Noon sight is a method used in navigation to determine a ship's latitude by measuring the angle of the sun at its highest point in the sky, known as solar noon. This technique involves using a sextant to take a sighting of the sun, which helps navigators calculate their position on the Earth's surface.
To perform a noon sight, navigators need to know the exact time of solar noon and the sun's declination for that day. By applying these measurements to a nautical almanac, they can accurately determine their latitude, aiding in safe and effective maritime travel.