AbstractThe accuracy of pointing to stars in astronomical observations for latitude, longitude and azimuth determinations with single-second and geodetic theodolites is investigated, especially with regard to the effect of the angle between the star's path and the crosswires and also the star's rate movement. The investigation includes 1440 observations to artificial stationary stars, nearly 5000 observations to real stars in preselected positions and also determination of circle graduation errors, personal equation etc. The results indicate that the two factors mentioned above do influence the pointing accuracy and that in selecting stars for precise astronomical determinations, the angle of the star's path deserves consideration.