Despite the proliferation of electronic navigational devices, celestial navigation remains an essential tool for those who do not wish to be caught short when modern technology fails. In this easy-to-use guide, Hewitt Schlereth explains clearly and concisely how to navigate any stretch of sea using only a handheld sextant, a watch, a plotting sheet and a copy of the Nautical Almanac. The basic process is simple: take a sight with a sextant, establish a secondary reference or benchmark sight, compare the two, and plot the results of the comparison on a chart. Celestial Navigation in a Nutshell demonstrates how to take sights by the sun, moon, stars and planets, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each method. The reader is taken carefully through several examples and situational illustrations, making this a most effective self-teaching guide. Common errors are reviewed and several tips on how to improve accuracy are given.
Despite the proliferation of electronic navigational devices, celestial navigation remains an essential tool for those who do not wish to be caught short when modern technology fails. In this easy-to-use guide, Hewitt Schlereth explains clearly and concisely how to navigate any stretch of sea using only a handheld sextant, a watch, a plotting sheet and a copy of the Nautical Almanac. The basic process is simple: take a sight with a sextant, establish a secondary reference or benchmark sight, compare the two, and plot the results of the comparison on a chart. Celestial Navigation in a Nutshell demonstrates how to take sights by the sun, moon, stars and planets, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each method. The reader is taken carefully through several examples and situational illustrations, making this a most effective self-teaching guide. Common errors are reviewed and several tips on how to improve accuracy are given.
Preface
Introduction
Part I- Our Star: Navigation by the Sun
Chapter 1- The Big Picture
Chapter 2- Mirror, Mirror
Chapter 3- Celestial Navigation in Theory
Chapter 4- Columns of Numbers
Chapter 5- Celestial Navigation in Practice
Chapter 6- More Columns of Numbers
Chapter 7- Plot, Counterplot
Chapter 8- Noon Sight for Latitude
Part II- Neighbors: Navigation by the Planets
Chapter 9- Identification
Chapter 10- Venus, Goddess of the Twilight
Chapter 11- The Outer Planets
Chapter 12- The Edge of Night
Part III- The Astral Archipelago: Navigation by Stars
Chapter 13- A Handful of Stars
Chapter 14- The Pole Star
Part IV- Luna: Navigation by the Moon
Chapter 15- The Moon
Afterword
Index
Hewitt Schlereth is an accomplished sailor and the author of several books on navigation, including Commonsense Coastal Navigation and Latitude and Longitude by Noon Sight. He is one of the foremost American authorities on celestial navigation.
Why would anyone want to learn celestial navigation? The answer:
Because it will satisfy your soul.
*Sailing*
... covers everything you need to know to become an expert
celestial navigator. Schlereth's approach and style is decidedly
hands-on.
*Cruising World*
"Clear, concise description of the old-style (non-GPS) offshore
navigation using a sextant, a chronometer, H.O. 249 tables, the
Nautical Almanac and a plotting sheet--essential for the inevitable
day when the electronics give out."--Wooden Boat
*Wooden Boat*
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