How to Pre-Calculate Stars for Celestial Navigation

Описание: Welcome back to The Chart Table.

In this video, we break down how to pre-calculate stars for celestial navigation so you can efficiently determine your position at sea. Pre-selecting stars before evening or morning twilight is a critical skill for navigators, allowing you to save time, reduce errors, and build a reliable star fix when the window is short.

We walk through the logic behind star selection and explain how navigators decide which stars will be best positioned for accurate lines of position. This process is used by Navy Quartermasters, merchant mariners, and traditional navigators to prepare for a successful sight session.

🧭 In this lesson, you’ll learn:
• Why star pre-calculation matters in celestial navigation
• How navigators choose stars based on azimuth and altitude
• How this fits into the day’s work in navigation
• How preparation improves accuracy during twilight
• Real-world navigation techniques used at sea

Whether you’re studying for navigation exams, standing watch, or keeping traditional navigation skills sharp, this video walks you through the mindset and method used by professional navigators.

Grab your almanac, check the time, and pull up a chair at the chart table.