History

• Studying and measuring stars and planets began in ancient times, but in the 10th century, the sextant precursors--astrolabe and quadrant--were introduced to Europe for navigation. John Bird produced the first sextant in 1759, but the instrument continued to evolve through modern times.
  
  

Education

• Not many schools teach celestial navigation. Starpath School of Navigation teaches courses in celestial navigation at sea that are designed to take the mystery out of the subject. Students learn to use the sextant and Nautical Almanac. Also respected in the industry, U.S. Sailing has expert instructors to teach the subject. Applicants must have a Coastal Navigation Certification.
  
  

Military

• People in certain divisions of the U.S. armed forces are required to take courses in celestial navigation as part of their training for field operations. These classes are given through military prep schools or on a particular base.
  
  

Air

• Celestial navigation training for airline pilots involves using artificial horizons through flight simulation programs. If instruments should fail, the sextant is called upon for safe travel.