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Chapter 6
Introduction to Celestial Navigation
Introduction
In modem day navigation, we have grown dependent on advanced satellite
navigation systems (GPS) to accommodate our day-to-day navigation
needs. However, celestial navigation is still very much a part of a day’s
work in navigation. You may ask yourself why we still use celestial
navigation with all the high tech equipment available to find the ship’s
position. The answer is simple. In wartime, there is always a possibility
that satellite tracking stations and satellites themselves may be knocked
out. As a Quartermaster, you must make every attempt to hone your
celestial skills.
In this chapter, you will learn the basics of celestial navigation. The
information contained in this chapter will help you to understand the more
complex topics contained in chapter 9.
Objectives
The material in this chapter will enable the student to:
Describe the celestial sphere.
Describe the Celestial Coordinate System.
Use The Nautical Almanac.
Determine the LMT of sunrise, sunset, and twilight.
Determine LMT of moonrise and moonset.
Determine LHA of Aries, selected stars, and star time using The
Nautical Almanac, Pub 249, and The Rude Starfinder.
Topic
Page
Earth and the Celestial Sphere
6-2
Understanding the Celestial Coordinate System
6-3
Using The Nautical Almanac
6-5
How to Determine the Time of Sunrise, Sunset, and
Twilight
6-6
How to Determine the Time of Moonrise and Moonset
6-8
How to Determine Selected Stars Using Pub 249
6-9
How to Determine Selected Stars Using The Rude Starfinder
6-12
6-1
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