkin would put the Death Star to better use by employing it for its stated purpose. He gazed down at Scarif. Such a beautiful place, and he would be among the last to see it.  
**“You may fire when ready,”** he informed Romodi.  
The general immediately set to carrying out his world-ending orders.

> <sub><sup>[Rogue One: A Star Wars Story – A Junior Novel][1]</sub></sup>

and

> “Lord Vader will handle the fleet,” Tarkin said. “The plans must not be allowed to leave Scarif, at any cost.”  
Romodi understood. “Yes, sir,” he replied, and began calling orders to his aides.

> <Sub><sup>[Rogue One: A Star Wars Story - Official Novelisation][2]</Sub></sup>

Let's be honest here. Missing by a thousand miles isn't that big of a deal when a miss of that magnitude is **still a hit.** And heck, they managed to shoot the top of the Citadel off. How close do you want to get it?

[![enter image description here][3]][3]


  [1]: http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Rogue_One:_A_Star_Wars_Story_%E2%80%93_A_Junior_Novel
  [2]: http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Rogue_One:_A_Star_Wars_Story_(novel)
  [3]: https://i.sstatic.net/4Es2G.gif