Star Compass

The Star Compass is a method used by navigators, especially in the past, to determine direction by observing the positions of stars in the night sky. Certain stars, like Polaris (the North Star), appear fixed in the sky relative to Earth's poles, allowing navigators to find north. By measuring the angle between Polaris and the horizon, sailors could determine their latitude (north-south position). The star compass essentially relies on understanding the constellations and specific bright stars to orient oneself and navigate accurately, especially before modern instruments like GPS.