What type of navigation uses the sun as a reference point?

The correct answer is solar navigation, which specifically refers to the use of the sun's position in the sky as a guide for navigation. This technique takes advantage of the predictable movement of the sun throughout the day, allowing navigators to determine their orientation, direction, and time of day based on the sun's angle and position.

Solar navigation can be particularly useful during the day, as navigators can track the sun's path across the sky to maintain their course. This method is commonly utilized by sailors and explorers who rely on the sun's position in conjunction with tools like a sextant or compass to estimate their location and navigate effectively.

In contrast, stellar navigation refers to using stars and constellations as reference points at night, which is different from solar navigation. Astronomical navigation encompasses both solar and stellar navigation, but it has a broader definition, incorporating observations of celestial bodies more generally, not solely the sun. Magnetic navigation relies on the Earth’s magnetic field, which is irrelevant to the context of using the sun as a reference.