Celestial Navigation

On long passages, it is good seamanship to maintain position on paper charts. The reasons are numerous. Chart plotters can fail. GPS signals have been jammed, positions spoofed, and GPS satellites are impacted by solar storms. A lightning strike can fry the electronics on a boat in an instant. Having a redundant means of navigation is just smart, and not being dependent on GPS and other electronic navigation devices instills more confidence in crossing oceans.

Once understood, the practice of celestial navigation is not that difficult. But often acquiring that knowledge takes much effort and can be frustrating. The premise behind the Minimal Manual is to cut to the core principles and explain them in clear and simple terms without the distraction of esoteric subjects. The manual is not minimal on content. It includes instruction on all facets of knowledge required to plot a position from a sextant sight including coverage of prerequisite skills such as adding and subtracting angles and time. The “minimal” approach simply enables faster, easier and more enjoyable learning.

Frankly, many who want to learn celestial navigation, have little intention of navigating solely with a sextant. They either want to learn it as a backup navigation method or are simply curious about the subject. The Minimal Manual allows one to learn the fundamentals of celestial navigation without a major time commitment, and it later serves as a quick reference if the basics are forgotten.

About the Book

Celestial Navigation: The Minimal Manual is an essential technical guide for navigators looking to learn the art of celestial navigation. The book provides clear, step-by-step instructions complemented by 3D color diagrams, making complex concepts accessible. It covers essential techniques for sight reduction using the Sun, Moon, stars, and planets. Designed for novices, it includes specially crafted sight reduction forms that include helpful hints on data entry. Published to meet the needs of instructors and modern mariners, this manual has become a trusted resource for navigating the seas with confidence.

Sextants and Usage

The chapter on sextants familiarizes the student with parts of the sextant, its operation and usage. Examples are given for both a plastic Davis sextant and a typical metal sextant.

How Celestial Navigation Works

The fundamentals of celestial navigation are explained in simple and clear terms. The chapter contains dozens of color graphics and diagrams to aid the student in visualizing the various concepts. Using color improves comprehension.

All Major Sight Reductions

A chapter on sight reduction contains step-by-step reductions of the Sun, Moon, planets and stars. All examples are from the commonly used UKHO nautical almanac and H.O. 249 sight reduction tables. Each section is color coded for quick and easy reference.

Forms

Various easy to use forms are included. Each has data entry reminders designed for novices. Forms include sight planning, noon sight and standard sight reduction. Students may copy the forms to reuse them.

Plotting

The chapter on plotting contains step-by-step instructions for preparing the plotting sheet, plotting lines of position, and advancing running fixes.

An Ideal Teaching Aid

Because the book is compact yet comprehensive, it is a perfect complement to celestial navigation courses. Sailor and author John Kretschmer issues this book to his celestial navigation students.

About the Author

Bruce Steely is a retired engineer and celestial navigation enthusiast with over 40 years of coastal and open ocean boating experience. During those years, he crewed on passages in the Caribbean, the UK and on Atlantic and Pacific crossings under sail. He has 15 years of experience using celestial navigation. Throughout his career, Bruce authored works for an array of technical documents and manuals developing data visualization expertise and an economical, conversational style of writing.