Celestial Navigation

The practice of celestial navigation involves careful observation of the sun and moon as well as planets and stars. Combining these observations with centuries-old principles, allows a navigator to determine the vessel’s position.

For the modern navigator, there are electronic systems such as Global Positioning System (GPS), Long Range Navigation (Loran), photo-enhanced digital charts, and other navigational aids.

We all want the convenience and accuracy of electronic navigational aids, but a prudent navigator will never attempt a long voyage without the knowledge and skills of celestial navigation.

Let the sky be your guide. Sign up for the Celestial Navigation Course today. 

Topics:

• The Sextant, Theory & Adjustments

• Practical Sextant Work

• Identification of Celestial Bodies

• Sextant Altitude Corrections

• Lines of Position from Celestial Observations

• Time

• Hour Angles and Aries

• Time Diagrams

• The Nautical Almanac

• Solution for Intercept & Azimuth

• Sight Reduction—Special Methods

• Plotting LOPs & Fixes,

• Plotting Sheet

• Pilot Charts

• Great Circle Charts

• Mercator Charts

• Plotting & Deck Log

• The Sailings

• Traverse Sailing

• Great Circle