Astronomical navigation

Astronomical navigation is a method of determining one's position on Earth by observing celestial bodies such as the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars. Navigators measure angles between these objects and the horizon using tools like sextants. By recording these angles at specific times, they can calculate their latitude (north-south position) and longitude (east-west position) with the help of navigational tables and celestial charts. This technique has been used for centuries by sailors and explorers to find their way across oceans, especially before modern GPS technology.