navigation 4

CELESTIAL NAVIGATION

VILLAR, FROILAN C.
BSMT 2B3
VILLAR, FROILAN C.
BSMT 2B3

TOPIC 1: CELESTIAL BODY

The Importance of Celestial Bodies in Navigation

Throughout history, celestial bodies have played a crucial role in guiding human
exploration endeavors. Sailors and adventurers in ancient times relied on the heavens to
navigate their way through the vast oceans and wilderness. The stars, sun, and moon
served as invaluable compasses, offering direction and orientation amidst the expansive
unknown.

Our sun, a dependable celestial body, has been a constant companion for navigators. Its
consistent patterns of rising in the east and setting in the west have provided a reliable
sense of direction. The sun's position at noon allowed seafarers to determine both
latitude and local time accurately, enhancing their navigation capabilities significantly.

Navigational Tools and Innovations

In addition to the sun, the moon, our closest cosmic companion, also assisted explorers
in finding their way, especially during nighttime journeys. By observing the moon's
phases and position, skilled individuals could estimate the time and even calculate
approximate latitude. Furthermore, stars, like Polaris and various constellations, which
maintained fixed positions relative to Earth's rotation, proved indispensable for
maritime navigation over millennia.

Over time, various navigational instruments like celestial navigational instruments,

sextants, and nautical almanac were crafted to harness the navigational potential of
celestial bodies. These tools decoded the intricate movements of the stars and planets
into a language understandable to sailors and explorers. By translating the celestial
ballet above us into practical information, these devices offered valuable insights to
determine location and plot routes on Earth. This exemplifies the remarkable creativity
and problem-solving skills of our ancestors as they ventured into the great unknown.
VILLAR, FROILAN C.
BSMT 2B3

TOPIC 2: SHIPS POSITION

Celestial navigation is a fascinating blend of ancient wisdom and modern

precision. By observing celestial bodies like the sun during Latitude
Apparent Noon (LAN) and Meridian Passage, sailors can pinpoint their
position on the ocean. LAN marks the sun's highest point in the sky,
helping determine latitude, while Meridian Passage, when a celestial body
crosses the observer's meridian, aids in finding longitude. These techniques
require a deep understanding of astronomy and keen observational and
mathematical skills, embodying a tradition of navigational excellence
passed down through generations.

Celestial navigation not only helps sailors find their way but also fosters a
profound connection to the cosmos and human ingenuity. In today's world
dominated by GPS, relying on celestial bodies for navigation highlights
humanity's enduring curiosity and quest for mastery over nature. Each
calculation and sighting of a star or the sun becomes a conversation
between the sailor and the universe, reminding us of our place in the
vastness of space. Additionally, it preserves a traditional skill set,
emphasizing the beauty of patience, persistence, and the timeless allure of
the stars.
VILLAR, FROILAN C.
BSMT 2B3

TOPIC 3: NAVIGATIONAL CONDITION

Determining the various navigational conditions essential for celestial

observations, including rising, setting, and twilight time calculation,
underscores the intricate balance between celestial mechanics and
environmental factors crucial for accurate navigation. Firstly, the timing of
celestial bodies' rising and setting plays a pivotal role in celestial
navigation. Sailors meticulously calculate these moments to ensure optimal
visibility and precise measurements, considering factors such as the
curvature of the Earth and atmospheric refraction. Clear horizons become
essential for unobstructed sightings, demanding sailors to anticipate and
account for potential obstructions such as landmasses or cloud cover.

Secondly, twilight time calculation introduces another layer of complexity

to celestial navigation. Twilight marks the transition periods between day
and night, significantly influencing the visibility of celestial bodies.
Determining twilight times necessitates sailors to gauge the gradual fading
or emergence of light, which impacts the clarity and accuracy of
observations. This requires a nuanced understanding of local geographical
conditions and atmospheric phenomena, highlighting the sailor's skill in
harmonizing scientific knowledge with real-world environmental variables
to navigate with precision and confidence.
VILLAR, FROILAN C.
BSMT 2B3

TOPIC 4: PARTS OF THE MARINE SEXTANT

The marine sextant, a quintessential tool for celestial navigation at sea,

comprises several key components designed to facilitate precise
measurements of celestial bodies' angles above the horizon. At its core lies
the frame, typically constructed from durable materials like brass or
aluminum, providing stability and support for the instrument's
components. Attached to the frame is the index arm, which houses the
index mirror and index glass. The index mirror reflects the image of the
celestial body being observed onto the horizon glass, enabling the
navigator to align the body's reflection with the visible horizon. The
micrometer drum, marked with precise graduations, allows for fine
adjustments to measure angles accurately.

Another crucial component of the marine sextant is the horizon glass, a

half-silvered mirror positioned at a 45-degree angle to the index mirror.
This mirror reflects both the horizon and the celestial body's image,
allowing the navigator to align them precisely. Additionally, the marine
sextant features a telescope mounted on the frame, aiding in sighting
celestial bodies with enhanced accuracy. This optical device magnifies the
image of the celestial body, making it easier for the navigator to align it
with the horizon. Together, these components form a sophisticated yet
elegantly simple instrument that empowers sailors to navigate the vast
expanses of the ocean by harnessing the celestial sphere's guidance with
precision and confidence.
VILLAR, FROILAN C.
BSMT 2B3

TOPIC 5: CORRECT USAGE OF MARINE SEXTANT

The correct usage of the marine sextant demands a combination of

technical proficiency, keen observational skills, and environmental
awareness. To begin, the navigator must ensure the sextant is properly
calibrated and aligned before each use, verifying the zero error to
guarantee accurate measurements. When taking a sight, the navigator
peers through the sextant's telescope, aligning the image of the celestial
body with the visible horizon reflected in the horizon glass. Careful
adjustments of the micrometer drum enable precise measurement of the
angle between the celestial body and the horizon, crucial for determining
the ship's position.

Furthermore, the correct usage of the marine sextant requires consideration

of external factors such as the ship's motion, atmospheric conditions, and
time of day. Stabilizing the sextant against the ship's movement and
selecting the most suitable celestial body for observation are essential steps
to obtain reliable readings. Additionally, accounting for atmospheric
refraction and potential obstructions on the horizon ensures accurate
calculations. With each observation, the navigator hones their ability to
interpret celestial data, ultimately mastering the art of celestial navigation
and confidently guiding the ship across the open sea.

VILLAR, FROILAN C.
BSMT 2B3

TOPIC 6: SIGHT REDUCTION

Sight reduction is the process by which navigators translate celestial

observations into meaningful data that aids in determining a ship's
position at sea. This intricate procedure involves several mathematical
calculations to account for various factors affecting the observed celestial
body's apparent position. Firstly, navigators must correct for instrumental
errors and atmospheric refraction, ensuring the accuracy of the measured
angle. They then employ specialized tables or computational methods to
convert the observed angle into a corresponding celestial line of position
(LOP) on the Earth's surface. By intersecting multiple LOPs derived from
observations of different celestial bodies, navigators can pinpoint their
ship's position with a high degree of accuracy, despite being thousands of
miles from land.

Moreover, sight reduction necessitates a deep understanding of celestial

navigation principles and proficiency in mathematical techniques.
Navigators must be adept at manipulating trigonometric functions,
applying spherical geometry, and interpreting navigational almanacs to
perform sight reduction accurately. Additionally, the process demands
meticulous attention to detail and a keen eye for error detection, as even
minor inaccuracies in calculations can lead to significant deviations in the
calculated position. Through sight reduction, navigators bridge the gap
between celestial observation and practical navigation, harnessing the
timeless guidance of the stars to safely traverse the world's oceans.

VILLAR, FROILAN C.
BSMT 2B3
TOPIC 7: PLOTTING

Plotting with a series of observations of the sun, such as a running fix

during twilight, is a fundamental aspect of celestial navigation, allowing
sailors to chart their course accurately on nautical charts. In this method,
navigators take multiple sightings of the sun's position over time, typically
during the transition periods of twilight when the sun's altitude changes
rapidly. By recording the time and angle of each observation, sailors can
plot the sun's apparent movement on the celestial sphere and determine
their vessel's position relative to it. Using the principles of spherical
trigonometry, these observations are then converted into lines of position
(LOPs) on the chart, representing the possible locations of the ship at each
observation moment.

Furthermore, the process of plotting with a series of sun observations

requires precision, patience, and a thorough understanding of celestial
navigation principles. Navigators meticulously plot each observation point
on the chart and then employ techniques such as advancing the lines of
position to account for the vessel's movement over time. By intersecting
multiple LOPs derived from different observation points, sailors can
pinpoint their ship's position with greater accuracy, even in the absence of
other navigational aids. This method not only serves as a practical means
of navigation but also fosters a deep connection between the navigator, the
celestial sphere, and the timeless tradition of celestial navigation.

VILLAR, FROILAN C.
BSMT 2B3

TOPIC 8: NAVIGATIONAL ASTRONOMY

Navigational astronomy encompasses a range of fundamental concepts
and principles crucial for understanding the celestial sphere and its
relationship to Earth. At its core lies an appreciation of the universe's
apparent motion as observed from Earth. This motion includes the diurnal
motion caused by Earth's rotation, which produces the daily rising and
setting of celestial bodies, as well as the annual motion caused by Earth's
orbit around the sun, which gives rise to the changing positions of stars
and constellations throughout the year. Understanding these motions
enables navigators to predict the positions of celestial bodies at any given
time, forming the basis for celestial navigation.

Coordinate systems are integral to navigational astronomy, providing a

framework for precisely locating celestial objects in the sky. The most
commonly used coordinate systems in celestial navigation are the celestial
equatorial system and the horizontal (or azimuthal) system. The celestial
equatorial system, akin to Earth's equatorial coordinate system, utilizes
declination and right ascension to specify the position of celestial objects
relative to the celestial equator and vernal equinox. On the other hand, the
horizontal system employs altitude and azimuth to describe the apparent
position of celestial objects relative to the observer's local horizon. By
understanding and applying these coordinate systems, navigators can
accurately determine the positions of celestial bodies and navigate across
the open sea with confidence and precision.
VILLAR, FROILAN C.
BSMT 2B3

TOPIC 9: CELESTIAL NAVIGATION: PLANETS, SUN, STARS AND

MOON

Celestial navigation, an ancient art refined through millennia of seafaring

exploration, relies on the precise observation of celestial bodies such as
planets, the sun, stars, and the moon. Each of these celestial entities serves
as a reliable reference point for determining a ship's position on Earth's
vast oceans. Planets like Venus and Jupiter, with their distinctive
brightness and predictable orbits, provide navigators with easily
identifiable markers against the backdrop of the night sky. The sun, a
beacon of light and warmth, offers crucial navigational data during
daylight hours, enabling sailors to calculate their latitude and, with the aid
of accurate timekeeping, determine longitude. Stars, with their fixed
positions relative to one another, form a celestial tapestry against which
sailors navigate, utilizing constellations like the Big Dipper or Southern
Cross as guiding beacons across the expanse of the ocean.

Moreover, the moon, with its cyclical phases and predictable movements,
plays a significant role in celestial navigation. Navigators utilize the moon's
position and phase to gauge time, approximate latitude, and refine their
calculations of longitude. The moon's gravitational influence also affects
ocean tides, further influencing the sailor's understanding of the maritime
environment. Together, these celestial bodies form a celestial navigation
toolkit, allowing sailors to transcend the limitations of terrestrial landmarks
and navigate with confidence across the boundless seas, connecting
humanity's journey on Earth with the timeless dance of the cosmos.
VILLAR, FROILAN C.
BSMT 2B3

TOPIC 10: APPLICATION OF TIME IN CELESTIAL NAVIGATION

Time serves as a crucial component in celestial navigation, acting as a

linchpin for calculating a ship's position on the open sea. Accurate
timekeeping allows navigators to synchronize celestial observations with
precise moments in the Earth's rotation, enabling the determination of
longitude—a feat historically challenging to achieve. By comparing the
local time of a celestial event, such as the culmination of a star or the sun's
meridian passage, with the corresponding time recorded at a reference
point (usually Greenwich Mean Time), sailors can calculate the difference
in longitude between their position and the reference point. This time
differential, when converted into degrees of longitude, provides a precise
measure of how far east or west the ship is from the reference meridian,
unlocking a vital piece of the navigational puzzle.

Furthermore, the application of time extends beyond longitude calculations

to facilitate the synchronization of celestial observations with the proper
celestial events. Timekeeping instruments such as chronometers, sextants,
and precise clocks ensure that navigators can take sightings of celestial
bodies at the precise moments when they reach key positions in the sky,
such as meridian passage or celestial culmination. By meticulously
coordinating their observations with accurate timekeeping, sailors harness
the dynamic relationship between time and celestial motion, transforming
astronomical data into actionable navigational information that guides
their journey across the vast expanses of the ocean.
VILLAR, FROILAN C.
BSMT 2B3

TOPIC 11: USE OF RELEVANT NAUTICAL PUBLICATION –

NAUTICAL ALMANAC NORIE’S TABLE

In the realm of celestial navigation, nautical publications like the Nautical

Almanac and Norie's Tables serve as indispensable companions for sailors,
providing a wealth of essential data and reference material. The Nautical
Almanac, a comprehensive annual publication, offers precise tables and
diagrams detailing the positions of celestial bodies at specific times
throughout the year. Sailors rely on this authoritative resource to
determine the expected positions of stars, planets, the sun, and the moon at
any given moment, facilitating accurate celestial observations. Moreover,
the Nautical Almanac provides invaluable information on phenomena such
as eclipses, moon phases, and planetary conjunctions, enabling navigators
to plan their voyages and optimize celestial navigation strategies
accordingly.

Similarly, Norie's Tables, a venerable tome in the realm of maritime

navigation, offers a diverse array of tables, diagrams, and formulas tailored
specifically to the needs of sailors. This comprehensive reference work
includes tables for celestial navigation, tidal predictions, and various
navigational calculations, serving as a trusted companion for sailors
navigating the world's oceans. With its wealth of practical information and
user-friendly layout, Norie's Tables equips sailors with the tools they need
to navigate safely and efficiently, regardless of the challenges they may
encounter at sea. Together, these nautical publications exemplify the vital
role that accurate data and reference material play in celestial navigation,
empowering sailors to navigate with confidence and precision across the
globe's vast maritime expanse.
VILLAR, FROILAN C.
BSMT 2B3

TOPIC 12: COMPASS ERRORS BY CELESTIAL BODIES

Compass errors induced by celestial bodies are a significant consideration

in celestial navigation, often stemming from the magnetic influence exerted
by the sun, moon, and certain stars on a ship's compass. The most notable
of these errors is deviation, caused by the magnetic fields generated by
metal components and electronic equipment aboard the vessel. When
celestial bodies such as the sun or moon are in close proximity to the
compass, their magnetic fields can induce deviations in the compass
needle's orientation, leading to inaccuracies in navigation. Additionally,
variation, the angular difference between true north and magnetic north,
can fluctuate due to the varying positions of celestial bodies relative to the
observer's location. While celestial navigation primarily relies on the
alignment of celestial bodies with true north, understanding and
compensating for compass errors induced by these bodies is essential for
maintaining navigational accuracy.

Navigators mitigate compass errors induced by celestial bodies through

careful calibration and adjustment procedures. By periodically comparing
the ship's compass readings with celestial observations, sailors can
determine the extent of deviation and variation and apply appropriate
corrections. Methods such as swinging the ship's compass and using
azimuth tables derived from celestial observations help sailors identify and
quantify compass errors induced by celestial bodies. Through these
meticulous calibration efforts, navigators ensure that their compasses
remain reliable tools for navigation, allowing them to navigate confidently
by the stars while compensating for the magnetic influences exerted by
celestial bodies on their compasses.