Final answer:
Early Polynesian sailors navigated the Pacific mainly by the stars, rather than written maps and charts or any other ways.
Therefore, the correct answer is: option A) Celestial navigation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Celestial navigation involved observing the position of celestial bodies, such as the stars, and using them as reference points to determine their direction and position.
The early Polynesian sailors navigated the vast Pacific Ocean using a variety of methods. The most notable method they used was navigating by the stars, a skill that allowed them to determine direction over long distances.
Alongside celestial navigation, Polynesians also engaged in wayfinding, which refers to their ability to read natural signs, such as the ocean currents, the position of stars, and the flight patterns of birds.
While they did not have written maps and charts like the ones that became common in European navigation later on, they developed a deep understanding of their environment.
This knowledge was passed down through generations, assisting sailors in successfully making their way from one island to another across the open ocean.