Astronomy is the oldest of the sciences, and quite possiblythe oldest use of astronomy is navigating by the stars. This craft dates fromprehistoric times among humans, and is even practiced by certain animals.
For example, during the 1960s, a study undertaken by New York's Cornell Lab of Ornithology demonstratedthrough use of planetarium simulations that the indigo bunting, a brilliantly blue bird of old fields and roadsides, migratesat night using the stars for guidance. It learns its orientation tothe night sky from its experience as a young bird observing the stars.
Some primitive tribesaccomplished amazing feats of pathfinding using only the sky as their guide.The Māori came to New Zealand from eastern Polynesia, probably in several waves between the years 1280 to 1300. With no instruments ortables to consult, they very carefully observed the night sky as well localweather patterns and ocean currents.
Relying on the stars
In today's modern world, private andcommercial aircraft depend on a complex network of radio, satellite, inertialand other navigationsystems. But should any or all of these systems fail, the starry sky canserve as the last resort.
