astronavigation
Steering by stars
Astronavigation is navigation by observing the positions of celestial bodies—stars, the sun, the moon, planets.
Sailors and aviators use it to determine location when other methods aren't available.
The term also applies to plotting courses through space: The ship's computer handled astronavigation between star systems.
Also called celestial navigation.
Luminous celestial bodies
- constellationsRecognized celestial groupings
- PolarisCelestial north marker
- SiriusNight's most luminous point
- CanopusRunner-up to Sirius
Vega · Orion · zenith · nadir · azimuth · declination · ecliptic
Celestial body position chart
Maritime angular measurement device
- chronometerPrecision timekeeping instrument
- quadrantFourth of a circle
- octantOne-eighth of circle
- gyrocompassSpinning rotor direction finder
Path of moving object
- interplanetaryBetween celestial bodies
- VoyagerNASA interstellar mission name
- caravelSmall Portuguese exploration ship
- circumnavigationComplete journey around something
stars
Luminous celestial bodies
- constellationsRecognized celestial groupings
- PolarisCelestial north marker
- SiriusNight's most luminous point
Canopus · Vega · Orion · zenith · nadir · azimuth · declination · ecliptic
ephemeris
Celestial body position chart
sextant
Maritime angular measurement device
- chronometerPrecision timekeeping instrument
- quadrantFourth of a circle
- octantOne-eighth of circle
trajectory
Path of moving object
- interplanetaryBetween celestial bodies
- VoyagerNASA interstellar mission name
Magellan
- caravelSmall Portuguese exploration ship
- circumnavigationComplete journey around something
quarterdeck
Ship's elevated aft platform
astronavigationGPS navigation
Satellite-based directional system
satellite navigation · radio navigation · dead reckoning · pilotage · LORAN
navigate, astronaut, navigator, navigation, astronomy, astronomical, astronomer, circumnavigate, astrophysics