Micronesian navigation

Micronesian navigation is an ancient maritime skill where navigators interpret natural cues—such as ocean swells, star positions, wind patterns, and bird behaviors—to voyage across vast Pacific distances without modern instruments. They develop detailed mental maps of prevailing currents and island landmarks, enabling precise open-sea navigation. This knowledge is passed through rigorous training and oral tradition, allowing communities to traverse hundreds of miles reliably, fostering cultural connections and exploration. It exemplifies a sophisticated understanding of natural environment, emphasizing intuition, observation, and experience over technology.