Celestial navigation is an ancient skill that uses celestial bodies—the sun, moon, stars, and planets—to determine direction and location. While advanced in nature, basic celestial navigation techniques can be invaluable when other navigation methods are unavailable.
The most reliable celestial reference point, sitting nearly motionless above true north.
Used for basic direction finding and timing based on its predictable daily movement.
Key patterns used to locate Polaris and determine direction at night.
Can provide rough direction and timing information when visible.
Using the Big Dipper and Cassiopeia to locate the North Star.
Basic direction finding using sun position and time of day.
Using shadows to determine direction and approximate time.
Following star movements to maintain direction at night.
Using multiple celestial references to verify navigation.
Understanding how celestial bodies move across the sky during day and night.
How star positions and sun paths vary with seasons and latitude.
Connection between time and celestial positions for navigation.
How navigation techniques vary between northern and southern hemispheres.
Basic map of major constellations
Accurate timepiece for calculations
For shadow stick method
Tables and guides for calculations
Primary reference for finding Polaris in northern hemisphere.
Alternative reference for locating Polaris when Big Dipper is low.
Useful for general direction finding in both hemispheres.
Primary reference for southern hemisphere navigation.
Techniques for partial visibility and waiting out cloud cover.
Adjusting techniques for urban areas and poor visibility.
Understanding how weather patterns affect celestial navigation.
Backup techniques when celestial bodies are not visible.
Using multiple celestial bodies to determine precise location.
Calculating accurate time using celestial observations.
Using star angles to determine approximate latitude.
Advanced calculations for more accurate navigation.
Learning to identify key stars and constellations reliably.
Practicing sun-based navigation during daylight hours.
Exercises for maintaining direction using stars.
Combining celestial navigation with other navigation methods.