I just finished my ten thousandth watch if Moana with my son, and I do not understand how you can travel by holding your hand up to the starry sky. It would make sense if the stars were stationary relative to your position, but they’re not. A star you measure at 10pm is in a completely different position by 2am. I understand the Disney version is an oversimplification, but how does the real thing work?
In: Earth Science
Some very good explanations on how using a fixed point can give you latitude. In order to accurately get longitude, you’ll need an accurate time keeper (i.e. a watch). That’s actually what drove the race toward making an accurate clock.
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