astrogation
Plotting cosmic courses
Astrogation is navigation through outer space—plotting courses between stars, planets, or other celestial bodies.
The term appears almost exclusively in science fiction, where an astrogator calculates trajectories and hyperspace jumps: The astrogator charted a course through the asteroid field.
A blend of "astro" (star) and "navigation."
Diagram of celestial bodies
- course plottingPlanning a travel route
- trajectoryPath of moving object
- coordinatesLocation-specifying number pairs
- waypointNavigation reference location
bearing · orbital mechanics · quadrant · sector · heading · vector · flight path
Faster-than-light travel medium
- FTLExceeding light speed
- starshipFictional interstellar vessel
- subspaceSubset forming smaller space
- slipstreamAerodynamic wake zone
Maritime angular measurement device
- chronometerPrecision timekeeping instrument
- gyroscopeSpinning disc measuring orientation
- telemetryDistant automated data collection
- ephemerisCelestial body position chart
star catalog · sensor array · rangefinder · attitude indicator
Magnetized rotating neutron emitter
- quasarLuminous active galactic core
- celestial sphereImaginary dome of stars
- eclipticSun's apparent annual path
- declinationAngular distance from equator
azimuth · zenith · nadir · constellation · pole star · binary star · fixed stars · galactic core
star chart
Diagram of celestial bodies
- course plottingPlanning a travel route
- trajectoryPath of moving object
- coordinatesLocation-specifying number pairs
waypoint · bearing · orbital mechanics · quadrant · sector · heading · vector · flight path
hyperspace
Faster-than-light travel medium
sextant
Maritime angular measurement device
- chronometerPrecision timekeeping instrument
- gyroscopeSpinning disc measuring orientation
- telemetryDistant automated data collection
ephemeris · star catalog · sensor array · rangefinder · attitude indicator
pulsar
Magnetized rotating neutron emitter
- quasarLuminous active galactic core
- celestial sphereImaginary dome of stars
- eclipticSun's apparent annual path
declination · azimuth · zenith · nadir · constellation · pole star · binary star · fixed stars · galactic core
astrogationmaritime navigation
Directing ships across oceans
sea navigation · celestial navigation · coastal navigation · dead reckoning · orienteering
navigate, astronaut, navigator, navigation, navigating, navigated, navigates, aeronautics, navigational