astrocompass

(ˌæstrəʊˈkʌmpəs)

1. (Navigation) a navigational instrument for giving directional bearings from the centre of the earth to a particular star. It is carried in long-range aircraft, ships, spacecraft, etc

2. (Tools) a navigational instrument for giving directional bearings from the centre of the earth to a particular star. It is carried in long-range aircraft, ships, spacecraft, etc

Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014

References in periodicals archive

It consisted of [10]: autopilot A[PI]-5-2 or A[PI]-6; variometer BAP-30-3; altimeter B[??]-20; speed indicator KyC-1200; radio altimeter PB-2; astrocompass AK-49; short-range radio navigation system PC[??]H-2; airborne radar P[phrase omitted]-4[GAMMA]; radio compass APK-5; gyrohalfcompas [GAMMA][PI]K-52; remote gyromagnetic compass [phrase omitted]MK-7; course-glide path system C[PI]-50 <<Mainland>>, course-glide path system [??][??]C (course radio receiver KP[PI]-[R], glissad radio receiver [GAMMA]P[PI]-2, marker radio receiver MP[PI]-48 or MP[PI]-56[PI]); communication radio station (receiver yC-9, transmitter 1-PC[??]-70).

AN ANTHOLOGY OF THE DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENTS IN SCIENCE AND TECHNIQUE. PART 48: AIRCRAFT DESIGNER ANDREY TUPOLEV AND HIS ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN AIRPLANE DESIGN

Longitude displayed on a GPS can be used to adjust a grid course, as can a direct course to a true aligned navaid, or a shot with an astrocompass if you're feeling sporty.

High-latitude approach: most of us never look at the old whiskey compass in the cockpit, but it represents the cornerstone of navigation. Think you can get where you're going if you can't use it?

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