celestial navigation
Celestial navigation is a method used by sailors and aviators to determine their position on Earth by observing the sun, moon, and stars. By measuring the angles between these celestial bodies and the horizon, navigators can calculate their latitude and longitude. This technique has been used for centuries, long before modern technology made navigation easier.
To practice celestial navigation, navigators often use tools like a sextant or a compass. They take readings at specific times, usually at dawn or dusk, when the celestial bodies are most visible. This ancient skill allows travelers to find their way across vast oceans, relying on the natural movements of the sky.