celestial navigation

American  

noun

1. navigation by means of observations made of the apparent position of heavenly bodies.

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celestial navigation British  

noun

1. Also called: astronavigation.  navigation by observation of the positions of the stars

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celestial navigation Scientific  

1. Navigation of a ship or aircraft based on the observed positions of celestial bodies.

2. See more at altazimuth coordinate system

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Etymology

Origin of celestial navigation

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

The great and the small collide when the Tu‘itonga’s two younger children surprisingly appear on Bird Island, led by the middle son, a “wayfinder” who has learned the sacred craft of celestial navigation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 8, 2025

Some examples of ancient TEK include midwifery, celestial navigation and fish conservation.

From Scientific American • Aug. 1, 2023

Sitting there, appreciating Aiken’s wry assessment of his own uncertain celestial navigation, I wondered what he would make of his hometown’s road map from past to present to future.

From Washington Post • Jul. 8, 2022

To top it off, the crew managed this feat without the aid of maps or radio contact, using only celestial navigation and an atlas obtained from a library in New Zealand.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 7, 2021

I have coached you for years in celestial navigation; if you remember my lessons you will have a prosperous voyage.

From Flowers of Freethought (First Series) by Foote, G. W. (George William)