Celestial Navigation Simplified

Celestial Navigation Simplified

A film by William F. Buckley, Jr.

William F. Buckley, Jr. was an American conservative author and commentator, founder of National Review magazine, host of the long-running political TV show, Firing Line, and author of more than fifty books. He was also a passionate and experienced sailor.

In this 40 minutes video, Buckley takes on the challenge of simplifying celestial navigation. He gives the viewer just enough concept but sticks primarily to the procedure, like a chef explaining the steps in a recipe. Buckley demonstrates the following steps:

1. Take a Sight of the sun with your sextant.
2. Get your Geographical Position from the Air Almanac.
3. Select an Apparent Position along a line of latitude.
4. Refer to the Sight Reduction Tables to draw a Line of Position.
5. Plot your Exact Position.

Buckley's smooth and reassuring voice, coupled with straight forward visuals, will guide you through his simplified process. Celestial Navigation Simplified is a great resource for any sailor interested in learning and mastering this centuries old skill.

Celestial Navigation Simplified
  • Celestial Navigation Simplified with William F. Buckley, Jr.

    This video takes on the challenge of simplifying celestial navigation. Buckley gives the viewer just enough concept but sticks primarily to the procedure, like a chef explaining the steps in a recipe. Buckley demonstrates the following steps:

    1. Take a Sight of the sun with your sextant.
    2. Get ...