Definition

1. Noun:
   • Navigating according to the positions of the stars: The method of determining a ship's or aircraft's position by observing celestial bodies (primarily the sun, moon, planets, and stars) and using their positions relative to a known time.

Usage

• Celestial navigation is a traditional skill used by sailors and aviators. It involves using a sextant to measure the angle between a celestial body and the horizon, then performing calculations to determine latitude and longitude.
• This term is used in contexts related to maritime history, traditional sailing, aviation, and survival skills. It is often contrasted with modern electronic navigation methods like GPS.

Examples

• Before the invention of GPS, celestial navigation was essential for transoceanic voyages.
• The sailor practiced celestial navigation every clear night to maintain his skills.
• Learning celestial navigation requires understanding astronomical tables and spherical trigonometry.

Advanced Usage

• "To shoot the sun": A traditional phrase meaning to take a sextant sighting of the sun's altitude for navigation.
  • At noon, the captain went on deck to shoot the sun for a latitude fix.
• "To take a sight": The act of measuring the altitude of a celestial body.
  • The navigator took a sight of Polaris to check their northern progress.

Variants and Related Words

• Astronavigation (n): A synonym for celestial navigation.
• Celestial (adj): Pertaining to the sky or visible heavens.
• Navigation (n): The process or activity of accurately ascertaining one's position and planning and following a route.

Synonyms

• Astronavigation
• Star navigation

Related Phrases

• Dead reckoning: A method of calculating one's current position by using a previously determined position, and advancing that position based upon known or estimated speeds over elapsed time and course. Often used in conjunction with celestial navigation.
• Piloting: Navigation by using visible landmarks, buoys, or depth soundings, typically used in coastal waters. This contrasts with the open-ocean use of celestial navigation.

Related Idioms

• "By the stars": Literally, to navigate using the stars; figuratively, to proceed based on intuition or a general sense of direction.
  • With his compass broken, he had to sail by the stars. (Literal)
  • We don't have a detailed plan; we're just running this project by the stars. (Figurative)

Noun

1. navigating according to the positions of the stars