Stellar Navigation

Stellar navigation is the practice of using stars to determine one’s position and direction, especially at sea. By observing the positions of stars, navigators can calculate their latitude and longitude. This method relies on a sextant, an instrument that measures the angle between a star and the horizon. Comparing these observations with star charts helps sailors find their way, even without modern technology. This ancient technique was essential for explorers and remains a backup method for navigation today, demonstrating humanity's long-standing connection to the cosmos and our ability to navigate using natural celestial markers.