A navigation instrument that uses the positions of stars to determine direction, similar to a compass but based on celestial bodies rather than magnetism.
From astro- (star) plus compass. This is a modern compound term for navigation instruments developed for use in polar regions and aircraft where magnetic compasses may malfunction.
Pilots and Arctic explorers use astrocompasses because near the poles, magnetic compasses go haywire—but the stars stay reliable, which is why humans navigated by them for thousands of years before magnetism.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.