<P> Celestial navigation , also known as astronavigation , is the ancient and modern practice of position fixing that enables a navigator to transition through a space without having to rely on estimated calculations , or dead reckoning , to know their position . Celestial navigation uses `` sights '' , or angular measurements taken between a celestial body ( e.g. the Sun , the Moon , a planet , or a star ) and the visible horizon . The Sun is most commonly used , but navigators can also use the Moon , a planet , Polaris , or one of 57 other navigational stars whose coordinates are tabulated in the nautical almanac and air almanacs . </P>
<P> Celestial navigation , also known as astronavigation , is the ancient and modern practice of position fixing that enables a navigator to transition through a space without having to rely on estimated calculations , or dead reckoning , to know their position . Celestial navigation uses `` sights '' , or angular measurements taken between a celestial body ( e.g. the Sun , the Moon , a planet , or a star ) and the visible horizon . The Sun is most commonly used , but navigators can also use the Moon , a planet , Polaris , or one of 57 other navigational stars whose coordinates are tabulated in the nautical almanac and air almanacs . </P>
explorers who used celestial navigation plotted their courses according to
explorers who used celestial navigation plotted their courses according to
angular measurements taken between a celestial body ( e.g. the Sun , the Moon , a planet , or a star ) and the visible horizon
angular measurements taken between a celestial body ( e.g. the Sun , the Moon , a planet , or a star ) and the visible horizon