The sextant was invented in 1730. The marine chronometer in 1761. Combined, what we refer to as celestial navigation, began. Along with the compass, used by mariners since at least the first century blue water navigation became possible. Or so goes the myth.
Celestial navigation did not begin in the 18th century anymore than the Americas were discovered by Columbus. Reliable blue water navigation employing celestial navigation, began around 1300 BC by the Lapita in the south Pacific and was refined by the Polynesians. Compared to their techniques, western, machinery dependent, navigation is almost as soulless as GPS.
The Polynesians used the positions of rising and setting sun and stars, the direction of seasonal winds and swell, the air and sea interference patterns created by land and currents, the migration patterns of birds, weather patterns, water color and smell, to accurately navigate thousands of miles of unchartered sea and return safely to their homes. The techniques were passed down in song and demanded incredible memory and a keenness for nature’s subtleties. These sailors were truly one with their oceans in a way I can only dream of.
Pictured here is a map drawn from memory of most of the south Pacific by the Polynesian navigator Tupaia for Captain Cook in 1769. Cook was not impressed - too busy shining his sextant I suppose.
Celestial navigation did not begin in the 18th century anymore than the Americas were discovered by Columbus. Reliable blue water navigation employing celestial navigation, began around 1300 BC by the Lapita in the south Pacific and was refined by the Polynesians. Compared to their techniques, western, machinery dependent, navigation is almost as soulless as GPS.
The Polynesians used the positions of rising and setting sun and stars, the direction of seasonal winds and swell, the air and sea interference patterns created by land and currents, the migration patterns of birds, weather patterns, water color and smell, to accurately navigate thousands of miles of unchartered sea and return safely to their homes. The techniques were passed down in song and demanded incredible memory and a keenness for nature’s subtleties. These sailors were truly one with their oceans in a way I can only dream of.
Pictured here is a map drawn from memory of most of the south Pacific by the Polynesian navigator Tupaia for Captain Cook in 1769. Cook was not impressed - too busy shining his sextant I suppose.
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