Which method of navigation relies heavily on the use of celestial bodies?

Celestial navigation is a method that heavily relies on the positions of celestial bodies, such as the sun, moon, stars, and planets, to determine an observer's position on Earth. This technique has been used for centuries by mariners and aviators because it is not dependent on terrestrial landmarks or modern technology. Instead, it involves taking measurements of the angles between celestial objects and the horizon at specific times, often using a sextant, and comparing those measurements against tables of celestial data.

In celestial navigation, navigators use formulas and charts to relate the observed positions of celestial bodies to their current location. This process requires knowledge of the time of day and the observer's latitude and longitude, which can be calculated using the observed altitudes of the celestial bodies.

The other methods mentioned, such as radio navigation, pilotage, and dead reckoning, employ different techniques that do not primarily depend on celestial bodies. For instance, radio navigation utilizes radio signals from ground stations to determine position, pilotage relies on visual references to landmarks on the ground or water, and dead reckoning involves calculating a position based on previously determined locations and estimating speed and direction of travel. Hence, celestial navigation stands out as the only method among the choices that is specifically based on celestial