What method does STELLA use to find a fix?

STELLA, which stands for the Satellite Education for Teachers and Learners in Astronomy, uses the altitude intercept method to find a fix. This technique involves measuring the altitude of a celestial body above the horizon and then comparing it to a computed altitude based on a specific position. By using the difference between the observed altitude and the predicted altitude, navigators can determine their geographical position, or "fix," more accurately.

This method relies on the principles of celestial navigation, which is a longstanding practice in maritime navigation and involves using the positions of stars, planets, and other celestial objects to ascertain one's location at sea. The altitude intercept method is especially valuable because it allows for corrections to be made based on factors such as atmospheric refraction and the specific time of observation, leading to a more precise fix.

The other methods, while valuable in their own right, do not specifically represent how STELLA finds a fix. The wayfinding technique generally refers to traditional navigation methods based on environmental cues rather than precise measurements. The chart plotting method involves calculating positions on navigational charts but may not incorporate the precise celestial measurements the altitude intercept method uses. The sextant angle method involves the measurement of angles with a sextant, which is a tool used in the altitude