Celestial navigation is a method used by sailors and navigators to determine their position on the earth using the positions of celestial bodies, such as the sun, the moon, and the stars. It is based on the idea that the position of these celestial bodies can be used to determine the latitude and longitude of a ship or aircraft. This method of navigation has been used for thousands of years and was crucial in early maritime exploration, helping sailors navigate their way across vast oceans without the aid of modern navigation technology.

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Celestial navigation involves observing the position of celestial bodies in the sky and using mathematical calculations to determine the observer’s position on the earth. The main tool used in celestial navigation is the sextant, an instrument that measures the angle between the horizon and a celestial body. This measurement, along with knowledge of the time and the position of the celestial body, is used to determine the observer’s latitude and longitude.

Celestial navigation has largely been replaced by GPS technology, but it is still used by some navigators and sailors who prefer the traditional method or who find themselves in situations where GPS signals are unavailable. Additionally, celestial navigation is considered an important skill for survival in a survival situation, where a person may need to navigate without modern technology.