The Polynesian navigators routinely crossed thousands of miles of open ocean to reach tiny islands. They used only their own senses and knowledge of the sea that was passed down from generation to generation. In eastern
Polynesia, navigators memorized extensive catalogs of information in order to help them navigate at various times of day throughout the year. These catalogs included the following kinds of information:
- The motion of specific stars, and where they would rise and set on the horizon of the ocean -The weather
- Time of travel
- Wildlife species (some species assembled at particular locations)
- Ocean swells and how they would affect the crew
- The color of the sea and sky, especially how certain types of clouds would assemble at particular locations above some islands
- The angle at which navigators should approach a harbor