Asterism (navigation tools)

Asterism in navigation refers to a pattern formed by three or more stars that serve as a guide for navigators at sea or in the sky. By identifying these star patterns, sailors and astronomers can determine their position, direction, and time of night. Notable examples include the Big Dipper and Orion’s Belt. Asterisms are useful because they provide easy-to-recognize references among the many stars, making it simpler for individuals to navigate without modern instruments. This traditional knowledge remains important in celestial navigation and serves as a connection to our historical navigation practices.