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Q: Which navigation technique consisted of using the sun moon and stars to determine a ships heading?
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How is polaris used by navigators in the northern hemisphere?

Most of the time, Polaris is used by navigators to determine the true heading of the craft (either an airplane or a ship). Polaris is called the "North Star" or "Pole Star" because the earth's axis, South Pole to North Pole, points toward it. So, it seems like it is directly above the North Pole, but is about 3/4 of a degree off. Using celestial data tables, Navigators determine what the angular difference is between true north and Polaris. Using a sextant mounted in a flat circular ring fixed on the centerline of the craft, they measure the angle from the center-line of the craft to Polaris (adjusted for the angular difference between true north and Polaris), and so can determine the direction the craft is heading. Polaris is not a very bright star, but is can be used as a navigational star. High cirrus clouds or even the light from the moon can make seeing Polaris difficult. So, generally it is not used because of the availability of brighter navigational stars. In relatively calm seas and air, celestial navigation can be accurate within a few miles and was critical to accurate navigation of craft across the oceans until the late 20th Century when global positioning satellite systems and onboard computer sytems became widely available. Now, these computer systems (when operating) are accurate within a few feet. But, when those systems go down, that old sextant will still work.


What is a wind heading west called?

Westward wind


What is a metaphor for the word sunset?

the sun a blazing metaor heading for


Which planet is before the asteroid belt?

Depends which way you are heading :-) Mars --> Asteroid Belt <-- Jupiter


What does a red and green light mean when seen together at night?

a sail boat is heading straight at you

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