Ancient sailors used them to navigate NYT

The crossword clue "Ancient sailors used them to navigate" with the answer "STARS" refers to the historical practice of celestial navigation, where sailors relied on the positions of stars to determine their location at sea.

Before the advent of modern navigational tools, mariners would observe constellations and the movements of celestial bodies to guide their journeys. Notably, the North Star (Polaris) was particularly significant for navigation in the Northern Hemisphere, as it remains relatively fixed in the sky and indicates true north.

The crossword clue "Ancient sailors used them to navigate" with the answer "SUN" refers to mariners relied on the sun's position during the day to determine their direction and location at sea.

By observing the sun's movement across the sky, they could gauge the time of day and use that information to maintain a consistent course. The sun rises in the east and sets in the west, providing a reliable reference point for navigation.

The crossword clue "Ancient sailors used them to navigate" with the answer "MOON" refers to maritime navigation throughout history. Sailors often observed the moon's phases and its position in the night sky to help determine their direction and location at sea.

The moon’s predictable cycle and its effect on tides also played a crucial role in navigation; understanding tidal patterns allowed sailors to plan their journeys more effectively.

The crossword clue "Ancient sailors used them to navigate" with the answer "COMPASS" refers to the significant role this instrument played in maritime navigation.

Although the compass was developed in ancient China and became widely used in Europe during the Middle Ages, it revolutionized how sailors found their way at sea.